For many foreign teachers working in Thailand, international schools are seen as the pinnacle of the profession. They're the jobs that are truly worth chasing.

After a few years in government schools or private language centres, where pay can be inconsistent and resources are often minimal, the draw of a well-funded international school can be strong. 

High salaries, smaller class sizes, paid holidays, and air-conditioned classrooms all sound like the promised land. But is it the right destination for everyone? 

In this blog, I’ll take a closer look at what working in an international school really involves, and whether it should be considered the end goal for every teacher working in Thailand.

What makes international schools so attractive?

Let’s start with the obvious: international schools in Thailand tend to offer the best pay and benefits. Monthly salaries often range from 90,000 to 180,000 baht, depending on experience, qualifications, and the school itself. Many contracts include extras such as housing allowances, private health insurance, annual flights, and full pay during holidays.

Class sizes are usually smaller, and teaching resources - textbooks, tech, and training - are significantly better than what you’d find in the average Thai government school. There’s a greater sense of structure and accountability. Policies are documented, systems are in place, and schools are generally well-run. It can feel like a professional environment, which, to be fair, it is.

For teachers with formal qualifications and experience in their home countries, the international school circuit is often the most natural fit. It allows them to continue developing professionally while living overseas and earning a salary that supports a more comfortable lifestyle.

But it's not all plain sailing

While international schools come with many advantages, they also demand more - much more! The workload is heavier than in most TEFL positions. Lesson planning is more detailed, assessment is ongoing, and expectations are high from both school leadership and parents. Regular meetings, reports, parent-teacher conferences, curriculum reviews, and after-school activities are part of the job.

Unlike some TEFL jobs where a photocopied worksheet and a few games can get you through a day, international school teaching requires sustained effort. There’s less room to “wing it”. You’re accountable to more people, and the school’s reputation often hinges on measurable academic results.

Teachers moving from the flexibility of a Thai private school into an international environment sometimes find the transition jarring. You are, in many ways, back in a system that resembles the education framework you may have left behind in your home country - complete with deadlines, evaluations, and pressure to perform.

Who thrives in international schools?

Teachers with formal qualifications (such as a PGCE, B.Ed., or state teaching license) and several years of classroom experience tend to thrive. These are professionals who are used to managing behaviour, working within a structured curriculum, and communicating regularly with parents. They understand the administrative load that comes with the role and are prepared for it.

Many international school teachers are in Thailand for the long term. They’re not passing through on a gap year or looking for a stopgap job - they’re building careers. If you value professionalism, enjoy lesson planning, and don’t mind wearing a shirt and tie in 35°C heat, international schools can be a fulfilling long-term option.

Who might find it a poor fit?

Not every teacher will enjoy the international school setting, even with the improved salary and working conditions. If you came to Thailand for a slower pace of life or to escape the high-pressure environment of schools back home, you may find that some of that stress follows you into these roles. 

The administrative demands can be draining, especially when combined with high expectations from parents - many of whom are paying significant fees and expect results. There’s also less cultural immersion. In some schools, the only Thai staff you regularly interact with are the admin team or security guards. It can feel like working in an expat bubble.

Teachers who enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of a Thai government school or the flexible hours of a private language centre might find the rigid structure and formality of an international school too restrictive.

Is it really the ultimate job?

There’s no doubt that international school teaching in Thailand can offer an excellent career opportunity for the right person. The salaries are great, the resources are there, and the professionalism is often a welcome change. But it isn’t necessarily the ideal job for every foreign teacher. Much depends on what you’re looking for. 

If you’re chasing career progression, want to stay in the classroom long-term, and are comfortable with a more structured teaching environment, then an international school is probably the right move. But if you value free time, minimal admin, or more exposure to Thai culture, then you might want to think carefully before signing up.

International school jobs are not the finish line, they’re simply one path among many. Like every teaching job in Thailand, they have their own challenges. The key is to find the role that fits your goals, personality, and long-term plans.