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.
You know you're a foreign teacher in Thailand when...
I'm sure you can think of a few more.
The job may be unpredictable, but the laughs are real, the students are unforgettable, and every day is definitely not boring.
I was better off years ago
Postbox letter from Steve
When I started teaching, a 40,000 baht job was considered fairly poor, but it had significantly greater purchasing power than today. Shockingly, many schools still pay the same - or less -than they did two decades ago. High-paying jobs for qualified teachers that once offered 120,000 baht now advertise for 60 - 80,000.
Why do technical school students fight in Thailand?
In Thailand, fights between students from rival technical colleges have been happening for years.
Movies, TV shows, and social media often glamorize technical students as tough and rebellious, making fighting seem cool. Some students see it as a way to earn respect or boost their reputation.
Getting fired was a lesson learned
Postbox letter from Ricky
I entered the job with big aspirations, but things unraveled quickly, and I soon found myself in over my head.
When the head teacher isn’t the head teacher
My experience and cautionary tale
This experience serves as a cautionary tale for educators considering similar roles. It’s essential to thoroughly investigate the actual responsibilities and authority of a position before accepting it. Don’t be swayed by impressive titles if the role doesn’t offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
The Thai ESL agent hustle
Thai ESL agents are largely unhindered in their business practices by morality.
When personal and working relationships between school staff and agents come under pressure and scrutiny because of good old-fashioned kickback schemes.
My approach to parent complaints
Postbox letter from John
I only take parent complaints seriously if they're easy to understand or the school explains them properly.
Some more reasons why you'll quit teaching in Thailand
Six more reasons why you'll be heading home before too long
The frustration of having no real authority over your students, interference from Thai teachers, the thankless task of morning gate duty and more!
The dreaded teacher burnout
How is it caused and how can you avoid it?
"I'm a new teacher about to start work in Thailand and this will be my first full-time teaching gig. I often see more experienced teachers refer to 'teacher burnout'. Just out of interest, what are some of the things that contribute to such a condition?
