Long term work or short term work?

What are the pros and cons?

I'll simply take a look at some pros and cons for both long term and short term teaching stays in Thailand. For the sake of this article, 'short term' is anything less than a school year and for 'long term', any work that keeps you in Thailand for more than a year.

Where is the professionalism?

Postbox letter from Joshua K

I would like to see foreign teachers act with more professional attitude and not treat a teaching job like it is just an easy way to stay and enjoy your time in Thailand.

Five myths about being a TEFL teacher

I'm sick of the moaners.....I really am!

I am sick and fed up of people coming out to Thailand with stupid misconceptions and then moaning about how awful it is to live in Thailand. Shut up and go home then!

Am I one of the desirables?

Postbox letter from Ken

Do I fit what Thais are seeking "disciplined, neat, clean, organized, mentally stable and responsible foreign people"? Perhaps?

The plight of getting old

Postbox letter from Just getting by

Please, consider the older teachers. We are close to having all we work for only to be shut out and living hand to mouth on today's wages

What lies ahead for Thailand's foreign teachers?

Postbox letter from David

Is it ever likely that foreign English teachers will be sincerely welcomed into Thailand and compensated not only in a manner commensurate with our qualifications and expertise, but also in a context relative to the significant contributions we bring to Thailand and its people?

Beauty's only skin deep

Young, good-looking teachers don't always have the upper hand you know

If you're not a handsome, beautiful-looking teacher, you may want to look away now. The latest Twitter craze among Asian academic students is to share photos of their gorgeous new English teacher on-line and show the world how lucky they are.

Teacher agencies

Do they deserve such a bad press?

I first wrote about the topic of teacher placement agencies (TPAs) back in 2006. Back then, there were relatively few TPAs recruiting foreign teachers in Thailand compared with the number who operate today - but even in those early days, there were certainly a good few complaints about them.

Par for the course

Inevitable Thai government school issues

Anyone who has ever worked in a school of any kind in Thailand can tell you that you're bound to run into a fair share of issues: getting work permits and visas, pay discrepancies, untruthful job descriptions, and the lot. That said, and correct me if I'm wrong, it seems that Thai government schools are the worst of the lot.