TEFL Thailand Blog

People decide to take the TEFL course for a multitude of reasons. They may want a break or change in their career, they may have travelled to Thailand before and like so many others before them feel compelled to return, some students have had teaching English as a foreign language recommend to them by friends and family, others simply understand that it’s the adventure that awaits.

We recognize that for some people, moving to Thailand is a bit like stepping into the unknown. You may have some conception of how your life is going to progress once you set foot in the ‘Land of a Thousand Smiles’, but most people have some questions they must put to us before their journey can begin, and even though everyone draws on different life experiences’, there are a few general questions that pop up again and again and it’s our job to set the record straight.

The majority of people coming through our TEFL course want to find work in Thailand or throughout Asia after they’ve graduated. Although this is one of people’s major concerns it is the easiest question to answer – there are lots of jobs in Thailand, our jobs board is swamped with opportunities for our current students. If you are diligent in your job search you’ll find opportunities to teach almost everywhere, to almost anyone. Wages received, in relation to the cost of living in Thailand are excellent, and with the current economic climate as it stands you might well discover you have more disposable income than you did in your home country… so enjoy your free time.

Coming from a western society most of us are accustomed to a certain standard of living and we often find students anxious about their accommodation options – concerned that they’ll be living in a manner they can not adapt to. Please allow us dispel this common misconception. Thailand has a wide range of housing options to choose from and you’ll find there’s something to suit your particular requirements. While becoming TEFL certified at the School, and when you go on to teach elsewhere, you’ll find a range of cozy housing options, bungalows and serviced apartments – all with modern amenities at a very reasonable price.

English teaching is something the Thai people are in need of. Everyone is keen to learn and you’ll come across the Thais going out of there way to speak with you, one of the reasons for this is it’s just their nature and culture to be friendly, the other reason is because they want to practice their English on you. Give them a chance to do so… come and join in!

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!