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Asger
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About Ajarn.com
Ajarn.com was started as a small hobby website in 1999 by Ian McNamara. It was a simple way for one Bangkok teacher to share his Thailand experiences and pass on advice. The website developed a loyal and enthusiastic following. In 2004, Ian handed over the reins to Phil Williams and 'Bangkok Phil' has run the ajarn website ever since.
Ajarn.com has grown enormously and is now the most popular TEFL site in Thailand - possibly even South East Asia. Although best-known for its vibrant jobs page, Ajarn has a wealth of articles, blogs, features and help and advice. But one principle has always remained at Ajarn's core - to tell things like they are and to do it with a sense of humor. Thailand can be Heaven or Hell for an English teacher. It's always been Ajarn.com's duty to present both sides of the equation. Thanks for stopping by.
Comments
I do not fully believe what you say. I understand that you are at the most bilingual but then I doubt that. I agree that educational “institutions” in Thailand are not well run very often, but that is a different matter for the barely skilled who often claim to be teachers to work there.
By Stephen, Laos on 2013-04-02
Oh the horror stories I could tell you about my experiences, I started teaching in Thailand when I was 22 and taken for a ride all the way. The way I look at it is: I’ll change jobs as regularly as I can until I find one that suits me and there’s not too much BS fascist school rules, teaching kindergarten seems to have been the best experience for me.
By max, bkk on 2013-04-01
Cogent response from James in Qatar, I wholly agree with your comments and thoughts.
As for Craigster, is this person working for the Thai gov’t?
By Jean-Michel, Bangkok on 2012-11-12
he who whines is never realistic…..I think it just takes a special set of cahones to have a good time international teaching…no matter what the conditions….I have taught in Thailand a number of times over the years and never once did I ever take the position thinking I was going to make some serious money…as long as I had enough to live in my studio @1200 bht a month…still eat like a king….mostly on the street as its best…and still take bus trips and train trips staying in hotels visiting other places in Thailand every chance I had..as well as going to the VIP movie theatre when I want to and hang out in the city…I was making 15kbht a month at one place and still usually always had about 8kbht in the bank at anytime…with my exit I took over 65kbht with me…..later at a real international school I was making bank but still chose to live simple….it was perfect….the difference between a bad experience and a good one lies within the person…not the victim…as one would profess themselves to be….
By Craigster, Saipan on 2012-11-12
I’ve also held teaching positions in places around the world that I’d readily admit were “beneath me.” Saudi Arabia and Thailand immediately come to mind. However, any teacher worth his salt gives these places the solid effort required, a minimum of 3 months to see if adjustments can be made; and if not, hustles to find better work and working conditions. The schools aren’t going to change, so either you have to change your attitude, or just leave. It’s that simple. Best of luck to the person who had the nightmare post. We’ve all been there.
By James, Qatar on 2012-11-12