Thread: Teaching English as a non native speaker

Thanks for the info.

I suppose that even if the money isn't good, I will have to take it if things go [even more] wrong here in Greece.

But I'd like to know if Thailand is a better choice than China for an English teacher. What do you guys think?

As for the TOEIC, TOEFL or IELTS test that I will have to take, can I take it in Thailand, or should i get my degree before going there? (taking the TOEFL test is extremely expensive in Greece, and many people prefer to take it in Bulgaria, where it is much cheaper)

Ella John, ti kanis? Apo pu isse?
You have a degree, you have experience and if your accent is not too extreme there should be no problem finding a job.
I'm a non-native speaker but have experience and got a job within a week; don't have any TOEIC or TOEFL. Several colleagues are non-natives.
Personally I would not teach in China, Thailand is a barrel of monkeys but I like living here.
Bring copies and translations of your teaching contracts, anything that looks like a degree and come over here.

Geia sou! Den perimena na vro kapoion Ellina (?)

Thanks for the info. If things get really bad here, I will come - and it certainly would be nice if I had someone from Greece to show me around.

As for my degrees, I only have a proficiency degree from Cambridge. Are you sure that this is enough?

ελληνικό στυλ

Then xero tipota! Eimai apo xorio!
All the Greek I know I learned when I was hanging out on Crete in the early 80s. I was treated very well, people were very friendly, a family took me in like a son.
They say "Home is where your heart is" and part of my home is in Greece!
Too bad that these days Greece is having such a hard time, the people I met don't deserve it!
And I don't believe things will get better - as soon as the banks figure they can cut their losses the EU will drop Greece like a hot potato.
Get over here, don't worry about not being qualified, people with half your experience and paperwork are getting jobs.

Originally Posted by ttompatz

Yes, you will probably be paid less (I'd hazard a guess that it would be about 30% less than a native speaker)

I've worked with three Dutch teachers and they all got paid the same as NS. I also worked with a NS Black Sth African ... who got paid less.

Appearance rules.

---Update---

Originally Posted by buddahas

ελληνικό στυλ

Don't drop the soap in Greece! ... Mallacas

Thanks dingoman13 - and unfortunately your analysis about the Greek situation and the banks is spot-on. So I will probably come to Thailand, but I have to take care of my mother first (and it will be an even bigger issue for me to provide for her if the state slashes her pension...)

Originally Posted by ciaoant1

I have to take care of my mother

You'll fit into Thailand nicely.

LOL!

I gather that "taking care of your mother" is pretty common in Thailand (?)

Unfortunately, my mother has some medical problems, and this is why she needs my help right now. But she will be OK soon enough (I hope).

---Update---

BTW, are you sure that I don't need to take the TOEFL test before coming to Thailand?

Originally Posted by ciaoant1

BTW, are you sure that I don't need to take the TOEFL test before coming to Thailand?

Land, get off the plane, go through passport control, get on the train, go into the city, get a good night's rest.
Go to the test center at the BB building in Asoke. Center for Professional Assessment (Thailand) - TOEIC Public (Monthly) Listening & Reading Test Administration Policies
Pay your 1500 baht
Take your TOEIC test (listening and reading portion). They do the tests at 2 sittings every day (Mon-Sat)
Get a score over 600
Find a job
Change from tourist to non-b
Get a work permit
Extend your non-b
Extend your work permit
Enjoy your year as a teacher

.

Thanks!