Lost Stories
Experiences with one of Thailand’s most progressive educators
He single-handedly broke every stereotype of the Ministry of Education. He was outgoing, inquisitive, articulate, globally aware, and willing to debate ideas about education. I resolved to formally interview this man one day and tell his story.
Where it all came from
A short history of Thai education
King Chulalongkorn is highly revered today for his advocacy of modern education. However, he did much more than that. Between 1899-1905, King Chulalongkorn was able to abolish the old system of slavery. This made it more possible for commoners to seek education even at the secondary level.
Sweet spastic, silly swarms
Back in Korea again
Korea was the same as when I left it. New swarms of hagwons proliferated like rabbits on viagra and cheap wine. Every street twinkled with the latest corporate offspring – doe-eyed upstarts of whatever educational franchise chain. Small, independent, family owned schools struggled to compete; while saturating the nation themselves oblivious to supply and demand.
Dong chims and dried squid
Changes in Korean education
Education in Korea has rapidly changed in recent years. Up until the end of the Yi dynasty (1392-1910) Korean education was heavily influenced by Chinese practice. Only a few privileged children were allowed to enter elementary school to study Confucianism, Chinese language, and literature. At age 15-16 elitist students attended secondary school. Graduation entitled them to sit for a crucial lower level civil service examination.
Featured Teachers
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Kenneth
Certificate (2)
British (male, 62 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Fonkeng
BSc (1), Certificate (1)
Cameroonian (male, 27 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Dean
PGCE (1), Diploma (1), BA (1)
British (male, 42 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Nigel
BA (1), BSc (1), Certificate (1)
British (male, 52 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Valmont
Certificate (1), Diploma (1)
American (male, 41 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Thomas
BA (1)
Filipino (male, 23 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Apple Joy
BSc (1), Certificate (1)
Filipino (female, 24 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Genevieve
Certificate (2), BSc (1)
Filipino (female, 34 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Charles
Certificate (1), Diploma (1), BA (1)
British (male, 31 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Emelda
BA (1)
Filipino (female, 40 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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
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"
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
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.
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.
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.
