Sunday, 17th November 2019 — "The biggest bargain in Thailand is the quality of life"

Cost of living - our latest survey comes from Michael, who teaches at a small international school in Chiang Mai. Although his salary is a modest 35,000, an income of 65,000 from rental properties back in the USA means he can party until dawn (if he wanted to of course) 

Moving to Bangkok - a female teacher talks about her preparation for a new life in Thailand and what she did right and what she did wrong 

Sunday, 17th November 2019 — "More foreigners moving here are pushing up rental prices"

Out in the sticks - we've had updates to our region guides for Nakhon Pathom, a pleasant town just about an hour from Bangkok, and also Nonthaburi.  If you live outside Bangkok and could update one of our guides (even if it's just one or two amendments) then that would be fantastic!

Not quite the middle of nowhere - 31 cool and awesome things about living and teaching in rural Thailand.

Saturday, 16th November 2019 — What advice would you have for this teacher?

Postbox - a teacher who has worked in Thailand for 10 years suddenly feels trapped. He wants to leave Thailand but doesn't really see a future for himself back home. In another letter, a Filipino teacher claims that native English speakers are merely a marketing tool. 

The great escape - these are the stories from teachers who taught in Thailand for a length of time but moved on elsewhere, perhaps to Japan or China or maybe even just to return home and pick up where they left off. What about Ricky? He decided to give Seoul, Korea a try after four years spent living and working in Bangkok. 

Friday, 15th November 2019 — Teaching opportunities

Recently added - there are vacancies for English and math teachers at a high school in Nongkhai and 37K a month is not too bad for up there. Quite a number of employers are looking ahead to the start of the April 2020 term and recruitment has already started! 

Thinking of taking a TEFL course in Thailand? - Check out our monthly blog for deals and promotions

Friday, 15th November 2019 — Phud Thai dai mai?

Speaking Thai - is it necessary to be able to speak some Thai if you want to come and teach in Thailand or do schools and employers not really care?

Teaching schedules - Richard looks back on the number of hours he's taught in different jobs. When does all that teaching time become stressful and just too much to handle?

The joys of Thai banking - it's fair to say most long-term expats will have a real love-hate relationship with Thai banks.

Saturday, 9th November 2019 — Grammar v speech and lack of teacher background checks

Grammar v speech - Isn't it foolish to make students memorize complex grammar rules when they can't produce a simple sentence?

Teacher background checks - be wary of the school that needs the teacher to start on Monday.

Lesson planning - here's one teacher that wants to organize her own planning at a time when it suits her and not when the school says.

Sunday, 3rd November 2019 — "I've no classes so why can't I leave?"

Teacher working hours - a new teacher in Thailand is wondering why despite his relatively light workload, the school isn't keen on him leaving the premises when he's not actually teaching. Experienced teachers have their say!

Teacher tips - lots of good advice from an experienced teacher ranging from bonding with students and building a rapport to motivating and organizing a class.

Home or away? - where is the best place to do a TEFL course? In your own country or in the country where you intend to teach?