What will my school be like?

An overview of different types of institute in Thailand and the students who go to them

At the highest echelon are the international schools. Internationals are nearly always based on the British or American curricula, and employ career teachers.

Keeping hold of good teachers and other reflections on the education system

Postbox letter from Martin

To keep teachers longer will be hard. The demand of good teachers is high and many native English teachers will go to international schools. Even good non-native speakers go to international schools. What is left are many teachers, but nowhere near enough to fill schools with middle-class children.

Where do you find teaching jobs without a BA.

Postbox letter from David, Bangkok

Any suggestions welcome as to where the non BA jobs can be found.

Are TEFL teachers unambitious?

What can you do about it if you feel you're stuck in a 'teaching rut'?

So many people complain about conditions, wages and opportunities but do nothing to address these things. Some TEFL teachers seem to think this isn’t an industry or a “real” job so other aspects such as annual reviews and training aren’t relevant.

Two types of language teacher

Postbox letter from Mark N.

Thai employers simply don't care about your bits of paper - except for the one that says you have a bona fide degree.

Horses for courses

Postbox letter from Martin Foot

I'm not really sure how much a highly professional teacher can help in your average Thai school. Even as a hypothetical it doesn't seem to be in any way plausible.

What you can learn working with colleagues from different countries

Everyone has something to offer you

Overall, I really enjoy having a true international environment at work. The chance to work and meet people from so many countries has improved me as a teacher and allowed me to learn a lot about other cultures.

A journey into the over 60's TEFL graveyard

Postbox letter from John V (Thailand)

When it happened, it occurred at the speed of light. Having lost its contract with the local education authority, my company and I parted on amicable terms and moreover, in an uncharacteristic display of Chinese efficiency, within one week I found myself on a flight from Northern China back to Thailand.

Will I find work in Thailand?

Is there a definitive answer to this incredibly common question?

I wish I could look at the main scenarios, the reasons teachers ask if they will find work in Thailand, and give everyone a straight "yes, you will" or "no, you won't" answer. But unfortunately it's nowhere near that straightforward.