Hey guys! Victoria from USA saying hi, and asking a few questions!!

**Victoria Carolyn Vida** · 27th September 2012 09:02

Hello there,
My name is Victoria, I am 20 years old and looking to teach in Thailand as soon as I graduate college with a bachelors in English education, approximately one and a half years (summer 2014.) I do not think I want to make a career out of teaching TEFL courses, simply because of the low income. But who knows I could fall in love forever. Speaking of that, (1) what is the average monthly salary in BKK (my preferred teaching choice)? (2) What are my chances of getting a job? (3) How long are the contracts usually? (4) What is the best TEFL training course?

Thank bunches,
Victoria from USA

**Don Ho** · 27th September 2012 09:07

1) 40k

2) Are you white? No offense but race does matter here. You will easily find work.

3) 1 year

4) That depends on where you want to take the course.

Hi Victoria, welcome to the forum.

Where are you from in the States? Have you been to Thailand before?

**THX 1133** · 27th September 2012 09:21

Welcome. NES females are in high demand here; working/getting a job will be easy for you. Especially because of your chosen degree.
You might want to check out international schools; the wages are considerably higher, say ฿60-80,000/mos. Cheers.

**Victoria Carolyn Vida** · 27th September 2012 09:33

40K? Is that Thai money? Sorry to sound dumb, but when I say newbie, I mean NEWBIE!

Yes, I am a white American, from Alabama (No, I do not sound like a hick, I have avoided having a horrible twang at all costs.)

1 year, perfect!

I like the courses offered at www teach abroad thailand com, the course is actually taught in Thailand, and they offer a fun little adventure option at an extra cost that includes scuba diving and what not. Koh Samui is my preferred location for the course of the one offered through the site, and the cost is $3200.

**cluezo** · 27th September 2012 09:36

Originally Posted by THX 1133

Welcome. NES females are in high demand here

Absolutely. But why are you worried about the salary now? You are only 20 - come over and have the time of your life for a year. And enrich your soul. Worry about the money later.

**Victoria Carolyn Vida** · 27th September 2012 09:37

THX1133 - Wonderful news, I am going out on a HUGE limb here. The month after I graduate I am getting on a plane to take a TEFL class, with HOPES of getting a job. My only concern is that when I decide I have had my fun and it is time to settle down, I will have nothing waiting on me in America. Heck, I may never want to leave.

Oh and, Don Ho, I have never been to Thailand, but I have been to Europe.

**cluezo** · 27th September 2012 09:38

You will go bonkers. You will adore Thailand. You will be in high demand. There's nothing but win win for you, girl. Come.

**Victoria Carolyn Vida** · 27th September 2012 09:39

CLUEZO - I am not particularly worried about salary at all (expecting $300 per month???) I just need to know how much to save in the next year and a half, this has been my dream since I was 17, but now it is becoming a reality!

**cluezo** · 27th September 2012 09:39

Originally Posted by Victoria Carolyn Vida

My only concern is that when I decide I have had my fun and it is time to settle down, I will have nothing waiting on me in America. Heck, I may never want to leave.

Come on, you're 20. Not a problem.

**Victoria Carolyn Vida** · 27th September 2012 09:41

Ahhhhh!!!! The excitement is coursing through my veins!! The time cannot pass fast enough!!!

---Update---

This site is filled with such wonderful encouragement!!! I am thrilled that I found it!!!! No one here understands my passion.

**cluezo** · 27th September 2012 09:42

Originally Posted by Victoria Carolyn Vida

Ahhhhh!!!! The excitement is coursing through my veins!! The time cannot pass fast enough!!!

See? It's already started. Lucky you. I envy you.

---Update---

Originally Posted by Victoria Carolyn Vida

No one here understands my passion.

We understand it. We live it.

**Thinkingofachange** · 27th September 2012 09:48

Just so you know: you don't need a TEFL cert to get a job or to teach, and you might not learn as much from it as you've learned studying English education.

**Victoria Carolyn Vida** · 27th September 2012 09:51

I was a born traveler! This is what I am meant to do, even if only for a little while. I am also throwing around the idea of teaching on a US military base over seas, as I get older and will need a higher income.

I cannot wait to live it, as well!!!!!!!!

---Update---

Originally Posted by Thinkingofachange

Just so you know: you don't need a TEFL cert to get a job or to teach, and you might not learn as much from it as you've learned studying English education.

I had read this several times, but I noticed that through the courses you meet people, and have more opportunities to find a good place to teach? By all means I will save the $3200 and hope on a plane, I just like the security of having help finding a job.