TEFL Jobs in Thailand | Teach English Abroad | TEFL International
Job Search Assistance for…
…Thailand
All the advice and assistance you need for searching for a TEFL job in Thailand!
The following information has been compiled by the staff of our various course centres – some of the most experience TESOL professionals around the World.
How best to find an ESL job
Q: Are there any particular websites or publications that are recommended?
Ajarn.com has excellent listings of current jobs in Thailand
Cultural considerations
Q: Are there any cultural factors I should take into consideration?
Dress professionally and conservatively. Men don't need to wear jackets, but should have on long sleeved business shirts in light blue or white, dark slacks, and business shoes. Schools and recruiters really notice. Females should wear tops which cover the shoulders and with no low-cut necklines, and should wear either a skirt past the knee or smart trousers.
Scout your school in advance. Know what they teach, who their students are and as much as you can about their operation. The teacher who applies for a TYL job with an adult language school, obviously hasn't done their homework.
Be on time
Be patient
Have questions ready which show your interest
Don't say that "travel" is one of your primary interests. Thailand has had its share of 'world travelers' and generally, looks for people who will make a commitment of at least a year.
Equally, an applicant who says that they are in Thailand to study Buddhism or Thai language may not be well received. While this shows interest in the culture, a school may wonder if this will distract from your teaching commitment.
Qualifications needed
Q: What qualifications are needed to find an ESL job in Thailand?
A university degree and a TESOL certificate are the best qualifications
It is possible to get a job without a university degree, but it is more difficult
Experience always helps
Documents required for visa/work permit
Q: What documents are required for obtaining a visa and/or work permit?
Passport
Notarized birth certificate (may be required)
Original, or notarized copies of degree certificate
University transcripts
Verification letter from your University
Original police clearance
Hotspot areas
Q: Are there are cities or regions where it is easier to find a job?
Bangkok! While there are jobs in other places, they don't pay as well, and the opportunities are limited. Everyone wants a job in Phuket or Chiang Mai. Unfortunately, these are small places with a relatively large number of English speakers already available.
Types of jobs available
Q: What kinds of teaching jobs am I likely to find?
Primary and secondary schools - weekdays 8 - 5, pays 20-40,000 baht per month
Private language schools - evenings or mornings, 20+ teaching hours, 6 days @ week, 30-50,000 baht per month
Universities - 10-20 hours per week, 25,000 @ month
Good times of year
Q: Are there any particular times of year it is better, or easier, to look for a teaching job?
Any time is a good time. Although the new school year starts in May, the openings for teachers may occur anytime. Probably the worst time would be in late December and the first two months of the year when many Thais go on holiday.
Contract lengths
Q: What is the average contract length for a teaching job?
The only legal contract in Thailand is for one year. The only exception to this is short term temp teaching during April-May and October for "camps." In this case the officials simply ignore it although it is not strictly speaking legal.
Average salary
Q: What is the average salary?
Average salaries range from 20-50,000 baht per month. Hourly rates go from 200 baht to 700 baht per hour (see current exchange rates)
Average teaching hours per week
Q: On average how many teaching hours would I work per week?
20 hours
Housing
Q: Would I be expected to find my own housing, or would it be provided by the school?
Housing is seldom provided, and teachers are usually expected to find their own. There is a lot of reasonably priced housing available in most locations. Monthly rent can be as low as 2,000 baht per month in the rural areas to 10,000 and up baht in Bangkok.
Other
Thailand is a lovely place to live and work, particularly as a teacher. The students are generally willing, and discipline problems are usually not great. Living styles are modest, but comfortable. English teachers have to learn to live in the "Thai economy," that is to say, they can't afford to live, eat and seek entertainment that is intended for foreign tourists. A typical Thai meal can cost as little as one dollar US. Foreign foods can cost much more.
Additionally...
CV writing
One page format
Include a formal photo
Highlight "teacher related" experience and education
Check out formats on google docs
Job Interviews
Find out as much as possible about your potential school before the interview
Dress very professionally
Be there early
Prepare questions that show your interest
Leave the question about benefits until the end
Quotes from alumni working in Thailand
"Learn a few words or phrases of the local language where you are teaching. It will not only impress people, but is also a form of respect showing you care enough about the new culture to learn and be a part of it...Not to mention it will come in handy eating out or getting a taxi."
“Ellie Stephens, Ban Phe, Thailand”
@ Email our Ban Phe, Thailand centre with any additional queries
Browse our current vacancies in Thailand here
View photos of Thailand here
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