The Status Quo
Postbox letter from Keith in Dubai
I enjoyed my stay in Thailand, but from week one, I knew it would only be for a short period of time.
Problems with the system
Postbox letter from Mike
After 12 years and four different schools, I have come to the conclusion that the "quality of Thai students' English skills" did not improve within the last 12 years. But how is that even possible when more and more NES teachers with experience and degrees in education teach Thai students, even at smaller schools?
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.
Reasons to be cheerful?
Postbox letter from Jeff
Foreigners working in Thailand, mostly as teachers, will often say that the low salary is okay for them because they love the lifestyle and love living in Thailand.
The ESL industry and wage ratios
English teachers in Thailand actually don't do that badly
I am not trying to claim this is any type of scientific research with a high level of reliability or validity, just a quick check to get a basic idea about whether or not ESL teachers in Thailand are underpaid and exploited.
The revolving door
Postbox letter from Danny
TEFL in Thailand is only an option for those seeking a one-year adventure abroad or retirees looking to pad their pensions..
Summer school is for the birds
Does it beat cocktails on the beach? Hell, no.
If you do end up wanting to go all-in with teaching, it's probably more important to not burn yourself out, and I'm certainly feeling the strain as most of my colleagues are sending me pictures from the beaches they're drinking on.
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.
How can I make it in the madness?
The harsh reality of teaching in Thailand
It's depressing just how many people come here to teach and leave with lots of resentment and bitterness. Or worse still, remain here polluting the place with those same feelings! Don't be one of them.
Men and women's opportunities in Thailand
Are things equal for men and women in the Thailand TEFL profession?
Men and women often have contrasting experiences in the workplace mainly in terms of salary and promotion opportunities. I was interested to see if the same was true in Thailand and if not, then what factors affect your job and salary prospects.
