Teach English in Thailand

A good way to finance an extended stay in Thailand is to teach English in Thailand. The Thai people are hungry for a working knowledge of English to improve their earning potential. You could be there, living, studying, working, and learning about Thailand.

Conditions and wages for English teachers in Thailand vary greatly. A teacher can earn a comfortable living, which is great if you just want to get to know Thailand by staying there a short while, because comfort is more than most students expect. Still, be very careful about your work agreement to avoid disaster (disaster means finding yourself overseas without a job, without the money to get home, and possibly in trouble with the law). Communicate with others teaching at the same school. Get their feedback. Be thoroughly aware of the potential pitfalls. There are often hidden costs, deductions, taxes, fees, and even expected bribes to consider. Read Stickman's guide (Stickmanbangkok.com) before you choose the Teach English Thailand route. It's full of wisdom from a veteran teacher. Also see the Ajarn Forum (Ajarn.com), a site for English-teaching professionals in Thailand.

I encourage all to avoid private tutorship except as you are able to arrange it after getting regular work with a reputable school. There are many programs offering employment teaching English in Thailand. Stick with one that has been around a while AND is currently getting good reports. Many of these programs recognize that you may be interested in studying while teaching, and will make accommodation to your desires. Conversely, many colleges know that teaching English might be your best way to stay and study a while in Thailand. Check with the career counseling people, the international studies faculty, or the employment center at your school.

Opportunities exist not only in Bangkok, but anywhere that local business is enhanced by a knowledge of English. This means all the finest tourist destinations. Imagine yourself with a permanent address in some resort town, living well and helping the local economy. Then find the right deal and make it happen.

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