Teaching English in Thailand – A Full Guide
Last Updated on July 2, 2023
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Are you interested in being an ESL teacher in Thailand? Fortunately, teaching English in Thailand is not only possible, but incredibly rewarding.
In fact, Thailand is one of the many countries where people make a living out of teaching English as a second language (or ESL).
Teaching English is a big deal in the world because it is the common language that people from different parts of the world use to communicate.
Thai is the official language in the country; therefore, the demand to learn English in Thailand is high.
Since I have spent time being an ESL teacher in Thailand, I’ve put together this guide to answer all the top questions I get about teaching English in Thailand.
I’ve tried to cover everything from, “do I need a degree to teach English in Thailand?” and “how much can I earn teaching English in Thailand? to “how do I get a job teaching English in Thailand?”
So, let’s find out everything you need to know about how to teach English in Thailand and make a living!
A TEFL Teaching Abroad Course is a plus if you are planning to move to Thailand to teach English.
🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. My #1 recommendation is SafetyWing!
Table of Contents
Why You Should Think About Teaching English in Thailand
Thailand is one of the top countries that have the best culture. The Thai people value happiness and having great times, and thus you should think of teaching in the country for happy moments.
The country has so many festivals and holidays, which are lovely, and they are even brought to school where students celebrate with their teachers.
Teachers from all over the world teach schools in Thailand, and thus you get the chance to meet and interact with different teachers.
Teaching English in Thailand is also fun due to the high diversity of people.
Moreover, you will always have a travel bug when you teach English in Thailand. The lifestyle is cheap in the country; therefore, you will be saving enough for travelling and fun moments.
Travelling is cheap in Thailand, for example, Bangkok has airports, multiple train stations, and bus stations that are easily accessible and affordable.
The food in Thailand is amazing. Similar to their amazing culture, their food is also interesting. You can find foods from almost all cultures in the world in Thailand.
Therefore, you can try out Indian food, Chinese food, or Mediterranean food among others. It is a good country to improve your career and explore the world.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Teach English in Thailand?
So what do you need to teach English in Thailand?
The qualifications that you need to teach English in Thailand include being a native speaker, a degree from a four-year university term and a TEFL or TESOL certificate.
One of the most frequently questions I’m asked is, can I teach english in Thailand without a degree?
Teaching English in Thailand is impossible without a bachelor’s degree.
If you want to teach at the University, you must have a master’s degree in any course, but preferably in Education. Having previous experience is an added advantage, but is not necessary.
Although it is not illegal to be teaching english in Thailand without a degree, no one will hire you without one.
It is therefore not actually possible to teach English in Thailand if you do not have a bachelor’s degree.
And this isn’t just in regards to ESL, you wont get any job teaching in Thailand without a degree.
Of course, the requirements to become professional teachers in Thailand are different for locals and foreigners. But a degree is always required for jobs in Thailand teaching English.
However, you can work as a volunteer English teacher if you do not have a degree.
Just keep in mind, if you want to do volunteer teaching English in Thailand you will not make any money and it will not lead to a paying role down the line if you don’t have a degree.
You should consider finding the school that you want to teach before moving to Thailand. This will help you know from the start if you are going to work in a private or government school.
Teaching English in Thailand also differs between the private and government sectors. This is because these schools have different timetables and management.
Therefore, knowing prior travelling helps you understand the surroundings that you are going to work with and if you can fit in their rules.
It is also important to get a work permit if you want to work as an English teacher in Thailand.
You will only obtain a teaching license in Thailand if you have your passport with the Non-immigrant B Visa affixed, original copy of your bachelor’s degree, university transcripts, passport photos, certified criminal background check, and Thai work permit.
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How to Find a Teaching Job in Thailand
Like most jobs in the current world, if you want to teach ESL in Thailand you will apply online before hitting the pavements.
Many websites exist to find teaching jobs. The main website used to find an English teaching job in Thailand is Ajarn.
Go through the job listings and spot the ones that you want and then sent an email to the particular schools including your cover letter and resume.
