TEFL Thailand Blog

Teaching English is sometimes said to be highly rewarding and fun. But is it really, or is this simply some sort of sales job?

English is the language of travel, commerce and the primary language of communication internationally. Teaching in Phuket provides the chance to teach not just Thai people, but people from all of Asia and the world. I have met wonderful people from China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indonesia, during my Phuket teaching time. As our world becomes more interdependent, everybody wants and needs to learn English. Thus, the demand for English teachers in Thailand and Asia is continuing to climb.

People from these countries can travel to Thailand, take class every day of the week, stay in a nice room near the ocean - enjoying some relaxing time on Phuket’s famous beaches. They can do all of this for roughly the same cost as a private English tutor at home. Generally, these students have studied quite a bit of English on their own - mainly through non-native speakers, computer programs or even simply reading books. The opportunity to work on actual speaking skills, usage and conversation with a native speaking teacher is what they need. This is the best way to learn how to actually speak and listen to English in a conversational situation.

Students also come from all over Europe: Germany, Italy, Sweden, France and even Greece. Once again, basic English conversational skills are seen as advantageous - they are a way to prosper and have fun. Therefore, the market for the services of a qualified English teacher continues to expand. Seemingly, there is an endless stream of people who want and need to learn to speak English.

So is Teaching English truly fun and rewarding? You may have the idea that working for a large part of an hour on a point of grammar or pronunciation and attempting new and engaging means of approaching the material does not sound all that appealing. But, with persistence, they begin to get it, then they nail it and all of your efforts have paid off, then you’ll know.

The smiles on the student’s faces are worth all the effort.

Consider a normal Thai student. They don’t really consider doing anything unless it’s fun. This is part of their “sanook” culture - sanook means FUN.  So, the teacher’s job is to be entertaining and funny with a good handle on English and solid speaking skills. Teaching in this casual way with lots of laughter as a vital part of each lesson is a wonderful way to foster an environment of positive learning. Slip ups and stumbles are not met anxiety or self criticism, as in the west, but rather with smiles and giggles. The Thai people are certainly onto a good trick here! Learning to relax while working as a teacher is a key to success in the classroom and life! Thank you, Thai people!

Sounds great, right? How to begin? If you are fluent in English, earning a TEFL certificate is the only way to go. Why? In barely a month of fairly easy studies, you will be ready to teach. The TEFL course teaches everything you might need to get going and establish competence in front of real students. Lacking a TEFL, you are likely to needlessly complicate your English teaching and cheat your students in the bargain. Thai students are keen to learn, and while attending a private school, they have coughed up good money to do so. So, TEFL is a key to doing it right.

For a list of course dates and housing options please visit our enroll page.

Yes, teaching is rewarding. Join us in paradise and start having some fun!