What to Expect when Traveling to Thailand

Teaching English in Thailand is a whirlwind experience! Most ex-travelers or ex-pats that are still there will tell they would change their experience for the world. We all know that teaching English abroad is your passport to travel wherever you want, whenever you want, but today we’ll talk specifically about Thailand, the most popular destination for TEFL teachers. This blog comes none too soon as applications are now open for October, including our amazing internship that we’ll go through with you further down. 

Know About Teaching in Thailand

Teaching abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Teaching English in Thailand is one of the most popular choices amongst TEFL teachers. Why? Thailand is an amazing place with lots of beautiful landscapes and adventures. From island hopping to mountain hiking, the country is so diverse that it’ll have something for everyone. 

Thailand is known for its hospitality and welcoming nature. They know the importance of learning English and know that it will help their children become the international superstars of tomorrow! This is why the visa process is relatively straightforward, why the salaries are competitive and why program provider companies are so common. 

Thailand

What You’ll Need to Teach in Thailand

You’ll need a Bachelor’s Degree, an ESL qualification such as the TEFL certificate, an enthusiastic and adaptable nature, and a budget to help you make the move. Teaching experience isn’t necessary to teach in Thailand. However, travel experience or any work experience that involves leadership is looked at favorably. 

The Benefits of Teaching English in Thailand

Most program providers will help you with everything from accommodation to giving a welcome orientation to CPD courses throughout your time there. TEFL teachers in Thailand are well-looked after. You will get competitive salaries. The culture and people are second to none, and the amount of excursions and adventures you can take without even leaving the country is unfathomable! 

Things to be Wary of in Thailand

Thai people have a respectful nature and avoid confrontation at all costs. Be respectful, and don’t be loud. Don’t complain at a restaurant about your food and try not to reprimand the children while in the classroom (there will be a local teacher normally for this). 

Also, be wary of jobs that are not requiring a Bachelor’s Degree, this is most likely under the table. If you are having trouble deciding on whether you have been offered a good contract, we have job assistance for all of our alumni and would be happy to take a look for you.

classroom esl

How to get Teach English Jobs in Thailand

There are a few routes that you can take when looking for a job in Thailand. When applying from home, it is nicer if you go through an internship or supported job. With this, you’ll be helped by experienced professionals who will take the best approach for you. From legalization to accommodation setup to contract negotiations, it’s all done for you. 

You can also go the independent route where you search for jobs like any other industry through Indeed, ESL jobs, ESL Café, etc. Independent schools will give you an invitation letter for your visa application. Thai consulates worldwide have different procedures for the visa so make sure to contact your nearest one to get all the correct information. 

When to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Thailand

NOW! You can apply all year round, but if you are looking to start with a group of teachers at the busiest time of the year, now is the time to apply for October. Internship and program providers like us need time to organize the trip for you. We can’t make the consulates go any faster, so the sooner the better. Feel free to give one of our experts today about your next steps! 

All You Need to Know About Teaching English in Thailand with the TEFL Institute

With the TEFL Institute, we have two options for you; a 4.5-month internship and a 12-month support job. There are a few differences between the two, and it does depend on the type of person you are and what you’d prefer. 

The Internship is amazing for first-time teachers who are not sure whether they’d like it. Perhaps, you’ve never traveled before and would just like to do a short stint. You’ll have accommodation included and a week-long orientation. You’ll also have the opportunity to stay on afterward if you don’t want to leave! 

The supported job is great for those who want permanent employment there. The accommodation isn’t included but there is an orientation and plenty of CPD courses throughout the year. This is also for private language schools so you’ll have smaller classrooms and it’s based in the northern region. 

thailand-boat-interns

FAQs

How much money do English teachers make in Thailand?

The salary you make will depend on the location you go to. The bigger cities will normally have higher salaries, but they are also more expensive to live in. It will also depend on your experience, qualifications, and benefits package. Most new teachers in Thailand find a job that pays around $1,000 a month, which should be enough to cover their basic living expenses, especially outside of the larger cities like Bangkok. You may see lower salaries, but these normally have accommodation included, like our internship, meaning you have fewer expenses. 

What qualifications do I need to teach English in Thailand?

For Thailand, you’ll need a TEFL certificate, a legalized Bachelor’s degree, and sometimes a passport from a certain country. Most requirements for teaching in Thailand are to do with work permits and government requirements for a visa. Schools in Thailand themselves want enthusiastic, trustworthy teachers who want to excel as English teachers. 

Are English teachers in demand in Thailand?

