My daughter holds a 3 year college diploma in advanced broadcasting from a Canadian college. She is thinking about going to Thailand to teach English. She is 24 and holds a Thai and Canadian passport as well as Thai ID card. She grew up in Canada since age 5 and obviously speaks English as a first language. She also speaks enough Thai to get by but does not read or write Thai.

 

Questions:

 

University Degree vs. College Diploma - Any issues or challenges finding work?

 

Will being Thai make it easier to find work or harder? Will she be paid Falang wages?

 

Should she do her TEFL in Canada or in Thailand? Do they look at it any differently when looking for work? She could do her TEFL at the local university here in Canada.

 

She has an uncle who teaches in Salakam and a cousin teaching in Koh Chang. We just want as much advice as possible.

 

I know she doesn't need a work permit. She is interested in working in Khon Kaen.

 

Regards,

 

Tony

It will be difficult as Thai schools want foreign looking NES teachers to impress parents.  TEFL not necessary but she will need bachelors degree. Best bet is kindergarten as they prefer young female teachers and pay more than other levels.

TEFL isn't a legal requirement. Many schools require though. Without onsite training that includes teaching practices, how will she know what to do in the classroom?

 

There are two schools of thought here: 1. waste of money so don't do; you'll be able to get by by watching a few YouTube videos and blagging it, or 2. you'll feel as though you'll have a good idea what to do and how to do it if you take a reputable onsite TEFL with observed teaching practices at local schools (in country is better as you'll also receive local job support).

 

Your choice makes a big difference to your experience.

 

She doesn't need a work permit, so doesn't need a degree, because of her Thai passport. However, her Thai passport will also limit her salary and lack of degree will prevent her from becoming a licensed Thai teacher.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 5, 20178 yr by Loaded

She could easily get a job working for an agency. But please think thrice which one you choose.

 

A few of them come up with incredible contracts, for example only nine months pay.....etc...  Please watch out.Good luck ! 

 

   

I'm sure your daughter will be perfect, but Thailand is unhealthily fixated with the need for a degree to teach, even placing this above the recognized industry standard. She will still be able to teach here and there provided she gets her face known, and stands more chance up country.  Unfortunately, even taking a TESL course still won't allow her to qualify for mainstream teaching.  It is amazing how some enterprising individuals manage to defy common perceived wisdom, in so doing landing themselves a nice little earner in a good location, so I wouldn't want to paint too negative a picture.

 

This sub-forum tends to be unusually populated with rather bitter, and somewhat bigoted folk, so just try to stick with those who give an even handed opinion, and try to assess who speaks from ground level experience.