Nurturing a talent
Recognize and develop your child's talents at a young age
One time, I visited an English engineer in Bangkok who was married to a Thai. This man owned a Lanai type of house which he himself designed. The house was beautiful, but this did not get much of my attention. What intrigued me was a sepak takraw ball hanging in the middle of the house - a game which his seven-year old daughter played. This gave me a thought that perhaps Thailand had found a takraw champion in the making.
The place to be
A special place to learn English where students are always made welcome
Have you ever heard of a place in Thailand where English lessons in conversation, reading, writing and grammar are offered free of charge for Thai children and adults? Who do you think owns this center? Is it a Thai? an American? a British person perhaps?
The Philippines on Thai TV
I will be a guest on Thai TV on March 21st
Thai Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Channel 6 will feature the Philippines as represented by Ms Sylvia Reyes, Chief, Cultural Affair and Attache of the Republic of the Philippines and yours truly - ajarn Filipino blogger, English teacher and painter, Benito Vacio.
An assured retirement for Filipinos
Make sure there is life after Thailand
Have you ever thought about what’s going to happen when you leave Thailand after teaching here for several years? Will you be receiving a separation pay equivalent to one month salary per year of service or reaping the benefits of any other scheme?
An opportunity in the offing
Two enterprising Filipinos have set up a new chess and language center
Two Filipino English educators have decided to work as a partnership, pool their resources, and set up Gainsfield Chess and Language Center in the heart of Nonthaburi
Open invitation to an art exhibition
Everyone is most welcome to drop by for a chat and to view my works
Usually I am analyzing academic and Filipino issues as part of my ajarn blog, but this time I would like to promote my interest in art and some of the work that I have produced. I would love to see as many readers and friends and art lovers as possible. You are all most welcome.
A Haven for Filipino Teachers
Some suggestions on where Filipinos might find teaching work
Each agency has different sets of procedures and requirements. Just prepare all your credentials when you apply, including your ID pictures. Be ready with some teaching materials too because a number of agencies require 5-10 minute teaching demonstration.
Hope for career shifters in Thailand
How can talented teachers overcome a lack of opportunity?
There is a green pasture for teachers in Thailand especially for those who have extra qualifications or skill in accountancy, secretarial science, engineering, call center, computing, and other fields
Dreams do come true
Gumban's story
Gumban once thought, “Is it love for travel or is it mere coincidence that I am here in Thailand as a teacher? “Is it force of circumstance or matter of choice?” “What has really brought me here?”
Ajarn Guests
Going Home
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.
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
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.
Friends of Ajarn
The Region Guides
Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
E-mailing for jobs
E-mailing potential employers in Thailand can be a very frustrating experience. Teacher Chris is on hand to give you some top tips.
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
Hi, I’m Tony Dabbs
I was a licensed life and health agent in the USA for many years and now I'm ajarn.com's health insurance expert.
Fun Quiz
Find out how employable you are in Thailand as an English teacher. Is it a case of 'welcome aboard' or "Mom, I need you to send some money again"





