One year later
Thoughts from a first time teacher on living and working in Thailand
The end of the term has made me very contemplative. A year ago I was in a very different situation than I am now; I was jobless and overwhelmed with debt and I was very confused about how to lift myself up from that desperate situation and pursue my dream of living abroad.
Quite literally a lucky career break
Be bold and ask your boss for a career break
Like many of you I work a regular job. For the last 8 years I've been a psychiatric nurse working for the NHS. Life is pretty good, I've never had as much job satisfaction as I do now (I'm not lying, honest!). But the lure of adventure is just too much.
It’s life Jim, but not as we know it.
Sent in by Ian
Are we better off here in Thailand or back in our homeland?
Sweet grandchild of mine
The incredible journey and how it all unfolded
A semi biographical tale of the journey from supermarket shelf stacker to respected teacher
Featured Teachers
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Jason
Certificate (3), Diploma (2)
American (male, 37 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Noel
Certificate (3), BA (1)
American (male, 47 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Ceridwin
Certificate (3), BA (2)
South African (female, years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Terry
Certificate (1), BA (1)
British (male, 36 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Sheryll
Diploma (2), Certificate (1)
Filipino (female, 35 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Abner
Certificate (11), BSc (1)
Filipino (male, 44 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Rona
Certificate (2), Diploma (1), MA (1)
Filipino (female, 29 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Alex
BEd (1), BA (1)
Canadian (male, 24 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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M Zia
MA (2), BSc (1)
Bangladeshi (male, 29 years old, native Bangali speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Graham
Certificate (2), BSc (1)
British (male, 61 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Ajarn Guests
Teacher employer etiquette
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.
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?
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
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"
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
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.
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
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.
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.
