Cross-cultural education for teachers
Adding to opinion and speculation about the teaching industry
When writing about the ESL industry and Western English teachers in Thailand or other Asian countries, it should be kept in mind the industry is extremely fragmented, unregulated and there is a startling lack of reliable statistics or data about the industry and the teachers working in the industry.
A longing to belong?
The Hotel California syndrome
Why do so many expats lose the plot after a while? Or put another way, with such a deep longing to fit in and belong, does living in Thailand make you a bit ting tong?
What a long, strange trip it’s been
The downsides and the 'rewards' of living life as an independent expatriate
Becoming an "independent" expatriate requires far more self-reliance and ability to adapt than does staying in your home surrounded by family and friends or being a traditional expatriate and being supported by an organizational structure that usually spans both the home country and new location.
An English teacher and proud
Do those who don't teach English in Thailand look down on those that do?
What do expats who work in Thailand but don't teach English think of us teachers? Are we ridiculed when out of earshot or do even the high-flyers afford us maximum respect. An invitation to a business networking evening. A chance to really find out.
English teachers and other independent expatriates
Successfully working in a different cultural environment is a skill
While digging through hundreds of articles, both academic and otherwise, while doing background research for a book on expatriates in Asia, I found most writers and researchers made four key assumptions about expatriates.
Featured Teachers
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Graham
BA (1)
British (male, 49 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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David
Certificate (2), BA (1)
American (male, 61 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Barry
MA (7), BA (1), Diploma (1)
American (male, 60 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Guillaume
BA (1), Certificate (1), Diploma (1)
Ivorian (male, 41 years old, native French speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Stephane
Certificate (2), BA (1), MA (1)
French (male, 33 years old, native French speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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James Ian
Certificate (2), BA (1)
British (male, 60 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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John
Certificate (4), BA (1), MA (1)
Canadian (male, 46 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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James
Certificate (4)
British (male, 23 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Ifeanyi
BSc (1)
Nigerian (male, 52 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Jesse
BA (1)
American (male, 33 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Most recently answered question:
Would employers consider hiring someone with a vision impairment disability?
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
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
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?
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"
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.
