10 things no one tells the new guy about teaching in Thailand

What every new TEFL teacher should know before stepping into a Thai classroom

While the Instagram stories and travel blogs paint a picture of tropical bliss, the reality of teaching here is far more layered.


From Bangkok to the boonies

Teaching in big cities v teaching in rural Thailand

It wasn’t until I found myself in a quiet provincial town where the local 7-Eleven was the only air-conditioned hangout, that I realised teaching in Thailand could be an entirely different experience.


You should come and do my Friday class

Postbox letter from Trevor

I recently overheard someone describe teaching English in Thailand as a “paid holiday.” They said it with a smirk, like we spend our days sipping coconuts under palm trees while casually correcting the odd verb tense.


Teaching in the sticks

31 cool and awesome things about living and teaching in rural Thailand

Before we get into the list I just want to mention that everything is written in good fun. Expats and Thailand veterans will understand more than first timers. Certain sentences and parts reflect my own specific experience more so than the general one. Some of it might come across as sappy, but I've had a very positive experience in Thailand and the glass is half full for me.


More adventures in rural Thailand

My first semester at a Thai government school

I've now worked at a rural government school for a whole semester. I thought I might share with you my account so far, with some practical advice that may help ease your transition to teaching in Thailand.


Adventures in rural Thailand

My first six months at a Thai government school

Over a typical week I see four hundred or more students, across Mathayom levels one to six, aged twelve to eighteen. Class sizes range from twenty to thirty students.


Thailand teaching stuff - March 2013

Another treasure trove of blog links for Thailand teachers

Hi everyone, it's Peter Clarke, back again with another selection of blogs and articles that I hope will be of interest to teachers working in Thailand or perhaps those who are just living here in this great country. So what have I managed to dig up for you from the last three months in cyberspace?


Who does my job ad appeal to?

What can you do when filling your teacher vacancies becomes impossible?

If you've been around teacher recruitment in Thailand for as long as I have, then you'll know that by insisting on too many requirements, a school is narrowing its field down to almost non-existent


Getting serious

Switching from a rural vocational college to a Bangkok university

So. Finally. After three terms it was time to say goodbye to Udon Thani, the vocational college and the Isaan region and to say hello to Bangkok and a private university.


A fulfilling moment

The story of teacher Salrich

One Filipino teacher I knew and admired so much did something great for his school. His name was Salrich. When his director told him to beautify a 90-metre long concrete school-wall, Salrich hesitated for a moment. It was a huge undertaking.


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The Hot Spot


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?


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to live in Thailand? We survey various teachers earning different salaries and with different lifestyles.


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!


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.


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.