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.


Why study English?

Or for that matter, why teach English as well?

For most Thai students the answer is obvious: it's a requirement. For many English teachers, especially foreign teachers, it's a job: a way to make money and keep their work visa current.


Why can't Thais speak English?

Some of these students have had over 2,000 hours of English.

Considering that English has been the international language of tourism and commerce for I don't know how many decades now, and there are I don't know how many thousands of English teachers all over the country, why is the general level of English so poor?


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.


Language school memoirs

Tales from an academic director / recruiter

I was a lead teacher, academic director and recruiter for a private Thai language school with several branches. I did this job for well over a decade and as you would expect - there's a story or two.


In defence of the edutainers

A young teacher's perspective on teaching in Thailand

Most of the English teachers in Thailand seem to be slightly older so it’s understandable that they would view energy, positive reinforcement and affability in the EFL classroom with disdain and denial.


Who is worth working for?

In search of the holy grail.

Is there a Holy Grail of ELT jobs? Why are some teachers happy, while others suffer under a yoke of abuse? Who are these employers that are spoiling our fun?


The five categories of English teacher

What are the pros and cons of each?

I have broken down ESL teachers into five general categories. These categories are only for native English speaking individuals coming from fairly wealthy societies; obviously the perspectives and other opportunities for educators from different locations will be quite different


Good adverts last a lifetime

A good teacher can have a lifelong impact on their students

Looking back almost fifty years, I can remember what subjects I liked and disliked at school. Most of the subjects I liked was down to the fact that I liked the teacher teaching it.


Life is unfair

Is the low salary for TEFL work acceptable?

Having the opportunity to come to Thailand to teach English because of being a native speaker of English does not come with any specific entitlements. Teachers need to learn and accept this.


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Featured Jobs

Part-time NES English Language Teachers

฿700+ / hour

Rayong


Coaching English Teacher

฿47,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES Primary and Kindergarten Teachers

฿52,500+ / month

Bangkok


NES Kindergarten Teacher

฿48,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES Secondary Science Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES Primary and Secondary English Teachers

฿60,000+ / month

Rayong


Featured Teachers

  • Bow


    Canadian, 26 years old. Currently living in Canada

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    French, 41 years old. Currently living in France

  • Wisal


    Pakistani, 40 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Cormac


    Irish, 35 years old. Currently living in United Kingdom

  • Artem


    Russian, 34 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Ssengendo


    Ugandan, 35 years old. Currently living in Thailand

The Hot Spot


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.


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.


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.


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.


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!


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?