Determine your own significance
The true value of an English teacher
Native English teachers incompetent in the classroom? Of course they're incompetent. Many of them, anyway. Then again, many of the Korean English teachers are incompetent as well.
Outsourcing in the TEFL industry
It's not just for blond-haired blue-eyed wonders anymore.
no one bitches and moans like foreign English teachers. Especially the foreign English teachers with blond hair and blue eyes. Especially the foreign English teachers who have been spoiled over the last three plus decades with free airline tickets to and from home and rent-free apartments
Teacher as leader
An article in the Korea Times
Far too many native English teachers come to Korea with neither plans nor goals in dramatically raising the English language ability of their students. Having failed, they then blame the Korean education system for being uninspiring and unprogressive.
Racism in the TEFL industry
The Hines-Ward effect
Yes racism still exists in America and other Western nations. But there's a difference. Here in many parts of Asia, there is no classification of racist acts because no distinction is made between the racist act and the racist person.
The politics of Babopalooza
The joke is on us
The stress and aggravation of life in Korea for expats can be brutal at times, and that's why it's important to blow off a little steam every now and then. During times like these, most expats simply get together to eat, drink, and complain about life in a society that still views foreigners as less than equal.
A Korea story part one
Noble warriors and the culture of Irresponsibility
I believe that just about all of us noble warriors would like to look back on our overseas teaching experiences with pride and come to the conclusion that we did well. I don't know anyone of us who wants to look back at their experiences in anger and disappointment and conclude that they failed.
Featured Teachers
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Sarah
Diploma (1), Certificate (1), BA (1)
Canadian (female, 30 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Matt
Certificate (1), BA (1)
American (male, 33 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Daniel
Diploma (1)
British (male, 27 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Giovanni
Certificate (3), BA (1), Diploma (1)
Italian (male, 45 years old, native Italian speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Giles
Diploma (3), Certificate (2), BA (1)
British (male, 45 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Steve
Certificate (1), BA (1)
British (male, 40 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Arvin
BSc (1)
Filipino (male, 22 years old, native English 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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Franka
BA (1)
Cameroonian (female, 21 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Sandro
Certificate (2), BA (1), MA (1)
Swiss (male, 47 years old, native German speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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
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.
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.
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
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"
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
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.
