After School/holidays British Curriculum Lessons?

[markandclaire]

Hi, we're two British qualified teachers (Claire primary with specialism in music and special educational needs, Mark secondary with specialism in English/literature). We qualified recently (Claire this year, Mark last) from St. Martin's Teacher Training College in Lancaster, England with 2:1 degrees and have both taught regularly over the past four years in placements, paid employment and tutoring.

Having talked to a few of our new Chiang Mai friends we thought there might be interest in supplementary classes either after school or during holidays for children of parents who are unwilling to use the private school system, or just anyone who wants to leave open the opportunity to return to the UK by keeping their children "in the loop" of the British curriculum (which changes at least annually!). It might also be of interest to anyone who wants their children to follow SATs/GCSEs/A-levels to help with school and university applications.

So really we just wanted to know if there would be any demand? We're working on an education consulting project so not expecting to make a fortune, just an interesting sideline and a good networking opportunity. We'd try work out a venue deal with a hotel or expat bar if sufficient numbers, or home tutor if only a few. Our Thai number is 0821098905 if you want to chat, or just reply here. Cheers!

[Loaded]

Let's say a couple of qualified Thai teachers came to England on tourist visas and tried to set up a small tutorial school in a hotel or pub. How long would they last before they were arrested and deported? Thailand also has strict immigration and labour laws.

Saying that, you would probably never be caught but...

Edited February 17, 2009 by Loaded

[realthaideal]

Along the same lines of Loaded.... there're alot of ppl here who're qualified teachers looking to pick up hours. If you are in a position to legally advertise, more power to you. But joining the forum community isn't the best way to do that. Sponsors pay to advertise here. If you were, say, a long-time contributing member, then a little hint that services were available would be much better received posted alongside all of your other community contributions. If your friends know there's a need, then go by word of mouth n set it up yourself. Probbly the best way to do it.

Feel free to jump in any time to the other forum topics; you'll be welcomed. It's just that we often see a new person pop up with things 'Gimme a job, Buy my house, etc. For that, there's the classifieds as well. These boards are more about discussions.

[PeaceBlondie]

In addition to agreeing with my usual friends here, who have taught in Chiang Mai, I would also wonder how much call there is for such services. Most Brits who can afford it have their kids in international schools here, and do not need much tutoring. SAT and IELTS tutoring is available through licensed learning centres.

[markandclaire]

Judging from the stream of abuse, it seems the land of smiles hasn't touched everybody's heart. By no means was I advertising - I was seeking to start a discussion as to whether such services exist and to what quality. I'm not on a tourist visa looking to pick up hours, I'm on a job-seeker business visa and already have legitimate work. As a professional in England, I wanted to know how well received or required my skills would be in this country and then decide if it would be worth going through the mountain of paperwork. So any replies welcome, particularly if you have something useful to add.

[Yorkshire Lass]

Judging from the stream of abuse, it seems the land of smiles hasn't touched everybody's heart. By no means was I advertising - I was seeking to start a discussion as to whether such services exist and to what quality. I'm not on a tourist visa looking to pick up hours, I'm on a job-seeker business visa and already have legitimate work. As a professional in England, I wanted to know how well received or required my skills would be in this country and then decide if it would be worth going through the mountain of paperwork. So any replies welcome, particularly if you have something useful to add.

Hi Mark and Claire

Having searched for these services in the past I can confirm that they are very thin on the ground.... and yes there is a need for them, even if your kids go to international schools! I know of a maths tutor here in Chiang Mai that is fully booked with children that need either extra help with their maths or are going back into the British system at some point.

I have sent you a PM message to discuss this further.

YL

[bojo]

Hi, we're two British qualified teachers (Claire primary with specialism in music and special educational needs, Mark secondary with specialism in English/literature). We qualified recently (Claire this year, Mark last) from St. Martin's Teacher Training College in Lancaster, England with 2:1 degrees and have both taught regularly over the past four years in placements, paid employment and tutoring.

Having talked to a few of our new Chiang Mai friends we thought there might be interest in supplementary classes either after school or during holidays for children of parents who are unwilling to use the private school system, or just anyone who wants to leave open the opportunity to return to the UK by keeping their children "in the loop" of the British curriculum (which changes at least annually!). It might also be of interest to anyone who wants their children to follow SATs/GCSEs/A-levels to help with school and university applications.

So really we just wanted to know if there would be any demand? We're working on an education consulting project so not expecting to make a fortune, just an interesting sideline and a good networking opportunity. We'd try work out a venue deal with a hotel or expat bar if sufficient numbers, or home tutor if only a few. Our Thai number is 0821098905 if you want to chat, or just reply here. Cheers!

I would say there is definitely demand for your services both with Thai kids whose English programmes are not up to much and foreign kids where English is their second language. Many foreigners whose kids are Thai/mixed race have their kids in the Thai schools, usually because of the high cost of the international schools and I'm sure they would jump at the chance of having their kids English improved/ brushed up with professional tuition. I'm sure you'll work out the best wat to go forward with regards legalities, try to keep below the radar.

And of course word of mouth is by far the best means of gaining new clients , not least the cheapest.

best of luck regards Bojo

[PeaceBlondie]

It is good to see that the original poster has clarified what they meant, because their first post sounded just like an ad for (illegal) work. IMHO, the replies were hardly abusive. Good luck, Claire and Mark.