Thread: What employment options are there for academics?

Originally Posted by Thinkingofachange

Can you tell me how the Thai university school year is set up--when do the semesters begin and end, and how long are classes taught for?

If you want a Thai government uni English teaching job try for a November start (June may be too early for you). Standard salary is low at 29k baht, but the teaching hours per week should be 9-12 (it does vary a bit from uni to uni). Allow for a few 'office' hours, usually selected by yourself and you should otherwise be free to come and go from the campus - this appears to be more what you are looking for. At private universities and international programmes at unis you would be doing far more hours - but then the pay would be higher. Horses for courses.

Originally Posted by Thinkingofachange

My wife may just hang out or take a class to meet people.

While I don't believe in their teaching methodology, she can take Thai classes at AUA (near Ratchadamri BTS station). I found the classes a good place to meet people ... In many city parks in Bkk, there are free aerobics classes at 5pm or so, and many people enjoy this type of activity. If you both want to learn salsa, you can take classes at La Rueda, Sukhumvit soi 18. So depending on your interests, there are some fun and relatively inexpensive/free activities in Bkk.

I just don't see how you will ever make 50k a month here. Unlike others have suggested, you will most likely not get hired by International schools. A Phd in lit is not a degree in education and those schools that pay well require a teacher's license and 3-5 years home country experience. Teaching younger learners is definitely different that Uni teaching. The other issue is that most will require a 40hour work week eventhough the contact hours might be 18-20.

Uni gigs will pay about 30k for an average of 12-15 contact hours. Some at Chula or assumption make 50+ but they teach extra courses.

I would suggest finding International programs at the University and showcase your ability to teach academic writing or Thesis writing for their Phd programs. If hired abroad, you could easily make 50k. Consultant work pays much better but again you need contacts.

I personally, don't think you will find what you want here. You seem to want the most for the least amount of effort. Without any sort of commitment to the school, you will most likely piss off all your Thai colleagues.