Questions About Qualifications

[Scott]

Interesting otherstuff, because that is exactly what I call Thai History. I wonder if we know each other!! The school where I work has 3 Africans (all from Africa). None of them teach English. They teach subjects such as math and science.

[PeaceBlondie]

Columbia is Ivy League. Few Thais know that, or could name half of them.

[Phatcharanan]

Columbia is Ivy League. Few Thais know that, or could name half of them.

Same as us Brits.

[bunji]

I have a question. I am a white english man 40 years employed by a school north of bangkok for the last 3 months. I have no degree only a Btec national cert in '88 (about the same as 4 x A levels) I have handed in all paperwork to school and they tell me no problem for work permits etc.. this is contrary to everything the other teachers in the school have told me regarding the minimum requirement for a degree. I have been told I am a good 1st time teacher, but can I teach in thailand without a degree? if no, what are my school up too?

[Scott]

I don't know the circumstances of the school, but if they can get you a WP, that's great. There are a lot of variables. I know of a school that has completely qualified teachers (including some with Teacher's Licenses from Western Countries), they have been unable to get WP's for any teachers. This is because of some paperwork the school hasn't been able to comply with. Recently, this was finished and the school is now properly licensed or approved or whatever and slowly, WP's are being granted.

[Jakck]

Hello everyone,

My name is Jack, I went to Thailand recently for a month and I loved it. I am now preparing to come and teach English in october. I'm startin to think that it may not be so easy to get a job, its seems like theres a lot less jobs and they have higher requirements. I just want to know how I'm gonna do with my qualifications, and what I'm worth.

I have a Bachelors degree in communications

When I get to Thailand Ill be taking a Chang Mai TEFL course

I have no teaching experience

I am 27

I don't care if I have to work in a small town and I'm not expecting to be rich, I just don't want to go all the way there and not find a job.

thank you for your help

[Scott]

Take a look at the pinned topic on Teacher's Licenses. This will impact you, but it depends on how long you are planning on staying here.

Best of luck.

[pattaetsz]

Dear friends!

I embarked in your harbor from well forgotten USSR where native English teachers hardly overnumbered a dozen times all of my fingers. Schools were teaching English but the process could have been endless. I myself wish I understand more singers but Sinatra and Presley, newertheless You are readind a message from a teacher job seeker. Why not? Today I was looking through an English textbook for grade 7 (4-th year of study). Reasonable and well understandable. I have been reading this forum for the whole night so the TEFL question is clear. What about "degree"? After 11 years within secondary school I joined and graduated from a what can be considered a university with its 5,5 years. At that time we were granted a "diploma". Higher education in USSR presumed 5+ years and proveded nothing but "diploma". Not hard to guess what my question is. Valid in Thai, invalid or "may be"?

Have been four times, got to like Thailand, definitly dont like a 1000 km circle around Moscow so the choice is much in favor of Thai, politics for another forums.

[Scott]

I am not sure what your question is, but if you are asking about your degree, I believe you qualify. If you attended 5.5 years of University and received a 'diploma' (degree), it would be the equivalent of a Bachelor's Degree.

[pattaetsz]

I am not sure what your question is, but if you are asking about your degree, I believe you qualify. If you attended 5.5 years of University and received a 'diploma' (degree), it would be the equivalent of a Bachelor's Degree.

That very question it was. Thanks a lot, Scott.

[agdowlin]

Hello all,

Could someone please give me some advice as to what an Associates Degree (2 year) is worth as far as teaching english here in Thailand. I have heard that you can find teaching jobs without any degree, though most schools prefer you to have a Bachelors Degree or higher. I guess what I am asking is -- does having an Associates Degree make you any more valueable than not having a degree?

Thanks in advance.

[Scott]

Places which require a degree, require a Bachelor's degree. An Associates Degree may help a little, in that you did attend higher education.

Best of luck to you.

[ScouseTommy]

Hi, just a quick one. I have competed my TEFl and extra specialist certificate in teaching elementary level and young learners. I keep seeing contradictory messages on various forums. Some say i would be in demand, some say most of the jobs in BKK are gone. Some are saying because i dont have a degree i will be paid substantially less than other farang teachers. What is the current situation? Also what sort of support structures are available for new teachers, who actually WANT to teach as opposed to funding some travelling?

Thanks

[PeaceBlondie]

Welcome.

Not too late for May hires. Non-degreed newbies get less chances and pay. Most Thai schools provide limited support.

[micls]

Hi,

Myself and my partner are planning on moving to Thailand to teach during the summer. We would be looking to find jobs by the start of September at the latest. A couple of questions:

1) How much of an advantage is it to do the tefl course in Thailand rather than here(Ireland). I ask because the course is much cheaper here, in fact it's only half the price.