Let’s put it this way – there’s never not any job in Thailand. Most job opportunities will pop up during the start of the academic terms in May and October. However, sometimes teachers leave due to personal reasons and they need a replacement, and there are lots of private language schools that hire all year round. 

Can I teach English in Thailand without a degree?

The official answer is no. A Bachelor’s degree is needed to be able to obtain a work permit. Be wary of schools that tell you that you don’t need one. You’ll probably be getting paid under the table, which means no holiday pay, no security, and no commitments. Spouses or friends who want to travel with a degree holder can set up themselves with online students before going and then travel on a tourist visa. 

Is Thailand a good place to teach English?

Thailand is a great place to teach English! The jobs are plentiful and well paid vs cost of living. The people and culture are very welcoming and kind. The weather is amazing with lots of sunshine and outdoor activities. We can go on and on about living in Thailand, it is simply amazing. 

How much money do I need to live in Thailand for 6 months?

This is largely dependent on your personal spending habits, if you are employed right away, or if you are traveling as a couple. This can range anything from a $1,500 set-up budget (and the first month before getting paid) to upwards of $10,000 if you are perhaps teaching on a volunteer basis. The best thing to do is check out numbeo.com to calculate your cost of living. 

Do I need a teaching license to teach in Thailand?

The answer is both yes and no. This depends on the type of school that you get hired in. If you’re in a formal school, you will need one eventually. In either case, you won’t need a TCT license straight away. The Thai government created a temporary teaching license that will allow you to teach as a new teacher in Thailand. This can last up to 2 years, so it’s nothing to concern yourself with before going. 

How much can you save teaching English in Thailand?

In Thailand, your living expenses vs your salary are very favourable to saving! A lot of teachers come home with quite a bit of cash. How much you save is up to you, your spending habits, trips to Islands, and your rent. If you live frugally, you can definitely save quite a bit, but our advice is don’t forget to have fun! We only regret the things we don’t do. 

How much do international school teachers make in Thailand?

A new teacher travelling to Thailand will start out at $1000 to $1500. Sometimes accommodation is sorted for you so the stipend may be less. If you have high qualifications and teaching experience, we’ve seen contracts of up to $3000. This is normally teaching management positions and such. 

Can I teach English online in Thailand?

The beauty of teaching English online is that once you are set up before you travel, you can teach anywhere! This includes Thailand. We suggest setting yourself up before leaving your home country. Most of our students are based in the western world where the minimum wage is a lot higher than in other parts. Online companies will base your pay on the minimum wage of the country you reside in, so once you obtain a contract in your home country you’ll be on a higher pay. Another reason to do this is that you will have students before you go and it’s a lot safer to have guaranteed money coming in. 

The salary you make will depend on the location you go to. The bigger cities will normally have higher salaries, but they are also more expensive to live in. It will also depend on your experience, qualifications, and benefits package. Most new teachers in Thailand find a job that pays around $1,000 a month, which should be enough to cover their basic living expenses, especially outside of the larger cities like Bangkok. You may see lower salaries, but these normally have accommodation included, like our internship, meaning you have fewer expenses. 

For Thailand, you’ll need a TEFL certificate, a legalized Bachelor’s degree, and sometimes a passport from a certain country. Most requirements for teaching in Thailand are to do with work permits and government requirements for a visa. Schools in Thailand themselves want enthusiastic, trustworthy teachers who want to excel as English teachers. 

Let’s put it this way – there’s never not any job in Thailand. Most job opportunities will pop up during the start of the academic terms in May and October. However, sometimes teachers leave due to personal reasons and they need a replacement, and there are lots of private language schools that hire all year round. 

The official answer is no. A Bachelor’s degree is needed to be able to obtain a work permit. Be wary of schools that tell you that you don’t need one. You’ll probably be getting paid under the table, which means no holiday pay, no security, and no commitments. Spouses or friends who want to travel with a degree holder can set up themselves with online students before going and then travel on a tourist visa. 

Thailand is a great place to teach English! The jobs are plentiful and well paid vs cost of living. The people and culture are very welcoming and kind. The weather is amazing with lots of sunshine and outdoor activities. We can go on and on about living in Thailand, it is simply amazing. 

This is largely dependent on your personal spending habits, if you are employed right away, or if you are traveling as a couple. This can range anything from a $1,500 set-up budget (and the first month before getting paid) to upwards of $10,000 if you are perhaps teaching on a volunteer basis. The best thing to do is check out numbeo.com to calculate your cost of living. 



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