Teaching Jobs/visa In The Us For A Thai National

[blackbear]

Hi TVers,

First off I'd like to say that it's a pleasure to be here and to meet you guys!

Now for the topic of discussion. My Thai fiancee wants to get a job teaching Thai language and/or culture in the US as well as obtain the accompanying American work visa or permit. She has had a significant amount of experience at both teaching English (in Thailand) and working in an international setting. She currently works for a major international company in Bangkok and has also worked for another. However, her international experience is almost completely limited to Asian countries - that is, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, China, etc. She has had almost no experience at all with American or Western culture besides some of her college classes. Also, her English is a little less than perfect and she hasn't taken the necessary English tests that she may need to qualify for many of these jobs.

First, what I'd like to ask is this: How can we go about finding the job she wants? Currently I'm in the US and can easily help her get in touch with the schools, businesses, etc. that may be looking for a Thai teacher. However, I'm only aware of just a small few colleges and temples that teach Thai language!:S We have looked online to see what's available, but haven't had much luck. She says that although she would prefer to work as a regular teacher, she would be just as happy to start out working as a lecturer or instructor in a business setting.

Also, given the above circumstances, what are her chances of finding a teaching job in the US? If she manges to get hired, how long can she expect to wait before she gets her visa or permit approved? This is one thing she needs to know so she can start planning her resignation and subsequent move to the US well in advance.

Many, many thanks for any and all advice on these matters; it's appreciated very much! Oh, and for those who are curious, we haven't gone down the traditional marriage visa route yet since we both want to save up our money first and settle down in our careers before getting married sometime within the next year or so.