People without formal teaching qualifications

I'm talking about those without as much as a TEFL or CELTA certificate

Some would say controversial words from Steve. But what is it about untrained teachers that really gets his goat?


Black teachers in Thailand

Does racism exist in The Land of Smiles?

Over the years, ajarn.com has asked the question 'do black teachers have a harder time finding work in Thailand?' Racism? Xenophobia? Fear of the unfamiliar? These have been some of the responses from various teachers.


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.


Teacher nightmares part two

What happens when teaching in Thailand all goes horribly wrong

More stories from teachers in Thailand who have found themselves in difficult situations often through no fault of their own. Can you offer them some good advice?


Race and non-degree jobs

Postbox letter from Xandra Martin

I am a female teacher from South Africa. I am a person of colour (or coloured) in my country. I do not have a degree in any field - only a diploma. When doing my TEFL course and doing research on the internet, people painted a picture of how easy it would be to find a teaching job in Thailand. This however does not appear to be the case.


Traumatised by Thailand

Postbox letter from Micky Davenport

I don't want to go through those traumatic experiences again, of being discriminated against and collaborating with agencies and somehow taking part in fooling these lovely Thai people.


Oh, one more thing - you're fired!

One teacher's account of being popular with students and getting fired

I found out later after talking with other teachers, that there were two teachers that didn’t like us and they were both on the “committee” The director couldn’t go against the committee because she would lose face.


The Growing Pains of the TEFL Industry

My take on another ajarn.com writer's column

I can understand Steve's disillusion with someone he probably trusted and looked up to. I also think part of his criticism is justified; teachers, administrators, recruiters and policy-makers alike should question themselves and the industry they are in more regularly. I do not, however, agree with the overall image that Steve paints of the EFL industry.


The TEFL Industry

A rotting, putrid, stinking corpse

EFL teachers are put into positions of authority and responsibility, most at a time in their lives when they have yet to learn what it means to be responsible. EFL teachers must learn to teach properly. They must learn to love their work. They must learn to see it as a mission and an honor. They must learn to be accountable for their actions, or their inactions. In essence, they must learn to become fuller human beings.


The rules of behaviour

How to conduct yourself as a teacher

I got to thinking about some of my past employees, good and bad. Instead of telling you about of some of the more “interesting” interviews I have conducted, I thought I would write about what types of behavior and teachers schools and agencies here want and do NOT want.


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Featured Jobs

Fun Native English Teachers

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฿55,000+ / month

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NES Grade 4 Math and Science Teacher

฿40,000+ / month

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Early Years Teacher

฿60,000+ / month

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Primary Science Teachers for MEP Program

฿33,000+ / month

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Part-time NES Summer Camp Teachers

฿450+ / hour

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Featured Teachers

  • Daniel


    American, 43 years old. Currently living in Thailand

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    Australian, 40 years old. Currently living in Vietnam

  • Hamady


    Senegalese, 56 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Mary


    Ethiopian, 23 years old. Currently living in Ethiopia

  • Hidayatullah


    Pakistani, 26 years old. Currently living in Pakistan

  • Dr.


    Chinese, 55 years old. Currently living in China

The Hot Spot


The Region Guides

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.


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?