TorJay

If your wife has a degree, I would suggest that SHE get a teaching job (or any other employment) and you go under her visa. If that's a possible scenario, it would be the course of least resistance.

As for your questions. Can you teach? Probably, but without a degree, you may encounter some problems in securing a waiver for the Teacher's License and subsequently for the non-immigrant B visa and Work Permit.

There is a lot of inconsistency in how the regulations are applied, so it depends on where you are living/working.

If I were in your shoes, I would seriously re-consider coming to Thailand to Teach as a career move, especially with the added responsibility of a family--but that's just a personal aside.

Thanks for the reply, Scott.

She does not have a degree either.

I really like the LOS and want to be able to work/live there without any headaches. But, after all my research it seems that it may not be doable.

In my opinion, a degree means absolutely nothing. I have had many a co-op student with a degree in my office where I wonder how they ever got through university. Life experiences and training SHOULD count for something if employers want knowledgeable people.

Oh well. I could always try China.

This is a great topic. I am pleased to see that everyone has their questions answered.

Here is my scenario:

I am currently living in Canada and am a Canadian citizen.

I am engaged to a Filipina that is residing in the Philippines.

We plan to get married within the year.

I have a College Diploma but no university degree. I have a TESL Diploma with 100 hours of in class training and a 20 hour practicum.

I have been a Paralegal for the past 10+ years.

I have 3 years experience teaching Law at the college level.

I have two DUIs on my record but have been sober for years.

I would like to teach ESL in Thailand with a valid work permit. I don't want to work illegally.

Questions: Can I realistically get a work permit to teach in Thailand with my qualifications (or, lack thereof) and record? And if so, is there such a thing as a spousal visa so that my Filipina finacee could accompany me?

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