Thread: Interview question.....

**BKS22** · 7th May 2012 03:09

Hello Ladies & Gents,

As I prepare to arrive in Thailand the end of August and acquire my TEFL certificate, I will be expecting my rounds of interviews to begin mid to late Oct in anticipation of the start of the 2nd term in November.

During the interview and depending on how it is progressing, I would like to know if it is the norm to negotiate time off? For example, additional time during the New Years holiday, not sure how long schools are usually closed for New Years but I'd like to try for at least a full week if possible. And a lengthy request of a few weeks during the summer (June/July) in order to fly home and spend some time with my Daughter.

Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions,

Brian

**cluezo** · 7th May 2012 03:31

The quickest way to not get a teaching job in Thailand is to negotiate time off, imo. Nope. Don't.

**Fleabag** · 7th May 2012 04:06

There's really no need for you to have to go in June-July, or exactly what use are you to the school? You are coming to Thailand... Thailand isn't coming to you. You should already get a lengthy 'summer' holiday potentially from late March to mid May, so make your seeing-the-family arrangements around that.
As to New Year, it really depends on the school and could be anything from two days to two weeks. Try a Christian school like Assumption where you can get Xmas hols thus extending your New Year period.

**cluezo** · 7th May 2012 06:19

Originally Posted by Fleabag

You are coming to Thailand... Thailand isn't coming to you.

**BKS22** · 7th May 2012 07:20

"You are coming to Thailand... Thailand isn't coming to you."

Ummm...yeah right. OK I get that. I appreciate the recommendation oh the Christian schools, I hadn't thought about that. Not sure why you would say
"or exactly what use are you to the school?" When I was unaware of exactly when the 'summer' holiday dates fell. The whole point of this post was to get suggestions and opinions on whether negotiating time off is advised.

Anyways thanks for the reply from you and Cluezo.

**eumel** · 7th May 2012 08:48

Originally Posted by BKS22

During the interview and depending on how it is progressing, I would like to know if it is the norm to negotiate time off? For example, additional time during the New Years holiday, not sure how long schools are usually closed for New Years but I'd like to try for at least a full week if possible. And a lengthy request of a few weeks during the summer (June/July) in order to fly home and spend some time with my Daughter.

The school will want you to be there, every working day. Start by making such a request and red flags go up and you won't get the job.

You may have sick days or need time off to get a Visa or the WP.

There will be holidays in October and some time in March, with the new school year beginning in May.

Have you checked the flights from Thailand? Outch! Not sure you can afford more than 2 such visits during the official holidays, unless you have other income streams or get private teaching gigs.

Mel

**BKS22** · 9th May 2012 19:55

Originally Posted by eumel

The school will want you to be there, every working day. Start by making such a request and red flags go up and you won't get the job.

You may have sick days or need time off to get a Visa or the WP.

There will be holidays in October and some time in March, with the new school year beginning in May.

Thanks Mel...good info.

**meand** · 9th May 2012 20:55

I find it very weird here, as has been alluded to. I mean you could win a noble prize, and here a question about your wife (or days off) will be more important to them. It is the PERFECT place for slackers that have a silver tongue -- go figure, because that is a lot of what we have here. Just get ready, because no matter what you have said in emails, these gems are coming: "how long you be in Thailand" "You have Thai wife" "How will you manage the class, what is your teaching style."