I’ve just completed the Thai Language and Culture Course. Despite all the negative stories I had read before attending the course, I have to say I found it very interesting. I had adopted a very negative attitude towards the Thai education system and Thailand in general. The course has helped me understand the Thai people and their sometimes indifferent ways. Hand-on-heart. I feel that the course has made me a better person and hopefully a better teacher.
Keith Evans
Certificate (1)
Canadian (male, 30 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
BSc (1), Diploma (1), Certificate (1), MA (1)
Indian (male, 30 years old, native Hindi speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Diploma (1), Certificate (1)
Canadian (male, 38 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
BA (1), Diploma (1)
American (female, 33 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
BSc (1)
Filipino (male, 35 years old, native Cebuano speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Certificate (2)
South African (male, 23 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Certificate (3), BA (1)
American (male, 47 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Certificate (18), Diploma (3)
Filipino (male, 23 years old, native Cebuano speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Certificate (3), Phd (1)
American (male, 59 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
BEd (1)
Filipino (female, 33 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
I possess ten years of classroom EFL teaching experience, plus a solid education, and this was the type of work available to me. There were many moments, such as when I was cleaning a toilet bowl, or when a housekeeper ordered me to do something, that frustration welled up inside me.
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?
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
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.
Are you a teacher who once taught in Thailand but decided to seek out pastures new? Has the grass been greener on the other side? Maybe you swapped Thailand for the financial lure of Japan or Korea? Read about those who have left Thailand, and their reasons for moving...
The latest escapee was Rolando Tomasse
(updated 19th April 2012)
Inspired by our story about Julia, we’re also tracking the progress of Dave Montgomery as he prepared for life in Thailand as a teacher. Dave’s situation is slightly different to Julia’s. He’s married to a Thai lady already and he intends to teach in the city of Udon Thani - up in the North East of Thailand. And his father-in-law is also a teacher!
