Best time of year to arrive? - Ajarn Forum

titch · 18th December 2006, 19:51

Hello All

I have been reading ajarn for a while with the intention of coming over to Thailand to teach. I am trying to find out the best time of year to arrive in order to have the best chance of picking up work.

I am under the impression that the main breaks in the school year are in April and October, with the start of the year beginning in April, is that correct?

Also, i don't have a degree but i do have several industry specific qualifications (MCSE - Microsoft exams) and i will complete a TEFL course somewhere when i arrive. I guess it's a bit of a long shot but, does anyone know if they might help me with regards to working legally, or perhaps getting a better position?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

DunceCap · 18th December 2006, 22:10

Welcome to the board.

I would figure that March would be a good time. Schools are just ending for the year, so that gives you time to settle in a little before hunting down a job. The jobs get posted in mass March to May.

good luck!

8ball · 18th December 2006, 22:24

He said he wants to do a TEFL Course 1st

so...........

3 months b4 = Chrissy

just b4 or just after Chrissy

Nanog · 19th December 2006, 04:47

....and if you are not accustomed to the heat, Christmas time would be better too - 'Cool' season.

tafy68 · 19th December 2006, 06:55

xmas time is a bit early to arrive unless you wanna be out of work for 5 months.... March would be better imo and cheaper flight too!

natalie8 · 19th December 2006, 07:34

So his choices are Christmas or March, nothing in between. How about sometime in February? It will still be cool(ish) and you'll have enough time to prepare for the new term in early May.

If you take the course right away, youll have some time to get your bearings after.

bet · 19th December 2006, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by titch

I have been reading ajarn for a while with the intention of coming over to Thailand to teach. I am trying to find out the best time of year to arrive in order to have the best chance of picking up work.

Welcome to the board, titch.

I wouldn't come too early, wait until mid-late January, then you'll have a better idea whats happening RE: new visa regulations.

Good luck.

8ball · 19th December 2006, 10:12

[quote=bet]Welcome to the board, titch.

I wouldn't come too early, wait until mid-late January, then you'll have a better idea whats happening RE: new visa regulations.
[quote]

Do u really believe that?

don't hold ur breath m8

aging one · 19th December 2006, 12:50

Is there really a best time? I would suggest not coming in March, as its too damn hot. But its the beginning of hiring season for Term 1.

If you want to work, you can find it. If you want to make better money, you just have to look harder.

bet · 19th December 2006, 13:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8ball

Do u really believe that?

don't hold ur breath m8

Come January we'll soon hear about what happens to those that were doing the 30 day runs, and have finished 3.

Will they get in for a 4th time? Will they have to travel to an overseas consulate to pick up a proper visa? Will they have problems getting a proper visa?

Nobody knows now, but we'll soon start to hear in a couple of weeks. So I think that waiting until later in January is a sound move.

IMO

tafy68 · 19th December 2006, 15:21

A good time to come is after you get your 12 month Non-B Multiple entry visa

munkijism · 19th December 2006, 15:24

Come when your happy that you have enough money in the bank to survive for a couple of months.
Work is scarce towards the end of March and all of April and October. Any other time you can get a job easily. Take the plunge and dont worry.

peelieorion · 19th December 2006, 15:25

I would go early February and see a school in action before you take a job. gives you a feel for the place and the culture you will be working in. speak to as many people as you can particulary Ferrangs who have worked there. Don't belive people who tell you what a good school is until you see it. Look and see if their learning culture of the school is what you want it to be. Do the kids look happy, is discipline good etc