Teacher employer etiquette
All we're asking for is a reply
I feel it is just unprofessional that if someone well qualified for an advertised job takes the time to research the job and your school, then you as an employer should have the courtesy (manners) to acknowledge that application even if the applicant may not be right person for the job.
Why can’t Thais speak English?
Some of these students have had over 2,000 hours of English.
Considering that English has been the international language of tourism and commerce for I don't know how many decades now, and there are I don't know how many thousands of English teachers all over the country, why is the general level of English so poor?
Dancing with coordinators
Sometimes it's better to keep teaching colleagues at arm's length
The next term is fast approaching and many schools have job openings. Have you decided to apply to another school and look for a new teaching job because you have some conflict with your coordinator? If you don't plan to leave then how do you handle the conflict?
Thank you for calling your ISP hotline
My ISP's customer service guide to dealing with irate customers
After calling a well-known ISP's customer service number for the fifth time in a week, I was beginning to see a pattern develop with the responses.
The big black hole
Thais and e-mailing
I have one customer – God bless her – who checks her email between 8.30 and 8.45am every morning. If you send her an e-mail at 8.46, she won’t actually read it until the following business day. Send it at 8.46 on a Friday and she’ll deal with it after the weekend. Then how long it takes her to respond is anyone’s guess.
Fun with language
Next time you want to make a Thai smile, just mutter a few words
What is true is that most Thais consider their language very difficult to learn. Thais from all walks of life will often give a genuine compliment or note of approval to any foreigner who can muster up any sentence beyond "sawdee khrap" , "arowy" or "tho rai?".
Featured Teachers
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Jay
Certificate (1), BA (1)
American (male, 35 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Edgar
Diploma (1), BA (1)
Filipino (male, 43 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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John
Certificate (5), BA (1), MA (1)
Canadian (male, 46 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Acelo
Certificate (1), BEd (1)
Filipino (male, 30 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Sheila
Certificate (2), Diploma (1)
Filipino (female, 42 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Alan
Certificate (3), BSc (1)
British (male, 28 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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David
Diploma (1)
American (male, 30 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Remi
Certificate (1), Diploma (1)
French (male, 29 years old, native French speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Rod
Certificate (5), BA (1)
Australian (male, 39 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Jamal
BA (1), Diploma (1)
Syrian (male, 50 years old, native Arabic 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.
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.
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.
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.
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"
