I’ve done a fair amount of traveling in my life, but Thailand is a place that will always remain close to my heart. There is a reason why it is deemed the happiest place on earth. I spent one amazing month there four years ago and I could have easily stayed for a decade. It is not only a country of friendly and playful people, but breathtaking scenery, incredible food and endless adventure. Thailand has also remained and continues to be an established hotspot for teaching English. I met quite a few teachers while I was there and plenty of jobs seemed to exist. There has been some political unrest in recent months, but nothing that will not eventually pass over. Moreover, the Thai economy has grown steadily over the years.
For a more updated article on Thailand read The Insider’s Look at Teaching English in Thailand.
How much money can I make if I teach English in Thailand?
Generally, the average teacher makes between $1000 to $1200 per month in his or her first year. Keep in mind that the cost of living in Thailand is about a third or even less of the United States. I’ve heard of some experienced and established teachers making over $1500 per month. In most cases, teachers will have to pay for their own accommodation and airfare to and from the country.
For more info about teaching Salaries abroad read What Are the Real Salaries for Teaching English Abroad.
When is the best time to get a job to teach English in Thailand?
The Thai school year is composed of two semesters starting in May and November. Semester breaks are April and October. While finding a job in the large cities, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai can sometimes be difficult due to strong competition, finding a teaching job elsewhere in Thailand is relatively easy.
Private institutions hire year-round but public schools and universities generally recruit teachers from March-May. Schools may also need to hire replacement teachers during the mid-year break in October. You can also look for a job throughout the year but try to avoid looking for one from December-February. NOTE: THE MAJORITY OF TEACHING JOBS IN THAILAND THESE DAYS ARE WITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR UNIVERSITIES. Private language schools still exist, but they are not as stable as they once were and be wary of some!
What qualifications do I need for teaching in Thailand?
A four-year university degree will usually suffice. A TESOL, TEFL or CELTA would help, but it is not necessary. While foreign English teachers were sometimes able to get a work visa with a degree, this is no longer the case as the government has become more strict. Therefore, bring a copy of your diploma. This is generally the case now with most if not all countries. It is possible to fly into Thailand on a tourist visa and then find a school to sponsor your visa, but a visa run to Laos, Vietnam or Cambodia will be required.
What is the cost of living in Thailand and can I save money?
Despite recent inflation hikes, Thailand is still quite cheap compared to the rest of the world. A modern one bedroom apartment can be rented in Bangkok for $300 to $350 per month and even cheaper in the smaller cities. A dollar will still get you a beer at a bar, a plate of street food or a tropical smoothie. If you want to splurge, $5 will get you a nice meal in a restaurant. One can live quite comfortably in Thailand on only $1000 per month. Thailand is not a place where one is going to save a ton of money, but it’s more than possible to save at least a few hundred dollars per month.
While Thailand is more commonly thought of as a place to visit, there are thousands of Westerners living throughout the country and the majority of them teach English. It is a wonderful piece of the earth that has something to offer for everyone. There remain plenty of opportunities for teaching English in Thailand.
Thailand makes the list as one of The Best Countries to Teach English Abroad.
