Submit your own 'Great Escape' »
Joe
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
I returned to America this summer and am re-evaluating my options in the global teaching market.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
1 year
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
Pitiful pay, extremely corrupt politics, difficult immigration policies, awful schools with despicable administrations, rampant poverty, a general disdain for education, inferior healthcare, lousy teachers, inferior students, contemptible expats, shall I go on...?
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Better pay with benefits and better working conditions.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The delicious food, the beautiful geography, the good-hearted Thai people.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
No way. A new teacher should learn how to properly teach in an environment that values its childrens' education. Thais do not place much value on education,
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Only for vacations.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Thailand is a fool's paradise.
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Ajarn Guests
Teacher nightmares part two
More stories from teachers in Thailand who have found themselves in difficult situations often through no fault of their own. Can you offer them some good advice?
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.
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.
