Phil Hall
An honourable profession?
Memorable teachers and playing Father Christmas
I had looked forward to becoming a teacher for years and the thought had never crossed my mind that this particular job would be considered anything but decent and respectable. How wrong I was.
Richard McCully
Accents in the classroom
"Sorry for my daughter's accent, her teacher is a Filipino"
By having an education with teachers from around the world a student can be more prepared to use English the real world, not just in the classroom.
Steve Catchpole
Peter and Nadine
When teaching careers end before they've even started.
Although teaching in Thailand can sound like one big adventure, I'm convinced that some people are not really built to leave home. Teaching in Thailand is just not for them. It's too much of a leap into the unknown.
Bangkok Phil
Renewing a UK passport in Bangkok
A fairly painless procedure
Like many bureaucratic processes in Thailand, advance preparation is key. In terms of paperwork, it's all about getting your ducks in a row so that the actual application day goes as smoothly as possible.
Richard Constable
All is never what it seems (part 1)
A teacher finds love in Thailand.
Soon after we'd met, Tangmo moved in with me. My friends told me not to get involved with a girl who I acquainted in a bar. My family said that we were too different and it was too soon - but it just felt right and it still does.
TEFL Course News
July 2018
What's the latest news from Thailand's major TEFL courses?
Whether you are looking to take a course in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or some paradise tropical island, we've got something for everyone in our monthly Thailand TEFL course round-up.
Sam Thompson
Moving on
The lives we teachers touch and the impact we have.
There are always those days that make you wonder what it is you’re doing with your life, but I would argue there are few professions that can allow a person to make so many direct contributions to the lives of others.
John V
The Rise and Fall of the Pattaya Empire
How times have changed for Thailand's favourite seaside resort
My dear Pattaya; I don’t know whether to feel sympathy for you, or applaud your growing older gracefully, just like ourselves.
FIRE in Thailand
The changing face of Pattaya
Is Pattaya's reputation now completely undeserved?
In many ways, it's like nightlife doesn't exist unless you specifically go looking for it. There's no doubt the industry is dying.
Mark Brown
An undeserved promotion
Foreign teachers are powerless to stop problem students advancing
Last year in my P1 class I encountered a student named Oat (not his real name). Within minutes of meeting this child it was apparent that he had some sort of behavioral problem. He was extremely active, running from room to room, disrupting classes throughout the whole school. The other teachers tried to control him but it was close to impossible.
Mickey Sheehan
New term conversations
Eavesdropping on the first day of term
Stephen Louw
Classroom dress code
Does a teacher need to look like a teacher?
As teachers in Asia we are part of the 'tribe' of professional educators and are therefore expected to look like we belong. I think that many experienced teachers here will agree that the effort pays off.
Steve Schertzer
Children of the March
The nightmare that is American public education.
I am grateful that I am now living in Thailand and can watch the downfall and eventual collapse of Western Civilization from half a world away.
Mark Newman
A better way to deal with class disruptions
What to do when students misbehave
This article is for teachers like me who don't have formal training to do what they do, but who nevertheless want to do the best that they can to enrich and improve their own lives as well as those of their students.
Matthew Pape
The worst type of foreigner
Why bash other people's lifestyles and situations?
I live in a closet with no air-con and a fan. I live off of a diet of air, water and noodles. Sure, I can't afford to travel, save for retirement, get my own place and I haven't seen my family for years because I can't afford a ticket to go home and visit them, but I am living the Thai lifestyle man!
James Humphries
Be honest with yourself
Every teacher has made mistakes - including you!
I've read many teaching blogs down the years and I generally enjoy hearing about other people's experiences. However there is one thing I'd like to see more of - honesty
Adam Crittenden
The benefits of working in an after-school language centre
Extra cash and more teaching experience for starters!
Teaching at an after-school has been a worthwhile experience. If you are willing to build your endurance and self-discipline then you will gain the rewards of more experience and some extra cash to boot.
Johnny Chan
Where's Santa Claus
Remember - health insurance is a business
Taxpayer supported health care is not a yet a reality for most of us. Now, we have no other choice but to rely on private health insurers for our medical care needs.
