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Duncan Lewis
‘Big Dunc’ as he prefers to be called, is here teaching in Thailand for two reasons - Thai women and cheap ale. Not necessarily in that order. He just can’t figure out which is more important. If you’re genuinely interested in teaching methodology and the development of your students, I strongly recommend you give this interview a miss. Just don’t come crying to me.
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Andy Wing
The reason we’ve extended an invitation to Andy W to take his place in the hot seat is simply because he falls into that enviable category of ex-teachers who have gone on to do something far more lucrative, and dare I say more enjoyable. If you ever fancy zipping around Bangkok behind the wheel of your very own jam jar, Andy’s yer man. Drum roll for Andy W - the extremely tall gentleman behind Expat Motors.
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Harvey Taylor
He’s a lecturer at a well-known university. He’s about to take the Thai proficiency exam…and he’s about to start his own business. He’s an interesting fellow.
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Duncan Donut
He’s terrorized any Thailand discussion board you care to mention and given moderators sleepless nights. Not sure if he’ll send Smeg, Domunique or Wolfslayer, but we’ll keep the crucifix handy.
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Hugh Butler
Give a warm welcome to the extremely likable Mr Hugh Butler, the Academic Director of English First Thailand. I’ve seen Hugh zipping around on the sky-train going from one EF branch to another, dripping in sweat, but all for a good cause – keeping the English First empire running smoothly.
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George Bowman
If you’re confused about the definition of an ‘international school’ and want to know about the ups and downs of working in one, then George is your man
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Al Lock
Al Lock has been one of Bangkok’s leading corporate training consultants for many years and has a track record to prove it. He’s admired and respected by much of the Thai HR and training community and known as a man who delivers what he promises. Always a firm believer in ‘quality costs money’ Al climbs into the ajarn.com hot seat to talk about corporate English language training.
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Alice Peel
What’s it like being single, female, and in Bangkok? Alice took the plunge and decided that teaching English in Thailand was what she really wanted to do.
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Ken May
Ken is the quintessential ‘American teacher abroad’ - he’s worked in several countries teaching EFL, had a book published in Thailand, and has interesting views to share on many EFL issues. Enjoy the read.
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David Hopkins
One of Thailand’s best-known and much-respected teacher trainers, Dave Hopkins is currently working with TEFL International in Ban Phe.
Featured Teachers
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Benjamin
BA (1), Certificate (1)
British (male, 38 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Serdar
Certificate (2), BSc (1)
Turkish (male, 43 years old, native Kurdish speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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David
Certificate (2), BA (1)
American (male, 60 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Lorenzo
Diploma (1), Phd (1), MA (1)
Filippino (male, 38 years old, native Cebuano speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Niels
BA (1), Certificate (1)
Dutch (male, 29 years old, native Dutch speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Mr. Dale
Certificate (2), BA (1)
American (male, 39 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Christophe
Certificate (3), Diploma (1)
Filippino (male, 37 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Roda
Diploma (1)
Philippino (female, 26 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Elie Grace
Diploma (2), BA (1)
Philippino (female, 30 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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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.
