Teaching English In Bkk Voluntarily

[loki00]

Im in BKK at the moment, im here to study Thai language, ive been studying for about 7 months now. I only study twice a week so have plenty of time on my hands. Im from London, England, and i hold a TESOL certificate from the college of teachers uk (http://www.collegeofteachers.ac.uk/). My usual work in the UK is as a HVAC Engineer in London. I have a BTEC National Diploma which i think in my native UK can be classed as a Bachelor Degree equivalent, but probably not recognised as such here in Thailand.

Id like to teach English in BKK sometime in the near future, but i feel at the moment to be inexperienced at teaching and i dont really want Thai people paying hard earned money to their school for an english teacher who has very little experience. If they are paying money for me to teach them english i want to be the best teacher that i can possibly be. Ive met a lot of 'english teachers' here in Thailand who because they hold a Degree in Philosophy or Sociology, Basket Weaving etc makes them gods gift to the english teaching profession, they often dont have a clue, turning up to class late, or dont really give a dam_n about their students.

Anyway, my plan was to teach English in Bangkok voluntarily, part-time on my days off between studying, maybe for 6 months at least in order to pick up some teaching experience and confidence in order to go on and apply for paid teaching work. Does anyone know any organisations in Bangkok where i can apply or websites that i can contact? Id really like to know. Ive tried to Google 'volunteer teaching in Bangkok' but all they come up with are organisations where u have to pay an advance fee of £2000+ in order to volunteer ur services, they then pay for accomodation, transport etc etc..i dont want that...im in BKK now, have an apartment, i know my way around BKK pretty well, BTS on buses etc

I was offered a paid job recently teaching english but im going to turn it down because i feel that i have a lack of teaching experience..

Hope u guys can help me out a little...

[anthonyu]

http://www.goodwillbangkok.org/

Good on you for helping out.

[loki00]

Thanks Anthony for ur prompt reply..im grateful

[PeaceBlondie]

God bless you for wishing to help as a volunteer. However, you would violate Thai law and cause Thais to lose face. Note the disclaimer in the only URL so far: "we are not in the position of being able to offer financial, work permit or visa procurement assistance to our non-Thai volunteers, who typically are working elsewhere under valid Thai work permits." You cannot work legally. Better to work for pay, illegally (many of us have done that). Best not to offer your services. You are not Thai. Generally, they do not want your help, and that is official.

See related discussion at http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Foreigners-P...ha-t199140.html

[Mario2008]

Can't agree with Peace Blondie. I think that your help would be most welcome. I teach as a volunteer myself and so far have gotten only positive responses.

But the Thais do make it difficult for foreingers to perform volunteer work, as you you do need a workpermit for volunteer work. Without that it's illegal and you even can go to jail. Problem is finding an organisation willing to go through all the paperwork required for a workpermit. Most don't know how and will not offer help with a workpermit.

You ould also have a look at the duang prateep foundation.

http://en.dpf.or.th/

Edited July 12, 2008 by Mario2008