If you are looking to teach in an exotic and fun location, then you have come to the right place!

Finding Work as an English Teacher in Thailand

Foreign English teachers are in high demand in Thailand, mostly in the cities at International schools, and jobs are easy to find. Some common teaching placements are temporary nine-week or summer placements, but six-month teaching positions are also plentiful. Although salaries can vary and are typically lower than in some Asian countries, the cost of living and travel is also very low. All TEFL graduates who wish to work in a Thai International or public schools must have at least a Bachelor’s degree to obtain a teaching licence from the Ministry of Education in Thailand. This licence is required in turn to arrange a work permit.

Teaching English in Thailand’s International Schools

Most schools offering teaching positions in Thailand are International schools. There are so many that they have largely negated the need for dedicated private language schools, and though many are owned and operated by English-speaking expats, they are highly regulated.

Thailand’s International schools always need English teachers due to the predominance of short-term placements for foreign English teachers, but they also demand a very high level of teaching as most of these schools have either fully English or bi-lingual curricula in any case.

Requirements for English teachers in Thailand are therefore more stringent than in many Asian countries, and private language schools and consulates will require that all teachers have an appropriate tertiary qualification before a TEFL certificate.

Due to the great number of International schools in Thailand (over 150), the schools are arranged in ‘tiers’ – with high, mid and low level tiers offering highly varied levels of education, fees and remuneration for all teachers including foreign English teachers.

Teaching hours are fairly low, but teachers are expected to design their own lesson plans and double hours required.

Teaching English in Thai Public Schools

Public schools in Thailand also require applicants for foreign English teaching positions to have at least a Bachelor’s degree as well as their TEFL qualification. Most contracts are short-term only, making teaching English at a public school in Thailand perfect for foreigners whose primary focus is to travel. Applicants for teaching positions in public schools should be prepared to work with others who may speak very little English.

Teaching English in Private Language Schools

There are several privately-owned language schools that hire all year round. They pay attractive hourly rates and offer flexible teaching hours. You can expect good modern facilities as majority of these schools are owned and run by foreigners.

Employers will prefer to hire you if you are already in the country, so teachers are encouraged to visit their potential employer before committing to a contract.

Private English Tutoring for Children, Adults and Business Executives

As long as you have obtained a work permit, you may take full advantage of any private tutoring opportunities to supplement your main teaching income.