Submit your own 'Great Escape' »
Johnny
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
Guangzhou China.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
From 2002 to 2006 at three different schools.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
The lack of education in this country and the lack of professionalism from Thai teachers (having a 6 year old boy crap his pants 45 minutes before my class and she did nothing ) I cancelled class and took the boy out, told the dean - he didn't care
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
My students speak English !
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The sunshine ? and my dog. Oh and I miss the stupid bars in Chumporn... buy 5 beers get 2 free.. Good deal !
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
No, I am not that nasty !
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Just for est and relaxation. China has so much more to offer. I have meet some many wonderful people in China.. Strangers on the street will help you find your way if your lost. All they want out of it is to practice English ..
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Not really.
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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.
