No Bachelor Degree

[Keentoteach]

Hi Guys

I have just finished an online course to teach english but have no bachelor Degree. What are my chances of getting a jod in Bangkok ? Please be gentle this is my first ever post

[smokie36]

What!! Not even from an obscure southern US university??........ :whistling:

[GuestHouse]

. What are my chances of getting a jod in Bangkok ? Please be gentle this is my first ever post

What sort of Jod are you looking for?

[Ulysses G.]

Hi Guys

I have just finished an online course to teach english but have no bachelor Degree. What are my chances of getting a jod in Bangkok ? Please be gentle this is my first ever post

Your grammar, spelling and punctuation is perfect. With an Internet TEFL certificate and no teaching experience, your teaching career possibilities are unlimited.

[Tywais]

Moving to the Teaching in Thailand forum.

[Scott]

If you get a chance, take a look through some of the pinned topics at the top of the teaching sub-forum. Specifically, "Questions about Qualifications."

It is not illegal to work without a Bachelor's Degree and your recent course will help. It is, however, increasingly hard without a degree. Schools in rural areas seem to be able to get around the degree, but in the larger areas it's much harder. I believe, but I am not absolutely sure, that language schools are can hire without a degree--although most seem to want one.

In short, your options are limited, but it is possible.

[Dakhar]

Thailand, a place were "wings take dream." (classic Bushism)

[Keentoteach]

What!! Not even from an obscure southern US university??........ :whistling:

Yes not even a obscure US university. I work as a supervisor at a casino in Sydney. i'm thinking from your reaction not much chance at all.

[Keentoteach]

Thailand, a place were "wings take dream." (classic Bushism)

Thanks for the kind words. i love Thailand & want to teach.

[Keentoteach]

If you get a chance, take a look through some of the pinned topics at the top of the teaching sub-forum. Specifically, "Questions about Qualifications."

It is not illegal to work without a Bachelor's Degree and your recent course will help. It is, however, increasingly hard without a degree. Schools in rural areas seem to be able to get around the degree, but in the larger areas it's much harder. I believe, but I am not absolutely sure, that language schools are can hire without a degree--although most seem to want one.

In short, your options are limited, but it is possible.

I did look at Questions about Qualifications and they all seem to be about Bacheloe's Degree. When you do these courses they talk about job placement. most of the work requires a Degree.

Thanks for your advice

[Keentoteach]

. What are my chances of getting a jod in Bangkok ? Please be gentle this is my first ever post

What sort of Jod are you looking for?

Yes very good , a would like a jod sorry job teaching english, any ideas ?

[Chunky1]

seems like he is a perfect candidate to join the TELF community.

[Scott]

In another thread:

About post # 5, one of our forum sponsors SEETEFL has a post which might be of interest to you. The person isn't a native speaker, but he did get a job and he doesn't have a Bachelor's.

[mizzi39]

Don't worry to much. Many opportunities for degree-less teachers. Like others have stated, rural areas may be the way to go until you get experience. You probably have a better chance teaching LEGALLY in a northern (northeastern) province than in the urban city of angel...less, since many (believe it or not) schools know how to get degree-less teachers legal in the rural areas.

Many agencies in the city and the more popular areas of the LOS will be happy to take you on, and will be happy to pay you 40,000-45,000 baht per month, but don't expect them to do anything as far as WP and non B visa. They may help out with getting you to Lao in order to keep you on an "indefinite" tourist visa. I know many in BKK. that have been doing this for years, but keep in mind that this is ILLEGAL employment.

All is not lost! Just "play your hand "right, and a word of advice. Most good jobs are found the old fashioned "hitting the pavement" way. Don't waste your time applying over the internet. I assume that you are a farang, and a long way from home? Now is the the time to put your survival skills into practice. Chok dee.

Edited August 20, 2010 by mizzi39

[Keentoteach]

Hi Guys

I have just finished an online course to teach english but have no bachelor Degree. What are my chances of getting a jod in Bangkok ? Please be gentle this is my first ever post

Your grammar, spelling and punctuation is perfect. With an Internet TEFL certificate and no teaching experience, your teaching career possibilities are unlimited.

Hmm sounds like you are taking the piss out of me, hope you enjoyed it.

[Scott]

Let's take care not to start a series of off-topic posts. The teaching thread doesn't concentrate on spelling or grammar--unless someone specifically is asking for assistance in that area.

It's an internet forum and as such, the style is often much more similar to talking, with the occasional missed word and typo.

[wolf5370]

Not sure about Bangkok, but up in CM you would find it difficult to get a 40k job teaching without a degree and teaching experience. You could go the illegal (no WP) language school/private lesson route and so many people do this, it is overlooked I believe simply because the places simply could not be filled with legitimate teachers.

