Thread: Newbie interested in working in Thailand

Hello All,

I'm a recent CELTA graduate and I'm very keen to come and teach in Thailand and in particularly Bangkok. Can anyone tell me what are the best times of the year to apply for jobs in Thailand? I'm hoping to get something for October/November. Is this a good time to apply?

Also are there any particular schools or language centres in the area that you would recommend? Does anyone have any advice when applying for jobs?



I am new to all this so I would appreciate some advice.

Thanks

Language schools get busier in October, so come just before that and get a job. But then they get slack after that, in December until the next main holiday, which is in March.
ECC give you a contract, but you don't get paid too much and because you're on contract, have to take any student they throw at you.
I hear okay things about Wall Street.

If you've got a degree and a CELTA, and don't mind teaching children, try any school in BKK, from kindergarten level to secondary school level.
You should get about 30 - 40 K baht per month. It really depends on what area in Bangkok you want to be.

Thank you

Good advice from bedu. If you turn up look about you'll find something to get your foot on the ladder.

Hey guys, I've got another thread going in here (sorry to jump on your thread jld) but I noticed the dates bedu mentions are Bad News for me (or just might seem it). I'm also looking to teach in Bangkok, but I graduate from my CELTA in Phuket on the 5th of October. Which is just after the period bedu mentions as being busy. How slack do you mean when you say "slack"? Also, would it be better to canvas for jobs in person or is the internet and a telephone/skype interview sufficient for the average employer? I ask because Bangkok is prohibitively expensive for me right now, I'd be better off staying in an obscure province in the North/mid-South and do research from there via the internet, only actually settling in Bangkok when the job has been secured.
Any input...?

I reckon language schools are always looking for staff for some reason or another. Turn up, look smart, have your CV up to date and start putting leather to the ground doing the rounds.

:/ so, bluntly put, that means living in BKK while looking for a job..? Were my wallet capable of crying it would be drowning in tears...

You could start applying for jobs advertised on Ajarn?

Originally Posted by pontifex

:/ so, bluntly put, that means living in BKK while looking for a job..? Were my wallet capable of crying it would be drowning in tears...

Fresh off the boat and without enough funds to last you for 6 weeks (2 weeks to find work and 4 weeks till payday) in BKK (as a resident not as a tourist) after you complete your CELTA course is begging for a disaster to happen.

Add in the other issues (timing for job hunting (early Oct isn't bad), time off in the middle of term (6 weeks after starting a new job) to leave the country to go get married, no visa yet) means you better think about <A>, <B> or <C> cause I thinks you ain't gonna gets all yer wishes comin' true lessen you gots yerself a fairy godmother waiting in the wings somewhere ready to wave her magic wand for you.

.

I arrived with 400usd. But I'm male.

i arrived with 3k usd. i'da managed fine if i wasn't so weak for poncing about and sitting in starbux and nice cafes. actually the money did last 4 months, (coming at xmas day, not a good time) and i found work just in time. it wasn't hard finding it, it was just hard getting on with looking for it.

Actually if you're finishing on the 5th, this is fine.
Most schools are still on holidays, so you can check them out and most language schools need extra staff as all the students come in for extra tutoring.

Just hit the streets, and look around, you'll get something.

How about January? I am a teacher in the states with 8 years experience here so will it be easier for me to find something decent? I'm moving to Thailand early January, directly after the holidays in the states. (I'm doing this since I will miss my son for a while and want to spend the last important holiday break with him). Just wanted some advice. Also, is Bangkok the best place to look for a teaching position or are the outskirts better (pay, conditions, etc.)?
Thanks!
Chris

it's not the best time to come, but just do it, bangkok is best.