Hey all,

Please help if you can -

I'm new here. I'm 25, coming from Los Angeles USA, looking to find a teaching job in March/April. The visa thing is so confusing.

1. Basically, if I'm coming there to look for work what type of visa should I be applying for through the consulate?? It seems like all I can get is a tourist visa for 30 or 60 days. With a tourist visa am I able to get a non-imm after I find a job?

2. If I need to show a departure ticket within 30 days upon arrival - what does one do about that? Book a ticket to somewhere nearby and then re-enter?

Thanks!! And I apologize if this has been answered already.

Edited December 7, 200718 yr by radaraa

Yes to all. A tourist visa is all you will obtain at most official Consulates without paperwork and if you find employment you can then take the paperwork to a nearby Consulate and obtain a non immigrant B visa. Suggest you read the teaching forum when you have the chance.

Yes to all. A tourist visa is all you will obtain at most official Consulates without paperwork and if you find employment you can then take the paperwork to a nearby Consulate and obtain a non immigrant B visa. Suggest you read the teaching forum when you have the chance.

Thanks! Any suggestions on what destination to book the departure ticket to after the 30 days - cheapest/easiest for returning?

They do not normally require an onward ticket for tourist visa issue to Americans as far as I know. If you have to obtain one a refundable ticket to Singapore would probably be the best, and perhaps you could use if need to obtain visa later. Or you could book a cut rate AirAsia ticket and discard if you don't want to travel.

I assume you have a college degree, teaching experience, and a TOEFL/TEFL certificate if you plan to teach English.

I assume you have a college degree, teaching experience, and a TOEFL/TEFL certificate if you plan to teach English.

I have a BA and 2 years tutoring experience in the US . Is this not sufficient? I've read you can still get a job with a degree and no TEFL. Do I need a TEFL and experience?

I assume you've already checked out the salaries teachers of English get. I heard they're not very good. Just a thought.

Best wishes for your future in Thailand.

Edited December 8, 200718 yr by wineman

"I assume you have a college degree, teaching experience, and a TOEFL/TEFL certificate if you plan to teach English."

Why would a native speaker ever take a TOEFL test?

To learn a few tricks on how to Teach English as a Foreign Language in Thailand?