The joy and pain of teaching in Thailand

A teacher looks back over her ten years in Thailand

I'm celebrating my 10th year in Thailand as an ESL Teacher. Working in a foreign land hasn't been easy. It took me years and a lot of patience and hard work to get settled, not to mention the ocean of tears and heartbreaking homesickness.


An English teacher and proud

Do those who don't teach English in Thailand look down on those that do?

What do expats who work in Thailand but don't teach English think of us teachers? Are we ridiculed when out of earshot or do even the high-flyers afford us maximum respect. An invitation to a business networking evening and a chance to really find out.


The scarlet K

Is teaching kids just as valuable to a school as teaching specialized stuff

I've been pigeonholed. Typecast. A big, scarlet 'K' has been branded onto my CV. The letter represents the language learners I'm best with: Kids.


Time for a change

I've had enough of the Thai government school system thank you

I’ve managed to locate my frustration and work out a solution - the Thai education system just isn’t for me. Not the government schools anyway, or at least the school that I have been teaching in for the past 18 months. So I’ve decided to get out. Not out of Thailand, just out of the system.


Finding a job in Thailand - the basics

From one newbie to another

If you're considering coming to Thailand on your own to find work as an English teacher, I promise you can do it.


Time management

Five tips for success

I have a few common-sense time management tips to offer for any of you newbies out there struggling to have a night on the town without stacks of work to be done nagging you in the back of your mind.


Surviving the CELTA

Tips and advice for taking a four-week program

Before I signed up for an English teaching certification class, I spent 50+ hours reading about all my options. Maybe it is because it was the first big step in moving to Thailand, but also because I wanted to get the most for my money and time.


An overview of teaching in Thailand

I thought this might be of benefit to new ajarn readers in particular

I was asked to fill in a questionnaire by my old university on the topic of teaching English in Thailand. Although it was intended to encourage applicants to take a Thai study program in Germany, the information might be useful for those teachers thinking of coming to work here in Thailand.


English program pitfalls

What are the disadvantages of being an English program teacher

Since I've been teaching in Thailand. I've by chance and not necessarily choice - always been placed in English Programs. English Programs are immersion-based ‘special' educative programs placed within government schools.


Ten reasons why I love my job and my life in Thailand

Thought you would enjoy reading something positive

Life offers many twists and opportunities to those with an open mind; and after an amicable divorce from my wife and selling my house and possessions, I hit the road with a small backpack for company. After three years on the road I stumbled into Thailand.


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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

  • Cecil


    French, 42 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Tinashe


    Zimbabwean, 33 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Bow


    Canadian, 26 years old. Currently living in Canada

  • Vincent


    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

The Hot Spot


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 dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

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


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.


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 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.


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!