It is essential to paste your resume on the body because most people do not open attachments. You can attach the cover letter and include your email address and phone number.
If you are already in Thailand, mention it and that you are ready for interviews. If you are applying from abroad, make sure you have the means to get to Thailand on time once they call you for an interview.
After applying for a teaching job online, you should also try the traditional way. Print out your resume and cover letter then walk in schools leaving your documents.
Go through your emails to see if there is any response. Moreover, grab a copy of The Bangkok Post, the top English newspaper in Thailand.
Teaching English in Thailand has also been made easy with newspapers. The newspaper always includes advertisements for English Teachers.
Get the numbers and call them to schedule interviews. I guarantee you that after following all these procedures, you will find a job.
What Is Living in Thailand Like While Teaching English?
Most English teachers in Thailand are given a starting salary of 30,000 Thai Baht or $1,000 USD a month.
The average English teacher salary in Thailand is good compared to the easy lifestyle in the country.
Cities like Bangkok have affordable apartments with hot water, air conditioning, and a fridge. There are more opprtunities to teach English in Bangkok and other big cities.
Your employer is expected to pay half of the health insurance contribution. In most schools, teachers are allowed to teach for the first two years tax-free and then start paying.
After your time has ended and you want to travel back to your country, your school can help get back the money.
However, most of these lifestyle tips depend on the school and apartment that you get.
💡PACKING TIP: Make sure you bring a good snorkel, water shoes and a fast-drying towel for all of the beach-going you’re about to do!
Teaching English in Thailand Online (Instead of in a Classroom)
Thailand is one of the best destinations to teach English. Teaching English in Thailand can be both online and in a classroom.
Not only are there many opportunities for online English teaching jobs in Thailand, but many students in Thailand are taking English lessons online and prefer to do so.
The English teacher needs to have a good PC/laptop/ Mac with a good webcam and microphone. First internet speed is essential, as you do not want to cut your lessons due to poor connection.
You need to have a TEFL certificate to teach English online in Thailand. A TEFL course is excellent to help you improve on the quality of your online lesson when teaching English in Thailand.
These days TEFL courses also provide a guide to online English teaching to help you keep up with the times.
Get Qualified With TEFL
So, what is TEFL, and what is the best TEFL course to do in Thailand, you might be wondering.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a program that teaches teachers everything they need to know about teaching English in foreign countries.
TEFL programs help teachers understand how to deal with different students and learning techniques.
You’ll learn how to assess students, learn speech and writing, be able to engage in English lessons and manage effectively English classes both classroom and online.
The programs of TEFL include fundamental classroom management, teaching techniques and methods, advanced approaches and grammar, and Master TEFL Expert teacher.
These courses are vital when teaching English in Thailand. TEFL teaching abroad course is an added advantage when looking for English teaching jobs in Thailand and other in foreign countries.
You can take these courses online or at a local school that offers them. There are even TEFL courses in Bangkok you can take if you’re already in Thailand on a visit.
One benefit of doing the course in Thailand is they can help show you how to apply in Thailand as a teacher and maybe extend your visa.
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Other Countries You Can Teach in With a TEFL Course
Other than Thailand, the other countries that you can teach with a TEFL course include South Africa, Argentina, Myanmar, Spain, China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Costa Rica.
Teaching English is one of the best jobs that are paying well in the world. Many people are becoming teachers yet they do not have degrees in Education.
Once you have a bachelor’s degree, you can be trained and teach English.
TEFL certification is important because many schools are looking for teachers who have the qualifications equipped in TEFL programs.
⮕ Make sure you check out TEFL and their courses and use ANITA35 at checkout to receive 35% off!
Frequently Asked Questions
The average starting salary for teaching English in Thailand is 30,000 Thai Baht, or $1,000 USD.
The qualifications that you need to teach English in Thailand include being a native speaker, a degree from a four-year university term and a TEFL or TESOL certificate.
While it is not the law that you need a degree to teach English, no agency or school will hire you for teaching jobs in Thailand without a degree of at least a Bachelor’s level.
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