Thread: Thailand TEFL jobs for EU citizens?

Hey all. Quick question about getting a TEFL job in Thailand...

I'm an American but have dual citizenship between America and the Netherlands, and I'm heading to Thailand in October and hoping to find a part-time teaching job while I'm there. However, as I'm hoping to enter Thailand on my Dutch passport (and therefore would only be able to get a work permit with the dutch passport) I'm wondering if this will disqualify me from getting any jobs. (nb.: I'm looking at jobs with small language schools, not public schools or universities. Dunno if they bend the rules a little more or not )

Can EU citizens get TEFL jobs in Thailand? Or do Thai schools require teachers to come from a certain list of 'English Speaking Countries' like South Korea? If so, and I enter on my Dutch passport, but show employers my American passport as proof of citizenship, could they put me in the clear? Or do Thai schools not really care which country's passport you enter the country (and therefore work on), just that you speak English?

It's a strange question, I know, but I figured someone here would know the answer Thanks for any help!

Welcome to Ajarn Forum. Welkom op Ajarn Forum.

If you have important reasons to enter Thailand on your Dutch passport, just do it. Citizens of most countries can apply for a work permit for teaching in Thai schools. It's not restricted to certain countries.

When requested by an employer, you can show both the Dutch and American passport. Proof of living some time in the USA would be advisable.

Good luck.

Great. Thanks for that

Enter on your Dutch passport and you will be doing a TOEIC test before you get your visa and work permit. (A score of 600+ is required. The cost is 1500 baht).

Beyond that, and having a degree you are good to go for legal work.

.

the way things are 'these' days, EVERYone's an English speaker... (even saw some insulting ad with african as "native speaker"! ..n asian also with 'other' mother languages,but on the search parade ) n most europeans speak close to perfect English anyway, so it shouldn't be a terribly long time 'either way' b4 English teachers work field is dead
my good Finland friend had to go back his country after having difficult time getting decent salary (n he could be considered almost "native speaker" level.. for sure better than ANY african [hard to understand accents] or asians over here overcrowding an already flooded market) so use your US pssprt to keep what tiny little bit of 'native speaker' status there may be left in Thailand.... i actually have lived in both your countries many years ago.. (maybe could say back in the good old days just out of curiosity,which is the worse economy between your 2 nationalities now anyway?

I knew two Dutchmen at Rajabhat. Both spoke perfect English. But there is a scenario where it wouldn't matter if you spoke perfect English. If your interviewer doesn't speak perfect English he'll never recognize your accomplishments. At that point he'll have to rely on your nationality. Sometimes interviews are done by committees of Thai adminers and native speaking teachers. You'll want one of those.