Thread: hello all, a PGCE and a mrs

Hello fellow ajarners,

I have been thinking of teaching for a year or so in Thailand for some time now, and after research I still need a few answers to a few questions. Here is my situation
I am 29, UK, good BA degree, completed PGCE and have 1 years teaching experience.

1. Is it fair to say that working for a high school provides a better work life balance than working for a language college that are focused on profit. I am committed to doing my best for the kids and am aware that good lesson planning takes alot of time. Therefore i like my weekends to do weekend things and chill. What are the other pros and cons of state vs language colleges vs unis
2. Do PGCE’s carry any weight?
3. Do you think i should do a TEFL of some sorts? Even if it is one of the crappy online ones just to give me some TEFL specialisms?
4. Location- I don’t think Bangkok is for me as in general I hate massive jammed cities and hate being stuck in traffic taking 2 hours to travel 10 miles I simply cannot tolerate. However, I can be a bit of a drunkerd at the weekend and I couldn’t see myself in a remote village in the middle of nowhere. Ideally my ideal place would be somewhere in the middle. Would Chiang Mai, Reyong, or Tran fit the bill or are there any others you would recommend?
5. The gf- she has no degree and would have to make 60-90 day tourist visa runs to Laos/Cambodia. Is there a limit to the number of times you can leave the country and get a new visa? What would happen if she trekked to Laos and they refused? Is there any way round it such as wait some time? Get a new passport sent from the uk with blank pages? Try another border point and hope for the best there?
6. Financially would it be possible for her to study and get an education visa? I have also heard of people taking fake degrees. Do these get checked out with UK institutions if they are very good copies and not the ones bought in Bangkok market?lol.

thanks

Hi and welcome to the forum. I can't really answer your technical questions, but I'm sure someone will be along soon who can.

Originally Posted by ukmotorbikeman

Here is my situation

Related to your points:
1. Yes, but with your qualifications you should be looking at teaching in an international school or at the very least on an English Programme (EP) in one of the better Thai schools. Contrary to popular myth, living in Thailand can be pricey, especially if you have to support a non-working gf and you like to enjoy yourself going out (as you allude to). Language teaching in an average Thai school will wear you out quickly and for little salary.
2. Yes - but it depends where you teach. Language schools (and Thai high schools) may only offer you a small extra supplement for a PGCE.
3. In your position, no.
4. Chiang Mai is a very popular place for foreign teachers, but the salaries are relatively low. There are many more positions on offer in the Bangkok area and generally at a higher salary. That's just the way it is.
5. Not sure on this point, hopefully others can answer it for you.
6. Avoid fake degrees. Studying in Thailand is possible, but has she/you the money to cover it? Does she want to study?

thanks paully1. ive had a problem with schools requiring 2 years experience, almost to the point of being anal. should i just apply anyway?
You say Thai schools will wear you out quickly- aren't language colleges worse? I am not lazy but I will not work long hours in the week AND a day at the weekend, its one or the other for me, as quality of teaching and morale suffers and as a result. I get the impression language colleges work you like this and won't do it for no amount of money. However the type of extra activities such as clubs, thai ceremonies and school trips are different, as I quite enjoy being involved with these.

6. yes, money is ok. we are stable after 11years together and she would spend her time studying or travelling before staying with me for a period of time and repeat. What we are looking for in this experience is a balance between enjoying teaching, experiencing culture, travel.

1. Not really. They are all profit-minded.
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. The near South
5. Things are always in flux.
6. I know two people who went to the top with fake degrees.

Welcome! I am also a newbie here.