Do I need a BA degree to teach In Thailand or to enrol on your TEFL courses?

NO. You do not need any qualifications or experience to enrol on our courses.

There are hundreds of teaching positions available in Thailand for our TEFL certified candidates without a BA degree. Job placement assistance is provided for all Premium and Fast Track course graduates.

Although a degree is required to obtain a work permit and teach legally in Thailand, many employers will still consider non degree candidates who hold a recognised TEFL certificate, such as iTEFL, and/or those with some teaching experience.

If You Do Not Have a BA Degree - You may still apply to join our TEFL programs. Upon graduation, we will provide you with full job placement assistance and you’ll have your own personal job advisor. Most teaching jobs are not advertised in Thailand. The best approach is therefore to visit schools in person rather than applying by email.

Virtually all our non degree TEFL course graduates who wanted to find a paid teaching job in Thailand were able to do so!

Many ESL employers in Thailand will employ teachers with a recognised TEFL certificate and no degree, however for reasons best known to the Thai MOE, the law states that all teachers must hold a BA degree (in any subject) to obtain a work permit and teachers licence.

It is estimated that 40-50% of ESL teachers in Thailand do not have a BA degree and therefore technically work illegally. Unfortunately this is common practice within the TEFL/ESL industry in most countries as the demand for English tuition far exceeds the supply of teachers.

Most of the best teaching jobs in Thailand are not advertised. When it comes to finding a teaching job in Thailand, nothing beats actually being in the country and getting on the phone yourself, fixing up interviews and knocking on a few doors. Degree or no Degree, you will have no problems finding a teaching job in Thailand as long as yo hold a recognised TEFL certificate.

Do you offer a guaranteed job placement?

Any job offer is subject to how you perform at the interview!

As long as you hold an iTEFL certificate, present yourself properly at an interview and show some enthusiasm for teaching, you wont have any problems finding a teaching job in Thailand, regardless if you have a BA degree or not! There are more job vacancies than teachers to fill them and we have not heard of anyone, who followed our instructions, that could not find a decent teaching job in Thailand.

We now provide you with full job placement assistance and a personal job advisor in Thailand to help you find a teaching job that best suits your personality, requirements and expectations.

All of our TEFL course graduates who wanted to find a paid teaching job in Thailand were able to do so without any problems. Most had a job already lined up before they had completed the TEFL course!

Do I need to be able to speak Thai?

No. A TEFL course teaches you how to teach English to students who don’t speak English, when you the teacher can’t speak the local language! You learn all the techniques necessary to deliver an effective lesson in any country. The techniques you use to teach in Thailand are the same as you would use in China or Peru or Tanzania!

Who can join these TEFL programs?

All adults of all ages and backgrounds with a positive outlook and a sense of humour. No complainers please!

Can I get a Job Without a TEFL Certificate?

These days, anyone looking for a teaching job without a recognised TEFL certificate is in for a nasty shock. There are still a few countries in which unqualified teachers may find employment, but this is becoming rare. Also, unqualified teachers can expect much lower rates of pay than those who do hold a TEFL Certificate – basically they will only be offered jobs that qualified teachers wouldn't want to take.

Most reputable schools and organisations around the world now insist that their teachers hold a recognised TEFL qualification such as a CELTA or TESOL. Proper training and certification, as opposed to a BA degree, will greatly increase the opportunities open to you.

To put it simply, you wouldn't attempt to drive a car without first taking some driving lessons and gaining the necessary skills in advance. Well teaching is much the same. Like driving, if you try to 'wing it' without really knowing what you're doing, the chances are that it will all go wrong.

More importantly, you should remember that most students are desperate to learn English and it's costing them a small fortune. It’s only fair that you should know what you are doing and that you can take the money knowing you haven’t just ripped them off to increase your travel funds!

I heard that older candidates over, say, 50 and those with an ethnic background will find it difficult finding a teaching job in Thailand, is this true?

