Sexy Beast

What's next... a pledge of allegience to the constitution?

Yes that and two years of National Service.

Every little talk forum ethnic cleansing is bound to have its casualties. And all too often at the whim of the moderaters when they think popular posters are being too opinionated.

if they are from rich homes, they may be minor tyrants over dozens of family employees. It shows more respect to such kids, I think, to show them that there are situations in which they must conform to the majority and respect their elders

Very true – when I worked with children who where from privileged back-grounds initially the way some of them spoke to the teachers was incredibly derogatory. So regulation was a big factor and highly encouraged in the lower grades. Children need routine and discipline without being too authoritarian.

S.B.

Presently over the border here there are rumors circulating that work permits won’t be issued or that the Thai government will prevent visa runs. This may be old news to you but that’s the ‘word’ around here. Consequently many teachers think that there’ll be a huge influx of teachers from Thailand to Cambodia flooding the ESL job market.

But so far I’ve yet to see hordes of disillusioned English Teachers From Bangkok fighting there way over the Poi Pet border crossing.

Well thanks to globalization, many are far too critical about this subject, it would seem that there will be a steady employment future for us English teachers.

Text and Talk do seem to have a rather ambiguous reputation. Here in Cambodia at least. If this Diploma is legitimate does it really compare with the DELTA? Is it even comparable to alternative more established courses that are basic TEFL certification programs, such as TEFL International / CELTA etc?

I’d like to hear T & T’s opinion on this.

The price does seem rather low. And in the close-knit ESL world of Cambodia a Text and Talk Certificate doesn’t exactly throw a lot of weight.

S.B.

rubber band bracelets

Sounds like a porn fest. Those things have more use than just waering on your wrist.

God I wish I could have been there.

Oasis are Gods - with Ian Brown is a close second

Will they all be wearing world war 2 Nazi helmets?

i was under the impression that members of this forum wouldn't talk about such subjects like go-go bars and prostitutes?

My God! You're right! Lets not talk about that. Lets talk about something else instead.

What about the weather? Rather hot isn't it.

Sexy Beast

I’ve already posted this topic in the Bangkok Forum with little result so I’ll post it here.

I’m staying in BKK for a weeks holiday. I’m staying near Siam Square so are there any conveniently priced gyms in the area or pools with a good admission price?

S B

Soph. England eh?

It'll very cold there right now.

Wrap up warm.

I'm with Patax - what a quandary.

I wish I lived in Pattaya so I could be faced with a terrible dilemma.

But Charles David I agree that to she / man / camp type thing mutants mincing around outside a go-go wouldn’t entice me inside either.

Sexy Beast

Wanraya

Kane and Abel by Jeffery Archer.

For me - anything by the mighty Wilbur Smith.

Sexy Beast

Peace Blonde is right – you’ll have to start with the very basics. Use lots of flash cards with big colorful pictures of apples on them etc.

Best of luck.

now i'm just seeking for voluteer employment..

I doubt you'll have any problems finding volunteer work but be careful that you don't get taken advantage of.

I not too sure you City and Guilds might throw any weight with schools in Asia. Because it's not something they'd be familiar with it.

If you have the cash get yourself a TESOL (TEFL International) or a CELTA. One of those combined with your C & B should suffice.

But with your experience I couldn't see you having any problems anyway.

S B

Bangkokians

I'll be visiting Bangkok in a few weeks and I won't be staying in a 3/4 star hotel however I like to exercise. I'll be staying near Siam Square.

So are there any decent gyms located in that area?

Sexy Beast

These drinking hours are ancient British rules.

I haven't been home in years. But someone told me that now in the UK there is 24 hour drinking in most pubs in 'zones' in the city centres.

True or is it a load of bull?

S B

I’ve lived in provincial towns before. Be warned unless you’re close to somewhere that has some western amenities life can get really boring (except if you’re into doing the whole Thai language/culture scenario).

The Jaundiced Eye

If you're going to do a TEFL you might as well (for the cost, time and trouble) get something that would actually be worth it.

So do either a TEFL International course or a CELTA.

I'd go for for the TESOL. Still hard work but I think they'd be more supportive than ECC.

S B

Although it was unintentional of me to open this little can worms but I think that most of us know that the ESL industry in Thailand / Asia is a grand money making scheme and we all contribute to it by being on the school’s payrolls.

I have taught voluntary before for a couple of charitable organizations and sometimes still do. However much we all love teaching would we teach for free on a full-time basis? I know I wouldn’t in the sense that I couldn’t afford to.

The English Language is a product to be marketed and the schools are the sales staff cashing in the profits.

When a friend of mine was working at Scared Heart In Bangkok the DOS [Little Hitler, his words not mine] said 'don't bother failing students because the Thai teachers will change the grade and pass them anyway'.

Avoid Poi Pet at all costs because it really is an ugly place where the constant hassle will make you want to slash you’re the palms of your feet.

It’s not exactly welcoming for people wanting to discover more about Cambodia. I'd say it probably frightens more people away.

Thanks guys for the information. Bartender; I'll check out that hotel when I arrive. As for The Colonial hotel - what are the rates there anyway?