The 11-month contract is often the bane of the English teacher in Thailand. It’s a way for schools to get rid of you for a month, unpaid of course, when the students are on school holidays. So you lie on a beach or stay holed up in your apartment without any wonga going in your back pocket. Look for the 12-month contracts that pay a nice bonus upon completion. They’re the contracts to go for.
Certificate (1), BA (1)
Russian (female, 22 years old, native Russian speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
BA (1), MA (1), Certificate (1)
Thai (female, 29 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Certificate (1), MA (1), BA (1)
British (male, 56 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
BA (1)
Indian (male, 42 years old, native Punjabi speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Certificate (4)
American (female, 59 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Diploma (1), BSc (1), Certificate (1)
Russian (male, 24 years old, native Russian speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
BEd (1)
Filipino (male, 28 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Certificate (1), BA (1)
American (female, 27 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Certificate (2), BA (1)
British (male, 63 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
BA (1), Certificate (1), Diploma (1)
Canadian (male, 51 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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.
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
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"
E-mailing potential employers in Thailand can be a very frustrating experience. Teacher Chris is on hand to give you some top tips.
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
I was a licensed life and health agent in the USA for many years and now I'm ajarn.com's health insurance expert.
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 Jay
(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!