I’m afraid it is true but certainly not impossible. There remains some prejudice in Thailand as to what they expect an English teacher to look like.

One of our agents based in the north of Thailand sent us a request to:
“Only send young, female teachers with blond hair and blue eyes...”

I’m not joking! .....there was no mention of qualifications or experience.

If you are a mature candidate over 50, or Afro-American, Asian background of any age, then you really MUST go and visit prospective employers in person otherwise your email application will likely be rejected.....regardless of your qualifications!

The Thai education staff are not outright racist, just somewhat ignorant. If you turn up suitably dressed, are approachable, friendly & polite, show them your passport and TEFL certificate, then you will likely be welcomed and offered a job on the spot.

What about the PADI Scuba diving course, Lonely Planet etc?

Once you confirm your place on the course by making a deposit payment we will send you your log in details for the online TEFL course.

You will also receive a FREE copy of the recent Lonely Planet guide to Thailand. This will be sent to your home within days of confirming your place.

You will then receive an online voucher for a FREE PADI scuba diving intro course at a PADI approved centre in Koh Tao, near Koh Phangan. This package includes a one day dive, which can go towards the open water course if you choose to upgrade. There’s no obligation though and you will enjoy a fun day diving in the worlds most beautiful waters.

Qualified divers can enjoy a fun dive. Staff at our PADI approved centre will be delighted to advise you on all available opportunities.

What Is TEFL?

TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language - Is the name of the industry which encompass two major certificates, the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults) and the Trinity College CertTESOL or similar (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

In a nutshell, they are all pretty much the same. You need to complete a recognised TEFL course before you can teach English in Thailand with any degree of success.

How long do I have to complete the online part of the course?

The online course must be completed 2 weeks before you arrive in Thailand. Our system will save your work and you can log in any time to continue.

Is there anything not included in the program package?

Flights, travel to/from Thailand, in country transfer, travel insurance and initial visa fees are Not included in the program fees. It is impossible for us to calculate flights from different locations with seasonal variations. We are not aware of any TEFL or teaching program that does include flights.

Is Thailand safe?

Thailand is one of the safest countries in the world to live & travel. We all feel much safer here than in the UK or USA. Like anywhere, common sense and vigilance is always advised.

Political turmoil arises every 15 months or so and the BBC/CNN do their best to make it look like the country is on the brink of collapse. Wait a few weeks though and it all passes by.

Thailand is one of the worlds top tourist destinations with over 800,000 British visitors each year.

What about culture shock?

Thailand is a wonderful country to live, travel & work. It’s safe, foreigners are welcome, the people are friendly, the food’s great, there’s much to do & see and romantic opportunities hold no bounds!

Despite all this, you may experience culture shock in what is still a developing country. Things don’t always go to plan. The Thai mentality of leaving things to the very last minute, and telling lies to ‘save face’, can drive westerners crazy.

Never lose your temper, raise your voice or insult the locals. (This may sound like common sense but you’ll be amazed how many ignorant tourists ignore this advice). Learn to be patient, positive and flexible in all that you do, and you will grow to love this amazing country!

Tell me more about teaching placements?

All paid teaching candidates will be expected to complete at least one full school term of 4-5 months. If you work hard (make a reasonable effort by western standards) you may stay in Thailand as long as you like. Your school directors and students simply wont want you to leave, although they wont try to stop you if you do.

We have now rearranged our paid teaching programs to suit both the school syllabus and your aspirations. Most schools no longer offer one year teaching contracts. This means you get paid more for your 4 months of working but not your holiday months in April and October. This gives you the chance to travel, and unlike before, you now have the option to go back and teach for another term.

This solves the problem of schools holding back money in case teachers run off over the holiday period and also relieves you of any contractual obligations.

Please remember that all job placements are subject to an interview by the prospective employer.

NOTE: Do not expect to find many jobs in Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or other islands due to the low number of paid teaching positions available.

