A Guide to Teaching English in Thailand
For people who regard quality of life as more important than how much you earn, Thailand is perhaps Asia's top TEFL destination. There are plenty of jobs, the wages are pretty good, the cost of living is low and teaching in Thailand allows TEFLers to explore the country. Add that to the fact that Thai people are genuinely outgoing and welcoming and it's easy to see why Thailand is such a top TEFL destination.
TEFL Opportunities in Thailand
Thailand is famous in the West for two main things: tourism and political unrest. Luckily for TEFL teachers, Thailand's second claim to fame doesn't seem to have any negative effect on the first. Despite a recent history of military coups and civil protest, a growing number of people choose to visit the country each year. This growth in tourism, and the comparative wealth it affords those who manage to jump onboard the gravy train, has led to an ever-increasing demand for trained TEFL teachers.
TEFL Hotspots in Thailand
There are opportunities to teach English in pretty much every town and city in Thailand. We've chosen the three cities below because of the sheer number of jobs and because they each offer a slightly different insight into modern life in Thailand.
TEFL Jobs in Bangkok
Bangkok is home to a huge and well organized TEFL industry. There are thousands of language schools across the city, as well as TEFL jobs in universities, state schools and private business colleges.
TEFL Jobs in Chiang Mai
People from all over Northern Thailand (and Laos) come to Chiang Mai to learn English (primarily to get involved in Thailand's huge tourist industry) and so the demand for teachers in Chiang Mai is sky high.
TEFL Jobs in Phuket
Think of Phuket and one thing should spring to mind: tourism. Which is why Phuket is such a great place for TEFL teachers.
Wages and Cost of Living
Obviously that depends on your level of training and experience, but with a degree, a respected TEFL qualification and all the relevant paperwork you can expect to earn a starting salary of around 25,000 Baht (US$800) a month but that could be as high as 60,000 (US$1850) depending on your experience and the location of the school. Living in Thailand is pretty cheap. A decent apartment in Bangkok would maybe set you back 7,000 Baht (US210) a month and the day to day living costs are minimal if you eat street food, avoid imported goods and stay away from the expensive farang night spots.
Talk Thailand - Join in the conversation...
Thailand Recent discussions
- Thailand Internship May 2012
Created about 12 hours ago
Hey guys! I am interested in doing this Thailand Internship. I am confused as to what the costs go to...
- AYC thailand
Created about 22 hours ago
Did you get any more information about AYC? I've got the contract to start in May, considering signing it.. I've...
- Is Chiang Mai the way to go?
Created about 19 days ago
Hi everyone! Is anyone going to teach, teaching or has taught in Phuket before? I am going out there now...
- Facebook group for May 2012 interns
Created about 20 days ago
I've set up the group now. The URL is http://www.facebook.com/groups/156630661114570/.
- Anyone teaching in Phuket September 2012???
Created about 24 days ago
Eventually yes it ould be an experience! But I want to see how life is out there for an EFL...
Recent journals
- Changing Lives with Language
Posted 09 Feb 2012
We all know there’s a huge worldwide demand for TEFL teachers and it’s increasingly apparent that the thirst for English...
- Aloha
Posted 09 Feb 2012
Alooooooha! Kara I just wanted to write you an email and let you know I PASSED! YIIIPPIIIIEEE!!And to thank you personally...
- Age is a Concern
Posted 09 Feb 2012
Can anyone give me some idea what the chances are of working in Europe or Asia beyond the age of...
- friends?????
Posted 09 Feb 2012
why can't I see my friends when I go to view my friends??Can any one help?????
- Day 11: Everyone should get a massage in China at least once
Posted 09 Feb 2012
I decided to indulge myself and get a backrub. They are very cheap here and I had heard good things....
