Thread: Going to teach Science in Bangkok..HELP pls

**Riccardo** · 6th July 2012 06:19

HI to all!
I am Riccardo, Italian but since 2005 living in London. I have a bachelor degree (5 years ) in Science and Technology of Agriculture and I am fluent in English ( even if still I have a bit of italian accent).
I will move in the end of the year to Bangkok and I would love to teach science (and math in case...) over there. I am very passionate about everything is science related, as I am a very curious person and I always want to understand what's happen around me, and since long time I was thinking to start my teaching career.
Now that my English level is excellent I am to give a try!

My main question is: Do you think is possible to find Job around Bangkok only with my degree and not experience at all?

Also do you think I need to do a TEFL course? I think I don't need it, as I am not going to teach English, but I would like to know if having one certificate could help me in the job hunting....

I don't really mind if the initial salary is low, I will have some savings from Uk for the first year. After I think I will be able to get better job once i have some experience!

Thanks to all in advance!!
I have found this forum very very usefull!!

**jonny danger** · 6th July 2012 06:52

Originally Posted by Riccardo

I don't really mind if the initial salary is low

You are qualified. Have fun.

**ttompatz** · 6th July 2012 07:28

Degree = check
Anglophone passport = NO (TOEIC (600+) or an IELTS (5.5 band) score required for the visa/wp).

Fluent English = no (TEFL cert is a good idea).

Can you get a job = yes.
Expect a salary in the 25-35k thb range.

.

**jonny danger** · 6th July 2012 08:38

Bear in mind you're going to need more than these two opinions. So far you only have a portion of the picture. Teachers who live in Bangkok have become short-sighted in many cases. They think BKK IS Thailand. Outside of the big cities things are very different, easier. Nobody knows how much you will earn because they don't know what job you could get. Many under-qualified teachers get good jobs. You could charm your way into a high-paying bad boy. Thais will hire you if they like you. Thailand is a corrupt nation. Anything is possible.

**NokYai** · 6th July 2012 09:47

Hi Riccardo.

I believe ttompatz is correct in that you will need to pass one of those English proficiency tests, because you are Italian.
Also, I would say that your English level is very good, but not excellent. I'm not being mean, just honest.
But once you pass the English proficiency test, you are sure to land a job in BKK, or most places in Thailand, I assume.

I teach science and math here in BKK, but I am from the U.S. I also have a science degree. The thing about teaching science and math in BKK is that a lot of it is that the school/parents want their students to hear the subjects being taught with a native English speaking accent. At my school, for example, the Thai staff teaches them the same subjects that I am teaching them. They learn the subject matter in their own language so that they can understand and comprehend it. Then, I come along and teach the same subject matter in English. Since they will have an understanding of the subject matter from their Thai teachers, they are able to follow what I am teaching while hearing it spoken with a native English speaking accent. Of course I also have my students speak the language and be able to learn the English terminology. I also have to break some bad habits that they have picked up from their Thai teachers. For example, all of my students might say, "100 divide 5 equal 20." They already know the math, but I have to get them to correctly say it, such as, "100 divided by 5 equals 20." See the difference? They always start out saying, "divide," not "divided by." Or they might start out saying, "5 add 7 equal 12," not "5 plus 7 equals 12." Those are just simple examples.

Anyways, my point is that it is the native English speaker's accent that they are looking for to teach their students math and science. I honestly don't know what they would think of a slight Italian accent.

Oh, and for you, I would recommend doing a TEFL course. Even though I teach science and math, I still picked up some nuggets of wisdom about teaching, especially about teaching Thai students. You'll (hopefully) meet some people in the same position as you, be able to network, and make some new friends in the process.

Good luck!

**Magilla** · 9th July 2012 21:14

Originally Posted by Riccardo

My main question is: Do you think is possible to find Job around Bangkok only with my degree and not experience at all?

Yes. Especially before the start of first semester in May and before the start of the second semester in November.

Originally Posted by Riccardo

Also do you think I need to do a TEFL course?

A TEFL, TESOL or CELTA Certificate is not a requirement set by the Thai Ministry of Education but it can be of more than great help as vocational development.

**Riccardo** · 4th September 2012 11:57

Thanks to all!

Last question: how do I proof my degree? It's enough a certificate from my italian university (A4 paper I mean)? or do I need something else?

**fred flintstone** · 4th September 2012 12:09

Original diploma is good enough.With all the stamps, signatures and official seals, along with some sealed transcripts.

**Stamp** · 4th September 2012 12:12

Originally Posted by Riccardo

Last question: how do I proof my degree? It's enough a certificate from my italian university (A4 paper I mean)? or do I need something else?

Some employers want to see your original degree paper and transcript.

If you're talking about checking your university against accredited universities by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC), check it online at the link below.

?????

**The Perfect Present** · 4th September 2012 12:57

Market yourself. Make it easy for the employers to hire you.

Do a good TEFL or CELTA in the U.K.
Get a TOEIC.
Get everything you can that makes you look good.

Begin teaching (probably on around 30-35k) and aim to get into an E.P. or Private Bilingual school as a science subject teacher (50k+ with good benefits).

You can make it happen if you want to. Teaching in Thailand is really about how you make yourself look and how you market yourself.

If you really want to make a go of it then stay in the U.K. and do a post grad teaching qual. (M.Ed, M.A. TESOL etc.)

This likely to open the doors to such jobs advertising on the job's board today - lower int. schools begining in the 55-60k that also offer the addition of starting off in the international school game.

A B.A. Science & Tech. and a M.Ed (from a U.K. Uni) will see you very well with a bit of marketing on your behalf.

**marieh** · 13th February 2013 11:12

Originally Posted by The Perfect Present

A B.A. Science & Tech. and a M.Ed (from a U.K. Uni) will see you very well with a bit of marketing on your behalf.

Not to hijack the thread, but would a M.Ed be better than a MSc? I'm hoping to start at an EP school as a math teacher in May, but I really don't know if I should be aiming for my MSc in Math or a M.Ed with an emphasis on teaching mathematics.