Who does my job ad appeal to?

What can you do when filling your teacher vacancies becomes impossible?

18th May 2013

If you've been around teacher recruitment in Thailand for as long as I have, then you'll know that by insisting on too many requirements, a school is narrowing its field down to almost non-existent

Let go of the past

Sent in by Mike

20th April 2013

Stories where teachers and teaching agencies have come into conflict are all too common and allegations (on both sides) are difficult to prove/substantiate. Also, there are always two sides to every story.

Choosing the right employer

The joys of working for a teacher agency

4th April 2013

I wouldn't say I have a "horror story" per se, but rather a three-ringed circus. I found the whole ordeal quite amusing for the most part, although the never getting paid on time or the correct amount, along with the constant harassing emails from whom I can only assume to be a mentally imbalanced employer did get a bit tiresome by the end.

Interview oddballs

Some of the stranger folks I've come across during interview procedures

18th March 2013

One applicant that I won't forget was a certain Mr G. Glitter who applied for a primary school homeroom teacher position in 2006 and claimed to 'love working with kids'. The application came complete with a picture of the glam rocker in full 1970s rock regalia

We’ve found paradise at last

Ignore the sob stories and the doom merchants - Thailand rocks!

10th March 2013

We've both been here about six months, have only done two visa runs, had both our employers apply for our work permits for us, have started saving money as we actually make a little more collectively than we did in South Korea - and are both loving life again. Life really couldn't be much better.

Are degrees required to teach?

Opinion continues to be divided

6th March 2013

Three things which seem unavoidable are death, taxes and debates on ajarn.com about the requirement for teachers of having a degree. Those without degrees generally argue a degree is not necessary, while those with degrees will normally make the case a degree should be required.

Skin colour and entertainment

Sent in by Dave Watson

11th February 2013

Filipinos or other teachers who were not born white can, however, also be great teachers. Maybe given more time Thais will start acknowledging this

Patience is a virtue

Sent in by Jeff

4th February 2013

The way I finally started to see it, one may have all the qualifications they believe to get the job, but there's one 'qualification' Thais truly desire that they don't always mention.

The darker the skin, the smaller the wage?

Sent in by Lyndsay Anne Cabildo

4th February 2013

I know for a fact that since the native English speakers have spoken English since the time they were born, they think they will do better as an English teacher.

The tattoo curse

Is body art affecting your job prospects?

4th January 2013

An ajarn reader wrote in to ask for advice. "I'm clean and well-presented with a good resume. But is the tattoo that covers most of my hand going to hold me back?" Over to you.

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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.