African Groove

Top Facts Teaching English in Thailand

1. TOEIC is no longer a requirement for the application of temporal teacher`s license. However, some school still demands a TOEIC test score from NNES teachers applying for jobs.

2. Degree is now required for a teaching position in the Kingdom as opposed to the past when teachers (NES) could easily obtain a job without a degree.

3. Salary gab between NES and NNES teachers: The salary gab between NES and NNES teachers in Thailand is getting bigger as the years go by. There is almost a 50% difference interms of paid package between these two groups of teachers. If you are a NNES, brace yourself for less salary as compared to a NES teacher.

4. Regular visa runs: Teachers in Thailand have to travel out of the country to apply for a Non-B visa after employment. Application can be made at any of th Thai Embassy`s abroad. However, it is costly and a burden for many especially as its contrary to what used to happened in the past when teachers could easily changed their visas in Bangkok without leaving the country.

5. And finally, teachers are required to notify their address at the nearest immigration office once they secured an a place for longterm stay. Again, this was not the usually practice years ago as teachers/expats could live any where in the Kingdom without notifying their address to an Immigration officer.
Check out my YouTube for more videos:
https://www.youtube.com/c/NDANGOHSDIARY1

Top 3 Problems Teaching English in Thailand that May Drive You Nuts.
1. Bureaucracy/Social Ranks:
Its quite common to deal with issues of authorities in school setting as it maybe difficult to communicate due to the number of people in positions of authority. As a new teacher in the Kingdom, its advisable to pay attention to this phenomenon and come up with ways to deal with it without getting yourself worked up.

2. Ethnocentrism/Egocentrism:
Thais are highly patriotic, and they believe their culture is superior to all. This is evident at the workplace where a foreigner maybe compelled to do things without objections. This partly explains why most job descriptions insist on teachers understanding the culture and be willing to be part of a team. In other words, perform your task as given with little or no objection.

3. Self-Centeredness:
This is the last, but most important problem to be aware of when teaching English in Thailand. Thais prefer to keep to themselves and many hates it when extra task is added to their already tight schedule. They appreciate teachers that can work independently. As such, its good for you to perform your task without expecting help from anyone.
Enjoy Your Time in Thailand!
Subscribe to my YouTube and follow my page:
https://www.youtube.com/c/NDANGOHSDIARY1

Thai Workplace Ethics for Beginning Teachers.

The work culture in Thailand is quite opposite to what pertains in other cultures, as it strictly adheres to its traditional values. And as you'll get to learn, Thailand is a conservative society with unique
cultural values. That partly explains why its important to understand some of the fundamental workplace ethos in the Kingdom before fully engaging in teaching.
The first ethos to be aware of is criticism:
Never criticize a Thai in public because this will cause them to lose face and they might hate you for it. If you are concern about something or someone, invite the person and discuss in private.
Next, don't compare Thailand to the rest of the world. Hey! its their country and you are compelled to obey the laws and follow their ways.
Also, you've got to report to work on time. Be judicious about your work and put up a good professional attitude.
Never show signs of anger or frustration in public. Thais aren't confrotational and such behaviour is frown upon by the locals. Always smile and relax no matter how difficult the situation may be.