Introduction

Post by **rufus** » November 5, 2005, 3:21 pm

Hello all,
I am a total newbie on these forums. In February 2006 I will be coming to Phuket to do a Tesol course and then looking to get a job as a teacher somewhere in Thailand. I am an experienced teacher with 30 years experience in the state system in Melbourne and also in the computing industry as a computer trainer and database consultant.

My reason for relocating to Thailand is that my marriage broke up after 32 years and I feel a need to get out of Australia and do something else. Well thats a big and scarey change. Udon is one place I am looking at. Is there work here for someone with my qualifications or should I be looking elswhere? All advice and comments are gratefully accepted.

Cheers
Ron

Post by **banpaeng** » November 5, 2005, 4:44 pm

Welcome to the forum Ron. I am not in Thailand yet so will let the other guys and gals answer your question of employment.

Post by **Paul** » November 5, 2005, 5:16 pm

Udon - well its not impossible to find a teaching job here but not easy too and the wages are terrible. (not enough to live on)

Bangkok is always crying out for teachers - see Bkk Post anyday in the classifieds - loads of private English schools there. Even in the large cities too (Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai)

much depends on where u want to settle I guess

dont forget your work permit - which in turn depends on your visa type (and a work permit is obtained AFTER you secure a job)

Post by **BobHelm** » November 5, 2005, 5:21 pm

Welcome Ron, and good luck in the future.
It might be worth your while reading this site
http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/teaching.html
Stickman isn't everyones cup of tea

but the guy has been teaching English in bangkok for a number of years and so his information has some validity IMO.

Post by **BangkokButcher** » November 5, 2005, 6:11 pm

Hi Ron and welcome to the forum.

Are there no companies in your local area that will hire you on an expat package in Thailand??
At least that way you could stick to your chosen profession.

Post by **rufus** » November 5, 2005, 6:16 pm

Hi BB,
Well after the downturn in the IT industry in Oz about 5 years ago, I decided to return to teaching, so that is what i am currently doing. At the moment I am the head of ICT at a state school here in Oz; thats why I thought teaching in Thailand was a viable option.

Ron

Post by **BangkokButcher** » November 5, 2005, 6:21 pm

That's fair comment Ron, sounds like Bangkok will be your best option then, although there have been a couple of recent threads on this site looking for english teachers, I'm sure the renumeration package will be a lot better in Bangkok and I'm sure it would be a lot less hassle as the schools there would probably be used to hiring farang teachers.

Good luck with things

Post by **lee** » November 6, 2005, 10:45 am

Hi BB,
Well after the downturn in the IT industry in Oz about 5 years ago, I decided to return to teaching, so that is what i am currently doing. At the moment I am the head of ICT at a state school here in Oz; thats why I thought teaching in Thailand was a viable option.

Ron

I think either admin or myself posted a message about an Australian Language school in Udon that requires teachers. Do a search for MTT Udon within this forum for more information or visit their website www.mtted.com

Regards,
Lee

Post by **briang** » November 7, 2005, 6:12 pm

Hi Ron,

Have you looked at http://www.ajarn.com/

Plenty of advice there and Ads for teaching jobs.

Good Luck

Brian

Post by **yorkman** » November 8, 2005, 3:30 am

Ron,

I can only echo the above. My wife is a teacher, and even by Thai standards the renumeration is c+*p!! Its regarded somewhat as a "status" job, so they can get away with this. She loves her job nevertheless; but hates the money! You will struggle to get a teaching job here also unless it's private teaching and you have the contacts.

BKK is a better option if you want to go down this route; although Udon is a much nicer place to live IMHO...

John

Post by **jingjai** » November 10, 2005, 4:30 pm

Check out: www.mekongesl.com.
I currently live in Jomtien, and a number of my friends are teaching at some of the international school in this area, most have far less experience than you. Good luck.

Post by **ctm** » November 11, 2005, 1:49 am

With your experience, hit up the international schools in Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi. The pay can be very good by Thai standards. B100,000 month plus, housing allowance, insurance, work permit. (I'm talking real international schools where expat package executives send their kids and tuition runs up to million baht per year.)

In Udon, try Radjabat. Pay is low but can tutor on the side for more cash.