We consistently get asked about what kind of teaching jobs are available in Thailand. The truth is that although there is quite a variety of work, there are only two main categories that make up the bulk of the available teaching jobs in Thailand.
It's not uncommon for a new TEFL graduates to get chatty with a hotel receptionist and end up teaching the backroom admin staff 2-4 hours per week! Teaching opportunities are everywhere in Thailand but most people usually end up in a Government or Private language school.
Government Schools:
In these schools you are directly working for a Thai Government school. With the exception of those that run English programs, you can expect to be teaching very large class sizes (40-60 students). This can prove very daunting for new teachers because most Thai Government schools do not have any Western management and many teachers can often feel under supported. This can vary from school to school.
The teaching hours are often quite ideal. They are your typical 40 hour work week, with the day starting with a flag raising ceremony at 8:00 and your day ending at 4:00. The holidays are quite good as the students are no t in school for approx. 3 months of the year.
The age range of the students varies depending if you are working in a High School (Mathyom) or an Elementary School (Prathom) or a Kindergarten (Anuban).
The average pay for Government Schools (variable depending on location) is approx. 30,000 – 40,000 Baht. You can expect higher pay if you have more experience.
Summary:
Pros: Many holidays, good pay, good hours.
Cons: Communication with senior staff can be an issue, rarely support with housing (allowance generally given), general lack of support, too many students in class.
Private Language Schools:
These Language Schools are addressing the continually growing desire of Thai parents to have their children speak fluent English. Language schools hold classes after school classes and at the weekend. They often have a wide variety of clients ranging from kindergarten to adults, basically giving extra lessons to anyone who is interested in learning more English.
These schools have much smaller class sizes than most government schools. where the class sizes are 4 to 12 depending on how many turn up. You will also have your fair number of 1 on 1 lessons. This can result in a real feeling of accomplishment for a teacher as you have the opportunity to see dramatic improvement in your students.
Some private language schools also serve as feeder schools for government schools and the teachers are contracted out. This can result in a split shift, with teachers working both morning and evening classes. The hours can be less than ideal.
The average wage for private language school teachers in Bangkok is 30,000-45,000, depending on hours worked, and less in other parts if Thailand.
Language schools tend to have Western, English speaking management and offer a lot of support. Many times they will provide you with housing and generally provide a ‘staff team’ atmosphere. For first time teachers this can prove to be the best option for your first year.
Summary:
Pros: Lots of support, wide variety of students, housing, smaller class sizes, western management,
Cons: Split shifts, Evening and Weekend work.
This is a basic overview of the most common jobs available in Thailand. Hopefully it can help you decide which kinds of jobs you would prefer to apply for!!
It's not uncommon for a new TEFL graduates to get chatty with a hotel receptionist and end up teaching the backroom admin staff 2-4 hours per week! Teaching opportunities are everywhere in Thailand but most people usually end up in a Government or Private language school.
Government Schools:
In these schools you are directly working for a Thai Government school. With the exception of those that run English programs, you can expect to be teaching very large class sizes (40-60 students). This can prove very daunting for new teachers because most Thai Government schools do not have any Western management and many teachers can often feel under supported. This can vary from school to school.
The teaching hours are often quite ideal. They are your typical 40 hour work week, with the day starting with a flag raising ceremony at 8:00 and your day ending at 4:00. The holidays are quite good as the students are no t in school for approx. 3 months of the year.
The age range of the students varies depending if you are working in a High School (Mathyom) or an Elementary School (Prathom) or a Kindergarten (Anuban).
The average pay for Government Schools (variable depending on location) is approx. 30,000 – 40,000 Baht. You can expect higher pay if you have more experience.
Summary:
Pros: Many holidays, good pay, good hours.
Cons: Communication with senior staff can be an issue, rarely support with housing (allowance generally given), general lack of support, too many students in class.
Private Language Schools:
These Language Schools are addressing the continually growing desire of Thai parents to have their children speak fluent English. Language schools hold classes after school classes and at the weekend. They often have a wide variety of clients ranging from kindergarten to adults, basically giving extra lessons to anyone who is interested in learning more English.
These schools have much smaller class sizes than most government schools. where the class sizes are 4 to 12 depending on how many turn up. You will also have your fair number of 1 on 1 lessons. This can result in a real feeling of accomplishment for a teacher as you have the opportunity to see dramatic improvement in your students.
Some private language schools also serve as feeder schools for government schools and the teachers are contracted out. This can result in a split shift, with teachers working both morning and evening classes. The hours can be less than ideal.
The average wage for private language school teachers in Bangkok is 30,000-45,000, depending on hours worked, and less in other parts if Thailand.
Language schools tend to have Western, English speaking management and offer a lot of support. Many times they will provide you with housing and generally provide a ‘staff team’ atmosphere. For first time teachers this can prove to be the best option for your first year.
Summary:
Pros: Lots of support, wide variety of students, housing, smaller class sizes, western management,
Cons: Split shifts, Evening and Weekend work.
This is a basic overview of the most common jobs available in Thailand. Hopefully it can help you decide which kinds of jobs you would prefer to apply for!!
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