The school that once was
Sent in by Mr. Greenberg
A well regarded school, a school with a beautifully rich history, is now perceived as something else. Asked about the school’s services, a Thai faculty member, who asked not to be named said, “most of what is happening now is all for show.”
Ageism alive and kicking in Thailand
Sent in by Stephen Salter
What is it with Thai schools and younger teachers? I left Thailand last year after teaching here for almost 7 years. I am 56 this year and would no doubt be struggling to get a job.
When your face just doesn’t fit
When a school wants to fire you, what can you do?
I had been working as a Maths teacher for just under four months at a Catholic school in Bangkok when the head teacher, who is always happy to deliver bad news in a very dramatic way, informed me that parents had complained about the homework books not being marked. This was just the beginning.
Back to reality
The new school term starts - and not without problems
Much of this blog may sound negative (and to some extent, it is), but in all honestly, it's par for the course. I love Thailand, and generally speaking, I love teaching in my Thai school. Even so, there are little things that crop up all of the time, and you just have to take them in your stride.
Enough is enough
Sent in by Annoyed
I have just left Thailand after 10 years of teaching, my wife and two children are in the process of getting their passports and visas to follow me here in the next couple of months. Why? Enough is enough,
The teacher fashion guide
Dress for success!
If you're thinking of coming to teach in Thailand then don't leave home without reading our indispensable guide to cutting a dash in the classroom. How many neckties do I need? Will the pony-tail have to go? From the moment you walk in the room, you'll be turning heads and not stomachs. On no, not all five Spice Girls please!!!!
Let go of the past
Sent in by Mike
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.
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.
Choosing the right employer
The joys of working for a teacher agency
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.
Confessions of a new teacher
What I've learned in the first five months
I'm Karisa and I couldn't be more of a cliché: a blonde, American, recent college grad who decided to go teach in a foreign country! Don't be too impressed with me; I'm hardly unique in this expedition to teach English abroad.
Featured Teachers
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Patrick
MA (1), BSc (1)
Irish (male, 26 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Simon
Certificate (3)
Australian (male, 28 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Che
Certificate (1), MA (1)
Cameroonian (male, 31 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Maria Carm
BA (1), MA (1)
Filipino (female, 38 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Joseph
Certificate (1), BA (1)
American (male, 30 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Prudencio
Certificate (8), BSc (2)
Filipino (male, 31 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Noel
Certificate (3), BA (1)
American (male, 48 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Amy
Certificate (6)
British (female, 21 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Jodin
Certificate (4), Diploma (1)
Filipino (male, 32 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Michael
Certificate (1), BA (1)
British (male, 30 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.
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"
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.
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.
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.
