Blogs on Teaching and Living in Thailand

Make sure you have the right qualifications!
To be eligible to teach in Thailand, you need to have a bachelor's degree. A TEFL certification is helpful but not a requirement. It's also important to note that reputable international schools may require additional qualifications or experience, so be sure to check the job requirements carefully.

Research different schools and programs!
There are many different types of schools and programs in Thailand, so it's important to do your research to find the ones that are a good fit for you. Look into things like class sizes, teaching styles, and the types of students you'll be working with.

Network with other teachers!
Join online groups or forums for teachers in Thailand such as www.facebook.com/groups/teachingjobsinthailand to get an idea of what the job market is like and to connect with other teachers. They may be able to provide valuable insight and advice on finding job opportunities.

Apply for jobs in advance!
Many schools in Thailand hire teachers several months in advance, so it's important to start your job search early. You can find job postings on websites like KruTeacher.com and TeachersForThailand.org. Keep in mind that the new Thai school year begins mid May. It would be wise to start looking March/April. Also, keep in mind that with the exception of top tier international schools, most Thai school directors do not entertain job applications from candidates not yet in Thailand.

Be prepared for the cultural differences!
Thailand has a unique culture, and it's important to be aware of and respectful of these differences. Learn about Thai customs and traditions, and be prepared to adjust your teaching style to fit the cultural norms of the school.

Have a backup plan!
While teaching in Thailand can be a great experience, it's important to have a backup plan in case things don't work out. Make sure you have enough savings to support yourself for a few months in case you can't find a job right away.

Be flexible and adaptable!
Teaching in Thailand can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to be flexible and adaptable to new situations. You may encounter unexpected challenges, but staying positive and open-minded can help you overcome them.

Understand this!
There is sometimes a big gap between folks who are looking for jobs as teachers and the school’s expectations of teachers. So, research the school well before applying.

Incorporate the following on your CV!
Your CV/resume must have the following: A professional headshot on a plain background, in the upper corner. It should be similar to your passport picture.

Your citizenship!
Different nationalities have different requirements to get the non-B (“Work Permit”) visa. Some people may have to return to their home country for the non-B visa, and others can be done in Laos for example.

Current visa status!
In certain cases, a non-B visa is not required to legally work in Thailand. A person can also work on a non-O marriage visa, for example. You can find out more on KruTeacher's FAQ page.

The degree!
Your university degree and when you received it. There are some exceptions, but in most cases, no degree = no job. This, because a degree is needed for visa renewal and to obtain a work permit to be legally employed in Thailand. Some teachers manage to obtain a work permit without a degree. They are a rare breed and in the minority. For more on this, the owners of KruTeacher.com covered this in their FAQ on this very site. you can read it here.

TOEIC score!
This might sound silly, especially for non-natives who’ve graduated from universities in the US, Canada or the UK. Important too is when you took the exam and what your exact TOEIC test score is. A TOEIC score of 600 points or more is required, and is valid for 2 years. Without a TOEIC, a teaching license waiver cannot be issued.

Teach what!
Add what subject and age range you want to teach. A teacher who’s great at teaching math to 18-year-olds may be terrible teaching English to 3-year-olds. Different temperament, different skillset needed.

TEFL certificate!
If you have a TEFL certificate, and from where. A TEFL isn’t needed to get a job in Thailand. A TEFL can be helpful as it gives teacher who have never set foot in a classroom some training on classroom management, lesson planning, and other foundations of teaching.

Prior teaching experience!
Outline a list of the jobs you had prior, the companies you work for, the dates you were employed, and how it relates to teaching or education. Most schools like teachers who have some experience.

Please don’t!
Try not to include the following on your CV/ resume: -Spelling and grammar mistakes. Your CV/resume is your first impression, and any spelling mistakes will result in your CV/resume getting thrown in the trash. Read your CV/resume out loud, have your computer read it back to you, and get a friend to review it as well.

Infographic!
“Infographic” CV/resumes. I don’t want to see it; schools don’t want to see it. Having a CV/resume with “five stars”, bar charts, or whatever, tells a hiring director nothing.

Fake degrees or certifications!
All University of Khoasan Road degrees are in the Thailand’s teacher license database. If you’re caught submitting one, at best, you’ll get dismissed. At worse, you’ll get arrested for submitting fake documents. Also, don’t try to skirt around the rules. If you aren’t a qualified teacher, go to another country, Cambodia springs to mind, no degree is needed to gain legal employment there. Also, degrees that you are currently working on doesn’t matter, bear that in mind.

Professionalism on Facebook!
I am stunned at how many recruiters; school directors and immigration officers are on www.facebook.com/groups/teachingjobsinthailand Facebook group by KruTeacher.com. I’m also disappointed at the unprofessionalism of some people on Facebook as well. Some schools and directors look at your Facebook before they hire you.

Be professional!
Making use of proper English, and give as much information as you feel comfortable. Basically, include the same information as the CV/Resume above. This is your first impression on Facebook. If you are on your phone, wait until you have access to a computer.

Be humble!
Good teachers are lifelong learners. Nobody knows everything, and a good teacher is always learning. A good teacher either learns from their students or from other teachers.

Be polite and modest!
This includes not “trolling” posts on www.facebook.com/groups/teachingjobsinthailand, not criticizing other people’s grammar publicly, and comparing how Thailand does things differently than your country.

No revealing pictures!
Pictures of bikinis/ tattoos/ drugs or alcohol on for example your Facebook profile. Thailand is a surprisingly religious country, and a lot of school directors are older, more conservative, therefore more religious. A lot of parents expect teachers to be role models, and bikini, tattoos, drugs, and alcohol are against Thailand’s values.

Cursing!
Or other “unprofessional” behavior on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram. Any actions you do in www.facebook.com/groups/teachingjobsinthailand (or related groups) should be the same actions you will do in a classroom.

Exceptions!
Realize that there are always exceptions, and your experience may not apply to others.

Real life professionalism!
You either got a job interview, or you’re walking around to schools. You still have to act professional.

Dress correctly!
For men, this is closed loafers, nice ironed slacks, an ironed short sleeve button down shirt, and a professional looking tie – all clean of course. Basically, “business casual”.

Be clean and dress well!
No sweat stains (if possible). Don’t have offensive body odor (this includes body perfume). Thais, believe it not, are no fans of perfume. Clothes should be clean. Don’t wear black. If it’s Father’s Day or Mother’s Day, wear the appropriate colors (yellow and blue, respectfully). Don’t smell like alcohol.

Show respect!
Respect the culture, and follow people’s lead. If a school director puts out his hand to shake your hand, shake it. If s/he doesn’t, wai. Take off your shoes before you go into class or office the first time, unless you’re told otherwise. Laugh and joke. I suggest reading a good book about Thailand’s culture as well, such as Culture Shock! Thailand: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette by Cooper (2008).

What to bring!
Include two copies of your CV/resume packet to give to school directors at each school you interview. In this packet, you should have:
- Your CV/resume
- A copy of the front page of your passport. Redact your passport number though, especially if you’re from the UK!
- A copy of your degree
- A copy of your transcripts (if applicable)
- A copy of your clean criminal record
- A copy of your TOEIC score (if applicable)
- A copy of your TEFL certificate (if applicable)
- Copies of other documents you think may be relevant (teaching licenses from your home country, education certificates, etc.).

By following these tips, you'll be better prepared to find and succeed in a teaching job in Thailand. Good luck!

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Blog by Benjamin H

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Note that the author of the blog is expressing personal thoughts and musings, which do not necessarily reflect those of KruTeacher. Therefore, KruTeacher.com cannot be held responsible for any potential inaccuracies that may be present in the blog.