Most of the best teaching jobs in Thailand are to be found in Bangkok, Hat Yai, Surrathanni, Krabi and most other provincial towns and cities. Some jobs vacancies do become available in the Phuket, Krabi and Phang Na area occasionally. We will do our best to accommodate your wishes but you must be flexible in your placement location.

Working hours, school terms and contract conditions can change without notice in Thailand. Be flexible and you will enjoy your Thailand experience.

How much can I earn In Thailand?

You will usually earn approx. 32-40,000+ Baht per month and accommodation will cost around 5-9,000 Baht per month. Most teachers earn enough to live on, recoup their program fees, socialise, go on excursions and have a bit left over for saving or travelling home.

What are the normal teaching hours?

Teachers usually work 5-6 days per week from Mon - Sat, 8-4pm (Gov school) and Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm (Private ESL Schools) with quite a few days off. You need to be flexible but your total hours will not exceed 45 and teaching hours are around 22. Most teachers have 1-2 days off per week.

What are the job prospects like?

Job prospects for suitably qualified TEFL teachers are excellent. There is a growing demand worldwide as English becomes our universal language. In every country of the world, both in business and tourism, English has become the global language used by people of every nationality to communicate. In short, everyone wants to speak English and governments around the world are positively encouraging their citizens to do so.

How do your teaching programs compare to other teaching programs?

We offer you a number of benefits not available from any other TEFL/Teach Abroad provider. See our TEFL packages for full details.

Where can I teach with your TEFL certificate?

Virtually anywhere throughout the world. Europe, The Middle East, Asia, Central & South America.

Will this certificate get me a PAID job?

YES – TAT and our partner schools have helped thousands of graduates who are working with these qualifications all over the world.

Are The TEFL courses accredited?

Our TEFL courses have been approved and are moderated by iTEFL who are one of the worlds leading TEFL networks with courses in over 15 popular locations around the world. Our registered TEFL identification number is: TH00014823. www.itefl.co.uk 

What will I learn on the TEFL course?

This course will provide you with the skills needed to start your new career as a part/full time English teacher.

You'll learn how to plan lessons, how to engage your class, tips for keeping discipline, and ideas for teaching grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading and writing. Most of all, you'll gain the confidence to walk into a roomful of expectant faces and not run out again screaming! Click here for full details.

Here’s a Summary of What You Learn on the TEFL Course:

1. ✓How To Be a Good Teacher -
   (Approaches, Methods, Elicitation)
   

2. ✓How To Manage a Classroom -
   (Classroom arrangement, Instruction, Eliciting)
   

3. ✓Discover the History & Spelling of English  -
   (Language Systems & Skills)
   

4. ✓How To Plan and Deliver Great Lessons -
   (Lesson planning, templates, systems)
   

5. ✓Teaching Speaking, Writing, Listening & Reading -
   (Productive, receptive skills)
   

6. ✓How To Teach Grammar and Make It Fun  -
   (Presenting Grammar, exercises)
   

7. ✓Teaching a New Language -
   (Meaning & Context, Phonology)
   

8. ✓Evaluation & Testing  -
   (Testing, evaluating)
   

9. ✓Teaching Practice  -
   (You will teach up to 6 classes with real Thai students)
   

10. ✓Problems in the Classroom and How to deal With Them -
    (Classroom discipline, establishing rapport, tips)
    

11. ✓Teaching Young Learners
    (Classroom discipline, establishing rapport, YL tips)
    

12. ✓How To Find a Teaching Job Abroad In 10 Days or Less -
    (Inside secrets on how to find the top paying jobs around the world with an iTEFL certificate)
    

13. ✓Internationally Recognised TEFL Certificate -
    (includes your name, grade, date and unique TEFL reference number)
    

What are your terms & conditions?

Please view our terms & conditions here.

Where does my fee go?

Increased competition over the past five years has meant that a substantial portion of our running costs go towards online marketing & advertising. This is consistent with most other programs and some charities. If we didn’t market, you wouldn’t hear about us. The bonuses refers to the other items included in your package such as scuba diving and entertainment.