Greetings all-

I've been looking into going to Chiang Mai to teach for about half a year, and I'd like feedback on whether or not I need a job before going over to Thailand in order to get the appropriate visa. From what research I've done, I assume I need a 'non-immigrant B' visa.

Last year, I taught English in the Czech Republic, where no visa was needed for employment as a TEFL teacher. The people I came into contact with who found their teaching jobs sight-unseen over the internet prior to arriving were usually placed in fairly undesirable classroom settings, far from the center of Prague. I landed a job in a nice school about a week after my TEFL course had ended, and was hoping job-hunting would be almost as easy in Thailand.

Here's what I'm thinking about doing, and I'd appreciate all guidance you may have in the matter: Instead of getting a job in Thailand before I leave the US, I want to get a 90-day tourist visa and just look for jobs while in Chiang Mai. If and when I get a job, I assume I'd be able to extend my visa for employment from within Thailand?

Any help, personal experience, or information will be appreciated!

Thank you (korp k'un, right?) Todd

If you come on a tourist visa, you will have to leave the country to get a non-imm b. Some smaller consulates will issue a "b" without the letter from the employer, this will save you a trip out of the country.

Non-Immigrant B visa and a letter from a "potential" employer confirming they will hire you. Read the contract carefully and don't let them make changes afterwards, I resigned 3 days before the 1st semester (did summer camp), after my employer "forgot about the contractual agreement" . Freaked 'em out but they know now not to mess around with me.

Greetings all-

I've been looking into going to Chiang Mai to teach for about half a year, and I'd like feedback on whether or not I need a job before going over to Thailand in order to get the appropriate visa.  From what research I've done, I assume I need a 'non-immigrant B' visa. 

Last year, I taught English in the Czech Republic, where no visa was needed for employment as a TEFL teacher.  The people I came into contact with who found their teaching jobs sight-unseen over the internet prior to arriving were usually placed in fairly undesirable classroom settings, far from the center of Prague.  I landed a job in a nice school about a week after my TEFL course had ended, and was hoping job-hunting would be almost as easy in Thailand. 

Here's what I'm thinking about doing, and I'd appreciate all guidance you may have in the matter:  Instead of getting a job in Thailand before I leave the US, I want to get a 90-day tourist visa and just look for jobs while in Chiang Mai.  If and when I get a job, I assume I'd be able to extend my visa for employment from within Thailand? 

Any help, personal experience, or information will be appreciated! 

Thank you (korp k'un, right?)                    Todd

Get a letter of offer of employment from an undesirable school and use that to get a multiple entry non-immigrant B visa in your home country. If you have no contract, you are free to go and look for a more desirable place to work after you arrive here.

www.ajarn.com

Thanks for the suggestions, now I have to start job hunting!

Todd

Thanks for the suggestions, now I have to start job hunting!

Todd

Let us know how it works out. I'm looking for teaching job also. sheers