| English is the official language of ASEAN - The | | | | part of a chain whilst others are totally independent |
| Association of South East Asian Nations. It is the | | | | commercial enterprises. They range vastly in quality, |
| language of international business and now it is the | | | | the better ones having the pick of those they want to |
| main language of the internet. This means that in | | | | employ. This is another reason why being properly |
| Thailand there is a big demand for native English | | | | qualified is important. You will be paid more. |
| speakers to teach all age groups how to speak, read | | | | There is also a great need for teachers at high |
| and write the English language. Coupled with that is the | | | | schools. The pay can be quite low but generally it is a |
| ever growing tourism industry and the need for | | | | less stressful job since class times are shorter. |
| language skills amongst those who service it. | | | | Often considered the most prestigious places to teach |
| Although in the past the regulation of the teaching | | | | are universities. The pay is not always as high as the |
| industry has been relaxed, the only real qualification | | | | prestige might suggest since rates are set by the |
| being that you are a native speaker. This has now | | | | government but there is plenty of opportunity for |
| changed not only in Thailand but elsewhere. Employers | | | | specialization if you already have an academic |
| will insist on a bachelor's degree. Oddly this is more | | | | background. |
| important than either a specialized TEFL (Teaching | | | | Private one to one teaching is a market in itself. Some |
| English as a Foreign Language) or a TESOL (Teaching | | | | teachers hate it finding it very demanding, others |
| English as a Second Language) certificate. The subject | | | | prefer the freedom in hours and the more intense |
| of the BA is not important but it must be genuine. | | | | nature of the work. It can also be a bit more lucrative |
| Anyone caught using forged qualifications are now | | | | than teaching a class. People will want value for their |
| subject to law and employers will run checks with | | | | money though from the one to one experience, so |
| issuing colleges and universities from which the | | | | professionalism and preparation are vital. |
| qualifications were awarded. | | | | Some teachers prefer dealing with adult students and |
| If you are qualified then teaching can be a great way | | | | some prefer children. It's just a question of preference. |
| to get really involved with Thai society. 'Sanuk' or the | | | | With adults many experienced teachers specialize in |
| importance having fun is a defining factor in social | | | | one area whether that is business English, medical |
| interaction. It may not always be easy, but teaching | | | | English, tourist industry English and so on. |
| can be a rewarding and interesting experience. | | | | Thailand is a country where appearance, respect and |
| When looking for work you have to decide whether | | | | face matter. The profession of teacher or 'kru' or |
| you prefer to teach adults or children and what sector | | | | 'ajarn' is highly respected and certain levels of |
| of the industry you want to cater to. International | | | | presentation are required. From men a shirt and tie at |
| schools follow the curriculum of the country to which | | | | least and for women fairly formal clothing. |
| they are affiliated whether that is the UK, US or | | | | Teaching jobs are advertised in the Bangkok Post and |
| France. Teachers there would be qualified in the same | | | | increasingly on the internet. |
| way as they would in their country of origin so these | | | | Whatever your training and however long you plan to |
| jobs are in high demand since the pay is very good | | | | make a life in teaching Thailand can be an enjoyable |
| and employers can be very choosy. | | | | place to do it. Teaching those keen to learn who also |
| All over Thailand there are private schools some being | | | | want to have fun is a rewarding experience. |