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.


The worst type of foreigner

Why bash other people's lifestyles and situations?

I live in a closet with no air-con and a fan. I live off of a diet of air, water and noodles. Sure, I can't afford to travel, save for retirement, get my own place and I haven't seen my family for years because I can't afford a ticket to go home and visit them, but I am living the Thai lifestyle man!


Don't get angry, just have an escape plan

Postbox letter from Anon

Salaries have been frozen here for years, the cost of living has rocketed and the workloads have increased. I now have to work online too to make a decent salary.


Reward them and they will come

Postbox letter from Mark Newman

The Thai government could make it a whole lot easier for native English speakers to want to be here with a few simple changes that would cost nothing.


Is the end nigh for agencies?

Postbox letter from Tracey

My teacher agent / friend in Korat has had it far too good for far too long. In the last maybe three years, his business has gone to the dogs. He can't find new teachers and the ones he has are basically children themselves


Chasing the big bucks

The ongoing and exhausting search for a well-paid teaching job

I'm just not making enough money to make it worth staying at my current posting. What with student loans, a mortgage, and other bills to pay, not only am I saving zilch for retirement, but I'm also barely breaking even month to month.


Get realistic Thailand!

Postbox letter from Ryan

I think Thailand needs to be more realistic about what it's looking for with TEFL teachers. You don't really need any qualifications to teach TEFL at the real TEFL level other than being a native-speaker and having a CELTA, etc.


Don't accept paltry salaries

Postbox letter from John

Many teachers are not too concerned about how much money they make because they are only here to have a good time


Take the first job you can get

It's all about getting a foot in the door

There are "Teachers in Thailand" rooms that I belong to that say don't settle for anything less than 40K when it comes to a teaching job, and although I do agree with them, that's easier said than done.


Showing 10 tagged items out of 37 total Page 3 of 4



Featured Jobs

Recruitment Manager

฿55,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES Grade 4 Math and Science Teacher

฿40,000+ / month

Chiang Mai


Early Years Teacher

฿60,000+ / month

Bangkok


Primary Science Teachers for MEP Program

฿33,000+ / month

Maha Sarakham


Part-time NES Summer Camp Teachers

฿450+ / hour

Bangkok


Summer Camp Teachers

฿700+ / hour

Chiang Mai


Featured Teachers

  • Sarah


    Filipino, 29 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Kristle


    Filipino, 28 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Ivan


    Serbian, 35 years old. Currently living in China

  • Stefan


    Swede, 27 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Aniqa


    Pakistani, 34 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Hereward


    British, 39 years old. Currently living in Thailand

The Hot Spot


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.


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 dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.


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.


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.