Fresh Blood

**Jemineye** · 20th July 2012 07:59

Hi all. I'm Jem and I'm just starting my TEFL journey. I commence a Cert.TESOL course in August and have aspirations of teaching abroad.
There aren't many blogs about concerning peoples' experiences teaching in Thailand so would love to hear from some people with first hand experience; how you went about getting a job, any hurdles suffered, teaching children AND adults, overcoming nerves...etc. Everything really.

Would also, love to hear about any black teachers out there. I am already aware that there aren't many Black ESL teachers in the East for various reasons, but I'm of a mind that while difficulties might be faced, it's not impossible. So again, any experiences from Black teachers in Thailand would be lovely. Note: I have read the article on black teachers in Thailand already, but as it was dated in 2008, I'd like some recent experiences.

Would also, like to hear about general experiences e.g. learning the language, anything to do with customs and cultural significance, food (Musamun and Panang curry is awesome)...etc. Maybe even make a few friends.

Either way, it's lovely to be here.

**jonny danger** · 20th July 2012 08:02

I've known a lot of Black teachers in Thailand and Korea. Some do just fine, some don't. In Thailand the problem seems to be parental concerns. Forget Latin America.

**Jemineye** · 20th July 2012 08:06

I'm aware. Either way, would like to be put in touch with some.

Are you in Thailand now?

**jonny danger** · 20th July 2012 08:13

Nope. I doubt you'd have to talk to a Black person to learn of their situation. If you want to hook up so you can land on a soft spot wouldn't be a bad idea. Maybe someone else can help you. I'm not in contact with any Nigerians at the mo. The socio/cultural issues are too numerous to get evolved.

**keekwai** · 20th July 2012 08:50

Originally Posted by Jemineye

there aren't many Black ESL teachers in the East for various reasons

Only one reason really.

**Jemineye** · 20th July 2012 14:21

Nope. I doubt you'd have to talk to a Black person to learn of their situation. If you want to hook up so you can land on a soft spot wouldn't be a bad idea. Maybe someone else can help you. I'm not in contact with any Nigerians at the mo. The socio/cultural issues are too numerous to get evolved.

Doesn't have to be Nigerian. Could be American. Would love if they were British, but again, its not only black people I'm interested in. I'd like to know of anybody's experiences really as there's not many blogs to go off of.

**ben2012** · 22nd July 2012 21:10

I'm about to dive in myself mate!! I'm leaving Tuesday. Are you from the UK?

**Jemineye** · 25th July 2012 04:21

Oh awesome. I am from the UK by the way. =)

I tried to PM you, but it wouldn't let me. (Need to have more posts >.> )
I guess you will have left by now, but please do tell.

**cluezo** · 25th July 2012 04:31

Originally Posted by Jemineye

Would also, love to hear about any black teachers out there. I am already aware that there aren't many Black ESL teachers in the East for various reasons, but I'm of a mind that while difficulties might be faced, it's not impossible. So again, any experiences from Black teachers in Thailand would be lovely

I hired a black teacher in Rayong in 2006. Just talked to him last week - he's still there and loving it.

**keekwai** · 25th July 2012 07:01

Originally Posted by cluezo

I hired a black teacher in Rayong in 2006. Just talked to him last week - he's still there and loving it.

Is that the one who gives basic ESL teaching technique speeches to visiting seasoned ESL teachers?

**Jemineye** · 26th July 2012 04:11

I hired a black teacher in Rayong in 2006. Just talked to him last week - he's still there and loving it.

Awesome. Would it be possible for you to put me in touch with him via Email? I'd love to talk about his experiences with him.

**Anna Key** · 26th July 2012 08:29

Originally Posted by cluezo

I hired a black teacher in Rayong in 2006. Just talked to him last week - he's still there and loving it.

Oh, the credit card guy.

**Jemineye** · 26th July 2012 19:36

So much sarcasm.
I'm starting to feel less welcome by the second.

**keekwai** · 26th July 2012 19:40

What sarcasm? Where?

**Fortesque Smythe Brown** · 26th July 2012 20:43

Jemineye.

You'll find that there are indeed some very strange characters teaching here in Thailand, redundant millionaires so many ex S.A.S and special forces guys who according to the patter they spout have done it all.

Starngely though most of them don't have a pot to piss in. However there are indeed some very level headed teachers here who have made a success of their lives in more ways than one..

Sarcasm ... not really, it's the experience of meeting some of the more romantic creative types that one encounters here. Talk in telephone numbers about their money then want to borrow 200 baht till the end of the week.

If you have a complex or fret about the colour of your skin, well it might be best you didn't stay to long, the Thais discriminate against their fellow Thais who are dark skinned so you wouldn't be alone in the discrimination stakes if you actually met them face on.

However I have worked alongside excellent teachers of a darker skin than my old bones and blood bag which is a white one and the aforementioned dark hued teachers have all been, qualified, experienced and confident a great bunch to work with and for.

Some like we old white ones have even married into the local population and have bred our own children too with an amazing appearance too. white Eurasian and delightful coppery coloured Eurasians you've go to see the offspring to believe it. All the luk krungs have blended into the local scene with no problems.

No P.C. here in Thailand unless you bring it yourself and happily or sadly the Thai's don't understand P.C.

Forget the advice, one only listens to that which one wants to hear anyway, put your toe in the water test and if it is good dive in, if not , well just try elsewhere, many of the Arabian states will welcome you no problems.