2) Is a 100hour online course much use? Or would it be of much greater benefit to do a 120hour combined course?

I really appreciate any help, thanks.

[PeaceBlondie]

I think you need a classroom course with Thai students.

[micls]

Thanks. Were considering doing the TEFL course in Phuket. Would there be a specific one people would recommend?

[Scott]

Take a look at the banners at the top of the teaching forum. Hopefully, a few of our posters with experience will be along to give you some more expert advice.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

[mikejs]

Hi I am 39 and will graduate in May with BSc Hon in Computer Science, I was looking at going with an agency who can provide the paperwork I need in order to get my Non im B visa the pay is 30k pm no accommodation. Would I do better on my own? I have worked in a high school as a teacher’s aide for a year however I do not have a tefl. I have worked most of my life so I have good people skills.

your thoughts / comments

thanks

Mike

[PeaceBlondie]

Teaching computers in English in BKK with that degree - 35K is better.

[danielr1]

Quick question about my qualifications-

I have a Bachelors degree in Classics (not quite an English degree, but along the same lines) from Stanford University. I also took a fairly intensive term-long "Teaching English as a foreign language" class while in university, but unfortunately it didn't come with any kind of certification beyond the credits towards my degree. I, unfortunately, do not have a TEFL or any other kind of certification.

However, I have spent the last year teaching English at one of the more respectable English academies in South Korea, CDI. I've taught from young beginner students (around 11-12) to older students (15-16) who are fluent/near fluent. When my contract is up in a couple of months I'm planning to move to Thailand to teach for another year (or more?).

So, my question is, do I still need to get a TEFL certification? I've read a lot of mixed things. I've read that it's totally optional but nice to have, but I've also heard that it's an absolute legal requirement to teach in the country, regardless of experience. Also, even if I don't legally need a TEFL certificate, would it be worth it to get one online, just to help out my application and increase my chances of landing a great job? Any advice or thoughts would be really appreciated.

[Ijustwannateach]

I would say that you should be relatively good-to-go, Daniel. After you get a bit of experience, the TEFL is pretty much overkill unless you had a bad time with your teaching so far. With your Bachelor's degree and the experience you *should* be ok- though your mileage may vary depending on the employer. It can't hurt to get some sort of 'official' TEFL on top, but if you do I would recommend a classroom course, not online.

[BruceMangosteen]

but I've also heard that it's an absolute legal requirement to teach in the country

Only those selling the courses say that. Nothing is "absolute" here in Thailand. There is not a "price", only "prices". With your experience and degree, no worries. You will find something. As the old saying goes "it is easier to find a job when you have a job" applies. Good luck.

[Scott]

The law does not require a TEFL.

[KMixon]

Hello all. I will be completing my TEFL in Chiang Mai around the end of September. My question is, since this isn't the beginning of the school semester, how hard will it be to find a job? Is it unusual for schools to hire teachers in the middle of a term? And what is the school schedule like in Thailand? Thanks!

[Scott]

October there is a semester break. Some jobs will be available then, with people leaving and not returning.

The school terms are May to October and November to March.

Your TEFL provider may be able to assist you.

[Lothar]

Hi I'm new to this whole arena of both travel and teaching.

I'm currently studying the CELTA and will finish on 1 July.

I studied in Uni for 1.5 years back in 2002 but for various reasons didn't continue with the double degree.

I changed to a Diploma in Health Science (Holistic Kinesiology) a type of complimentary therapy and graduated early 2005

I also completed certificate 4's in 'Workplace training and Assessment' and 'Small Business Management.'

Total higher Education is greater than 4 years of study, but not packaged in a neat degree.

I've decided that I'd like to become a teacher and also I want to see the world.

I'm 26 and considering starting my journey in Thailand.

I am serious about wanting to be a teacher, not just a teaching tourist.

I would like to know what my prospects are for teaching in Thailand LEGALLY and what risks or effects the current political troubles (ie. red shirts vs govt) have on the situation.

Thanks all

Lothar

[Scott]

Legally a Bachelor's degree isn't required to teach, but many schools require it and getting the Teacher's License maybe problematic, although you should be able to get a waiver.

[Kuruzovich]

Is it possible to have the list in post #679 updated (as it always seems to pop up without any changes)? I work at Wells International School, and both our Thong Lor and On Nut campuses have been accredited through WASC as of July, 2009. (See WASC Accreditation). I'm sure that others schools on the list may have a different status at this point as well.

Edited June 14, 2010 by Kuruzovich

[Scott]

Hopefully someone with easy access to the information can post it. It needs to come from a credible source.