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Cel
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
To South Korea in 2007.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
For about two and a half years.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
Several reasons: to earn and save more money, see another part of Asia, and get away from the pollution in Bangkok. Another reason was that Thailand was in a post coup period, and I wanted to get away from the political mess. I figured that it would take the Thais a year to sort things out. It's still going on in 2010Last, I did not want to be in Thailand when a certain Thai exits stage right. The mother of all Thai chaos.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
I am able to save each month what I was earning as a salary in Thailand. There are four seasons in a year, I got tired of every day feeling like summer in Thailand. I think that Korea is beautiful in the Spring and Fall. I get a free two-bedroom apartment, with my rent and most of my utilities paid for. I just pay for my cable and food. All other expenses, my employer bears the cost. Fast internet service, hiking, fresh air, and an inexpensive, clean, and extensive subway system that covers Seoul and a lot of the surrounding areas.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Thai food and my few good friends there.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
If they just want to spend a year or two and take it easy, go to Thailand and have fun. After that, get back to the real world and earn and save some money for the future. If they want to make money, come to Korea. The public schools pay more than schools in Thailand. Part time work is available that allows you to save more. I live off my part time work and save my full time salary.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I would say maybe, when I am ready to retire. Other countries in Asia make it much easier for retirees now though. I will have to take a close look and see which would be better for me. For vacations, Thailand is great.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Nothing else comes to mind.
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Ajarn Guests
Fear of change?
In Thailand the government has set 2012 as English Speaking Year with a goal of encouraging students to converse in English every Monday. Such policies are useful but the major leap of enacting legislation to make English an official language for Thailand is also needed
Software for student tests
The integration of internet and computers with education and English learning is something students find normal, and classrooms without some access to educational software may seem quaint. Some students may even feel they can get more ‘professional' teaching from the numerous online ELT sites if a school is behind in IT.
Whatever happened to the shopping mall teacher?
They are the shopping mall English teachers - gliding like pale, undernourished phantoms amid the hordes of weekend Thai shoppers. The main reason I empathize with the shopping mall teacher is because I was once one myself. I know how desperate and soul-destroying it can be.
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.
