A costly trip
Problems that Filipinos have when leaving the country
On my 4th trip to Thailand last May 1st 2013, I was offloaded at Clark International Airport in The Philippines. I passed through this airport because of an attractive promotion offered by a certain airline. I didn't know that I would encounter a more costly trip instead
Can't Speak English?
Postbox letter from Pablo Gravoso
I am sure that my students will sooner or later become school administrators. I hope that they will not look at the color of the skin when they hire ESL teachers. They can hire whites, blacks or Asians. It doesn't matter. What is important is that they should look at the qualifications.
The darker the skin, the smaller the wage?
Postbox letter from Lyndsay Anne Cabildo
I know for a fact that since the native English speakers have spoken English since the time they were born, they think they will do better as an English teacher.
The longer I stay here
Postbox letter from Marvin
The longer I stay here the more I realize this country is unlikely to change. Now I am not saying that old teachers are the best teachers but I know teachers who have been here for 8 or 9 years and all their experience seems to be pushed aside for a younger crop who are to be fair more handsome and maybe have more energy.
The last exit
A group of teachers wanted to make a last visa run to Laos extra special
Teachers combined business and pleasure to experience a most memorable night in Vientiane. As one teacher said, "When I go to Laos, I shoot two birds with one stone. I get my visa and have a good time as well"
Nurturing a talent
Recognize and develop your child's talents at a young age
One time, I visited an English engineer in Bangkok who was married to a Thai. This man owned a Lanai type of house which he himself designed. The house was beautiful, but this did not get much of my attention. What intrigued me was a sepak takraw ball hanging in the middle of the house - a game which his seven-year old daughter played. This gave me a thought that perhaps Thailand had found a takraw champion in the making.
An outsider getting my information through Ajarn
Postbox letter from Anna
For years, I have literally trusted this site when it comes to"teaching jobs". When I arrived in Thailand in 2005, this was the very first thing my friends recommended to me in order to find a teaching job.
The place to be
A special place to learn English where students are always made welcome
Have you ever heard of a place in Thailand where English lessons in conversation, reading, writing and grammar are offered free of charge for Thai children and adults? Who do you think owns this center? Is it a Thai? an American? a British person perhaps?
The Philippines on Thai TV
I will be a guest on Thai TV on March 21st
Thai Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Channel 6 will feature the Philippines as represented by Ms Sylvia Reyes, Chief, Cultural Affair and Attache of the Republic of the Philippines and yours truly - ajarn Filipino blogger, English teacher and painter, Benito Vacio.
An assured retirement for Filipinos
Make sure there is life after Thailand
Have you ever thought about what’s going to happen when you leave Thailand after teaching here for several years? Will you be receiving a separation pay equivalent to one month salary per year of service or reaping the benefits of any other scheme?
