Thread: Part-Time Opportunities? - Master's Degree in Science, Intermediate Thai

Hi All,

I've been in Thailand for a while now, speak intermediate level Thai (was thinking of taking the Por 6 exam with the help of an intensive course one day) and have a master's in science from London University (computing). Also a native english speaker.

I'm wondering what my chances are of finding some part-time teaching in ICT, or English? And at what level? Private schools - or 'real' Mathayom, or Pattom? Or will I be limited to the English (and ICT) language schools? Most of the international private schools want PGCE and plenty of experience.

Ages ago I picked up a Sunday B3 level english class at one of the fairly well known comercial chains (I can't name the school right?). A friend had asked if I could fill in for an absent teacher. I taught a 30 hour class and had fun.

I don't have CELTA or any other formal teaching qualifications although I've been told I have the 'sanook' gene.

Any tips, thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

I would just be prepared to be making 35k baht, but you will get a job. Start there, then if you are here for a while you'd be able to work your way up with your qualifications. Master's degree here means something a little different than it does in the rest of the world though.

Haven't tried looking I see...

BA/BSc, M.Sc and (depending on your age and status) you should have no trouble finding work in a school (rather than a language academy).

The kicker would be the "part-time" thing but it still would be possible at start of term.
It would be more difficult to get a job teaching like that in the middle of a school term.

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Thanks, ttompatz, meand.

Understood re: part-time. Over the longer-term I may like to move into a full-time teaching position.

Although I'm not quite ready to sign up for an MEd (or PGCE in the UK) I've just poured over an older thread on the MEd from ABAC (I can't post the link yet as I've only made one post to the forums).

I gather from the MEd thread that there are ministry requirements for being a teacher in Thailand.

"the course does enable you to be a qualified teacher in Thailand and gives you the 15 credits in education that are supposed to be a minimum (some people will argue about this) required by the ministry of education."

ttompatz without an MEd, PGCE, or CELTA - what kind of schools are you referring to? government? private?

I'm guessing the CELTA wouldn't hurt to start.

I personally would pass on everything at this point (pgce, celta etc). I know with a masters some people are able to get nice jobs, but it is usually in math or science, not sure about yours?? I would def get over here and get a feel for it before you invest any time though -- it is hard to explain exactly what i'm getting at, but it will make sense when you get here -- one way to explain it is if you don't have the teaching qualifications (eg pcge) then you are in kinda a lower class is one way to put it, and in that lower class it is a total crapshoot.... more about timing and how well you dress/look/interview -- and what is the point, you'll be fighting over jobs that all pay ~35k... see what i'm getting at? Anyway, good luck

Originally Posted by waters

ttompatz without an MEd, PGCE, or CELTA - what kind of schools are you referring to? government? private?

Teaching IN your field (comp.sci)
Private (k-12) school = yes.
Government (k-12) school = yes.
Public, non government school = yes.
Lower tier international schools = yes.
Top international schools and top IB schools = probably not but I wouldn't say never if you hold a M.Sc in Comp.Sci.

Teaching ESL = everywhere except top international schools.
A TEFL cert won't hurt but (with a B.Sc and a M.Sc) most likely won't be needed to find a job.

Again, the biggest kicker would be "part-time" and timing (start of a school year = yes, mid year break = probably, middle of an academic term = only entry level EFL stuff or working for some agency).

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Thanks ttompatz. That helps.