How to take legal action?
Sent in by Isabella
The international school that I work for employed me on a 23-month contract but they want to terminate it after my first school year for very vague reasons.
When is an NES not an NES?
Sent in by Jason
I have heard that South Africans are not NES now, and they have to take an English proficiency test if they wish to teach. How does the Ministry of Education define an NES?
Thai education shambles
Sent in by Ajarn Jim
Outside of MEP and EP programs, why are government schools fixated on NES teachers doing so much conversation? From what I understand, the English section of the university exams covers reading, comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
Age limit by Ministry of Education?
Sent in by Richard
I feel like I've been spinning my wheels here for weeks sending CVs and emails and not getting any results.
So many hurdles
Sent in by Fozzie
I am a non-native English speaker from Europe but I've been teaching here in Thailand for five years now and never had a problem with documents and being employed as a legal teacher. But now my school have told me that according to The Ministry of Education website (which I cannot check because the info in question is only available in Thai apparently) - I need to satisfy all of the following requirements.
TCT waiver/exemption letter glitch
Sent in by Jim
My TCT waiver/exemption letter dated Jan 25, 2010 is for 2 years, but in 2011 Mukdahan Immigration only gave me my new visa until Jan. 25, 2012. I had to get a new TCT letter (another 2 years) to allow me to finish the current academic year in early March.
Impressive school, impressive owner
A place where educating youngsters really does matter
For this month's blog I would like to take an in-depth look at one of the most impressive schools in Thailand: Varee Chiang Mai School
Teachers’ licenses - laws and links
All the rules and regs regarding teacher licences
Many thanks to Ajarn Forum member, Stamp, for supplying the following links to information on the complex topic of teacher licenses - and how you can teach legally in Thailand.
The system is in one big mess
Things that seemed like a good idea at the time
It's about time there was an update on the much-criticized teacher licencing laws. Please try not to laugh too loud.
Is it the end of the 20-hour Thai culture course?
Sent in by Bangkok Phil
A letter was circulated by the PSTAT perhaps spelling the end for this controversial program.
Featured Teachers
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Lone
Diploma (2)
South African (female, 26 years old, native Afrikaans speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Volodymyr
Diploma (1)
Ukrainian (male, 31 years old, native Ukrainian speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Dunstan
Diploma (1)
Filipino (male, 21 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Marc
Certificate (1)
British (male, 42 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Kevin
BSc (1), Certificate (1)
American (male, 30 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Janet
Certificate (2), Diploma (1)
British (female, 57 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Xavier
Certificate (3)
French (male, 35 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Jason
Certificate (2), BA (1)
American (male, 32 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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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.
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.
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.
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"
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?
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.
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
