Thread: Newbie LFW? (Looking for Work?)

**Dobb** · 22nd September 2012 00:57

Heyo everybody,

Hope everyone's peachy here, what with all the weather is going on and stuff. Right, down to business.

I graduated with a BA in film, an odd choice I know but I'm more than interested in teaching both English and film/media. I don't have any experience in teaching besides some odd tuition here and there unofficially at college (had to teach foreign juniors film terminology) I do have some work experience under my belt and planning to make my move once my contract ends next year. I unfortunately don't have any TEFL-related certificate (yet)

I read the newbie guide and all that but maybe I'm still clueless. Is it an entirely different thing to apply for a fulltime job as a foreigner in Thailand than say a teaching job in Thailand? Aren't we applying for the same work visa?

In regards to fulltime job, I heard that there are a lot of restrictions to avoid farangs from working in other Thai companies, competition and whatnot. Is it true? I only know that there's a 4 to 1 ratio for Thai to foreigner and something to do with heavy tax or levy.

My objective is to teach young adults or corporate clients either English or English and media (either be photography or film) and I'm not sure on where to start with this. Can anybody share some tips? Will having first class or 2nd class honours make any impact on hiring? Will the schools be primarily focused on hiring caucasian as opposed to other Asians? I worry this could be an issue somewhat if I'm a Malaysian.

Thank you guys!

**Stamp** · 22nd September 2012 01:20

**Thinkingofachange** · 22nd September 2012 01:22

Hi Dobb and welcome to the forum. How did you find us?

As has been mentioned on the forum, a lot of employers prefer a white face to an Asian, but that means it will be harder--not impossible--for you to find work. Also, I might recommend applying in person in the country, if you can. That seems to work better than emailing from abroad.

**Dobb** · 22nd September 2012 01:49

Thanks for the warm welcome! I was just googling about working in Thailand since I'm fed up at working here in my home country than bam, teaching English comes up.

That sounds kinda bad but I hope I can present myself well, I've got a good grasp of British accent that might trick my way but we'll see!

Is January next year a terrible month to go survey? I'm planning on visiting my girlfriend there and try to canvass the area.

**ttompatz** · 22nd September 2012 06:08

Foreigner = check.
Bachelor's degree = check.
Passport from one of: UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, NZ, Australia = NO.
TOEIC (600+) / IELTS (5.5+) score = not yet.

Get your TOEIC score and join the rest of the English speaking, ASEAN nation teachers (primarily Filipino) who are also looking for work.

Also be aware that you won't be getting offers with salary packages like the native speakers (30k thb +). You will probably get offers in the 12-18k thb range (most likely at the lower end since your degree is not in the realm of education and you have no classroom experience).

Originally Posted by Dobb

Is January next year a terrible month to go survey? I'm planning on visiting my girlfriend there and try to canvass the area.

Yes, it is a bad time to be looking. Your best option for finding work will be from late March to mid May (when the new academic term opens and all those new "EP" programs are scrambling since they were unable to find a white face to fill the teaching positions in their new program).

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