The South African viewpoint
Sent in by Marguerite Huson
Four major issues that one particular ajarn reader is concerned about
Japan or bust!
The costs of setting yourself up as a teacher
I assume anyone interested in Japan would be so for the money. Unless you are a real Japanophile, the country lacks the beauty, fun and adventure of Thailand so there would be little reason to uproot from Thailand to Japan if it were not monetary.
Hoop hopping
The dreaded Thai visa procedure
You go to the Thai Embassy in aforementioned UN least-developed-nation-status state and submit your paperwork. The immigration officer then asks you if the school that you’re going to work for is on ‘the list’. Then you say, ‘What list?’ and he says, ‘The list’, then you shrug and he tells you that it isn’t, then you say ‘So why did you ask,’ and he says nothing, and you say ‘What should I do?’ and he says ‘Damned if I care, but you ain’t gettin’ no stinkin’ visa unless your school is on “the list”.
The visa run
One man and his trip to Penang
Going to Laos or Cambodia by bus might have been a bit cheaper, but unfortunately one needs a visa to enter those countries. Not so for Malaysia. Anyway, I heard from a few colleagues that the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane is staffed by frequently obnoxious personnel (however another colleague told me he didn’t have any problem at all there).
February 2003
A bulging toast-rack full of buttered TEFL slices
Featuring this month what makes a good teacher great, the greatest TEFL teacher story ever told and let's hear it for the dreaded visa run
Featured Teachers
-
Mario
Certificate (2), Diploma (1)
Canadian (male, 55 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Otaner Rj
Diploma (1)
Filipino (male, 23 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Steven
Certificate (1)
British (male, 39 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Jodin
Certificate (4), Diploma (1)
Filipino (male, 32 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Peter
Diploma (3), BA (1)
British (male, 55 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Thidakorn
BSc (1)
Thai (female, 47 years old, native Thai speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Eric
Certificate (2), Diploma (1)
Canadian (male, 47 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Darren
BA (1), Certificate (1)
Australian (male, 41 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Raisa
BA (1)
American (female, 24 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Anthony
Certificate (1)
British (male, 28 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.
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
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.
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.
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"
