8 Best Places to Teach English in Thailand

September 1, 2022

Read Time:6 Minute, 43 Second

While many instructors have embraced their new-found online setting, others are eager to discover the world. South-East Asia is one of the most popular destinations for these interested in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). This is not surprising, as this stunning part of the world allows traffic to experience vast cultural diversity, prosperous history, and breathtaking landscapes, encompassing eleven countries: Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Together with Vietnam, Thailand is the most sought-after destination for international English instructors due to its convenient central location, affordable price of living, and laid-back lifestyle.

Living and teaching in Thailand

Did you know that there are at least 13 different ways to describe a ‘yim’ (smile) in Thai? There’s a smile for each situation! But this is not the only purpose why Thailand has been nicknamed ‘the land of smiles’. Locals are friendly and welcoming and are keen to introduce you to their subculture and show you the beauty of their country.

Thailand is the perfect country to choose as a base for your journey in South-East Asia, as it is conveniently located for your travels to its neighbouring countries. Before you begin crossing the border, however, remember to make the most of this beautiful us of a and everything it has to offer. Being a tropical country, the weather in Thailand is warm most of the year, with seasons that span from rainy to dry. In this kind of climate, the surroundings is varied but constantly stunning: from sandy beaches to river valleys, from highland peaks, to vast flats.

By the Western standards, instructing in Thailand will not make you rich as the income ranges between $800 and $1,200 – enough to stay comfortably and have enough cash to travel. This is because life in this united states is extremely affordable. A typical meal is round $4 and the rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between $100 and $300. While this can be very appealing, maintain in mind that cheap lodging might mean a naked room with basic furniture. The advantage is that most faculties will help you with your search or might even have lodging arranged for you.

In Thai schools, you are usually predicted to work a 40-hour week, but only round 18 of those hours will be spent teaching. You are required to have a degree, and a TEFL certificate is pretty recommended. If you are new to TEFL, take a look at what the TEFL Org teach English in Thailand keep has to offer. Some schools have separate areas for local and farang (non-Thai) teachers. If that is the case, take each opportunity you get to get to know your neighborhood colleagues, perhaps starting by means of sharing teaching experiences. This will help you settle in greater quickly.

Destination: Thailand

With a quick online search, it’s handy to see how gorgeous Thailand is. With so much beauty, how to pick out where to move to? Here are eight areas to choose from, from north to south.

Chiang Mai is a peaceful metropolis immersed in history and culture placed in the north of Thailand – ideal if you are not involved in living by the beach. This potential that this area is not busy with vacationers and, because of this, life is even cheaper. Here, present day bars and natural beauty have determined the perfect balance, making this city very famous among international English teachers. Udon Thani is placed in the quiet Isan region, close to the border with Laos. This city is surrounded through eco-friendly parks and green countryside, and it is the perfect area for leading a relaxed lifestyle. The capital and the country’s southern seashores are within easy attain – just a short one-hour flight away. Here, the demand for instructors in government schools is high. Ayutthaya is an historical yet vibrant town, best if you enjoy a busier lifestyle except the hustle and bustle of a larger urban area. Located simply north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya attracts tourists from all over the world with its magnificent ruins of the former capital.

Bangkok is the capital and the biggest city in Thailand, with its 14 million residents. This is an exciting metropolis to live in – there is always some thing going on and it is impossible to get bored! Living in such a busy environment would possibly seem confusing at first, however once you have familiarised yourself with the public transport system, you will experience more in control. There is a wide vary of English teaching positions available and salaries are greater in Bangkok than in the rest of the country, but so is the value of living. Bangkok is very international – you will fit proper in! Hua Hin and its stunning beaches entice thousands of expats. This area is popular for outdoor activities and events, from jazz to kite festivals, imparting a similar lifestyle of that in Phuket, however not as expensive.

Koh Samui is a unique island that alternates modern-day buildings with stunning beaches. As it is an island, meals and accommodation is more steeply-priced here. However, the salary from an international faculty or a privately-owned language academy should allow you to live comfortably. Krabi Town is the perfect location to spend your days off on the beach. Despite attracting many tourists, this region has kept the prices of meals and accommodation quite low. Krabi Town is a charming area that offers an exciting life-style and a friendly ex-pat community, as well as sufficient teaching opportunities. Phuket is an incredible metropolis surrounded by outstanding seashores and incredible landscape on its homonymous island. This place is real paradise for those who revel in diving, water sports, and spending time on the beach. Life is more expensive right here than on the mainland, but salaries reflect that. There are lots of teaching opportunities here; however, due to the sought-after location, the opposition is tough.

Be prepared!
While visiting countries that are very unique from your own on a social, political, historical, and cultural level is an extraordinarily enriching and eye-opening adventure, it can also be a challenging experience.

Culture shock is one of these challenges. This is proper especially when travelling for a lengthy period of time. If you are prepared for it, you will be higher able to overcome the obstacles that tradition shock and homesickness may pose.

Before you travel:

Join social media groups of men and women who are already living and teaching in that phase of the world. Connect with them to find out about their experience and ask for their advice.
Join language trade groups online the place you can learn the basics of the language spoken in your host country. Being in a position to greet people in their own language will go a lengthy way with the locals and it will boost your confidence.
Don’t let homesickness dampen your spirit of adventure. Bring pictures or some small embellishes that remind you of home to decorate your room.
While you travel:
Meet up with different expats and take up any opportunity to travel and go out with them – they will be in a position to show you the best locations to visit and the best – but affordable – restaurants.
If you started your language change back at home, keep it up! Learning the neighborhood language not only will it assist you fit in with the community, but it will additionally help you see the learning trip from your students’ perspective.
Keep in touch with family and buddies back at home: remember that they leave out you as much as you miss them. Allocate time each week for calls and messages and be mindful of the time difference.
Ready, steady, teach in Thailand!
Are you wondering about teaching English abroad? Or perhaps you are searching for a new teaching destination. Whatever the current stage of your instructing career, Thailand has something for everyone – put together to be charmed!