-
Robert Lee
Rob Lee spent a total of two years teaching in Bangkok. In his early thirties, Rob felt that although Thailand often seemed like paradise on earth, the failure to secure any kind of long-term security constantly nagged at him. He’s now teaching in Spain but hopes to return someday to the Land of Smiles.
-
Garry Hargreaves
Hot-seat candidates often send me a bit of background about themselves so I can get an angle on the questions. When Garry Hargreaves got in touch, his first words were – “I warn you – I’ve done a lot”. And he wasn’t far wrong either. After reading a brief account of his life in Thailand, I had to go and have a lie down. Thankfully I’ve recovered enough to put the usual fifteen questions together.
-
Danny Stewart
Someone once told Danny Stewart that anyone who teaches EFL for more than 5 years must have some psychological problems. Well, he’s been here for eight years – all of them in deepest Ratchaburi. He’s taught at both a commercial school and a Rajabhat college.
-
Stickman
I’m not quite sure how we’ve gone so long without interviewing the legendary Stickman. For me he’s still the man who started it all - with his Stickman’s Guide to Teaching in Thailand. Five years on - how is everything in the Stickman corner?
-
Louis Minson
The fearless administrator of the ajarn.com discussion board takes his place in the chair to chat about family life, recruiting teachers for Southern Thailand, and his future plans.
-
Terry Burton
About time we had another interview with someone who actually runs a language school - enter Terry Burton stage right - the owner and director of Amerithai Education Center in Surat Thani.
-
Barrie Spark
Here’s a guy who has been in Thailand for three years and done a little bit of everything from corporate to secondary school and from freelance to summer camps. Take it away Barrie!
-
Rob Donellan
If you’ve ever wondered what a kids summer camp or weekend camp is all about then here’s an interview with one of Thailand’s best organizers of such events. The campfire burns for our main man Rob Donnellan.
-
Anthony the Exiled Gooner
Exiled Gooner certainly did his Thailand apprenticeship – eight long years in all - before heading off to Bangladesh and now Indonesia and pastures new. Now fully settled, he’s turned his attention to the Indonesian version of ajarn.com and to tell us all that the grass really can be greener on the other side.
-
Andy Gray
Andy Gray (not the Sky Sports soccer pundit) talks about his ten years in Thailand and why moving to teach in Taiwan was definitely the right move.
Featured Teachers
-
Benjamin
BA (1), Certificate (1)
British (male, 38 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Serdar
Certificate (2), BSc (1)
Turkish (male, 43 years old, native Kurdish speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
David
Certificate (2), BA (1)
American (male, 60 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Lorenzo
Diploma (1), Phd (1), MA (1)
Filippino (male, 38 years old, native Cebuano speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Niels
BA (1), Certificate (1)
Dutch (male, 29 years old, native Dutch speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Mr. Dale
Certificate (2), BA (1)
American (male, 39 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Christophe
Certificate (3), Diploma (1)
Filippino (male, 37 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Roda
Diploma (1)
Philippino (female, 26 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Elie Grace
Diploma (2), BA (1)
Philippino (female, 30 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Shanisara
BEd (1)
Thai (female, 33 years old, native Thai speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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.