I know someone that teaches in a government school and earns around the 40k mark, but he had to sign up to do a correspondence degree on the internet - this allowed the school to get past the MoE with respect to the WP (so I am told).

Unless you land a school, then I expect somewhere in the low 20k would be available quite easily (if not legally) - unless you work your nuts off with private lessons. In CM 250-500 Baht/Hr (usually the lower end of this - 300ish) is normal for language schools - only paid for hours worked.

The problem with an online TEFL is that you get absolutely no teaching experience - at least with a class based one, they usually include a few hours of real lessons to real kids.

As said above - go with your CV looking very smart, ask to see the director, wai nicely and speak clearly and confidently. Some school directors will hire based on your native tongue and smart dress. Don't apply by email/post and don't drop you CV off with the security guard.

As said, not sure about BKK, but generally I think our chances of getting something is pretty good - if you can live on the wages is another matter entirely.

Edited August 21, 2010 by wolf5370

[Bartman747]

I would say go for it, I am in the same position as you as I don't have a degree either. I have only been in Thai 4 months but I have recently got a job in a private school earning 37 000 bath per month. They are also doing all my paper work for me to get my non B then said they would apply for my work permit. I have already managed to get my teaching permit with their help so all good so far and I consider myself lucky to have this job.

I am living in Korat so like many others have said I think outside of the major cities are more accepting. At one point I was out of work for 10 days and called a few agencies telling them straight away that I had no degree and few days I was offered another interview which I turned having got this job. I would agree that I am sure it is easier with a degree but certainly not impossible.

[Scott]

Bartman, thanks for the information. It's much more credible when it comes straight from the horses mouth.

Keep us posted about your situation and if you run into any questions or problems that arise with not having a degree.

Again, thanks.

[Bartman747]

Bartman, thanks for the information. It's much more credible when it comes straight from the horses mouth.

Keep us posted about your situation and if you run into any questions or problems that arise with not having a degree.

Again, thanks.

Yep will do. So far I had 2 part time jobs before my current. Both part time jobs never even asked me about a degree. I was honest immediately in both interviews as I also was in my current job and told them I not have a degree. The part time jobs did not seem to even care, I was on 400 baht ph so still quite a good job, just unfortunately only 6 hrs per week. My new job did advertise for someone with a degree but it was such an ideal job for where I lived plus I was able to start straight away I thought I would apply for it. At the interview I told them of no degree but I did sell the fact I had a good grade 4 TESOL plus I had got experience at the part time jobs. Thay said they not mind about the degree as I would be on a 3 month probation but this is normal anyway. Being smartly dressed helped a lot I am sure. My school happens to be a private catholic school so I think it really help when I told them I was also catholic. This is not a lie, as I am, so may be that made up for the no degree bit. Anyway I will be going to Laos in a few weeks so I will let you no how I get on with my B visa and work permit.

[mizzi39]

I would say go for it, I am in the same position as you as I don't have a degree either. I have only been in Thai 4 months but I have recently got a job in a private school earning 37 000 bath per month. They are also doing all my paper work for me to get my non B then said they would apply for my work permit. I have already managed to get my teaching permit with their help so all good so far and I consider myself lucky to have this job.

I am living in Korat so like many others have said I think outside of the major cities are more accepting. At one point I was out of work for 10 days and called a few agencies telling them straight away that I had no degree and few days I was offered another interview which I turned having got this job. I would agree that I am sure it is easier with a degree but certainly not impossible.

Teaching permit? I have been teaching in a Govt. school for the past 3 years and never heard of a teaching permit. Does this only apply to private schools? How did you manage to get a permit to teach when at this time of writing you are teaching illegally? Sorry for being so forward, but something doesn't sound right. Please clarify.:jap:

Edited August 23, 2010 by mizzi39

[Scott]

I believe he is talking about the Teacher's License, although in this case, I believe it is a waiver of the Teacher's License.

[Scott]

I am not 100% confident of the exact order of things, but I believe we apply for the Teacher's License before the non-immigrant B. The officer wants to see the TL or Waiver before granting the extension of stay. Hopefully someone will be able to shed more light on this, but the Teacher's Council doesn't really have much to do with immigration, so it's not like the left hand would know (or care) what the right hand is doing.

There is also (usually) a letter from the Ministry of Education that states that the persons degree or records have been reviewed and request the immigration to grant a non-immigrant B visa.

Edited August 23, 2010 by Scott
added info

[mizzi39]

If I am remembering correctly my director got me the waiver first and then I brought that to immigration. I had been on a tourist visa for 7 months before switching over to a Non B. Since i still had enough time left on the tourist visa I was able to avoid leaving the country. I think my situation went something like this:

1. Received the waiver, along with contract and other paperwork from my employer.

2. Applied for WP (in the province where I reside and work). Dropped them off a packet which included copy's of waiver, contract, invite letter, etc.

3. Went to BKK and had my visa status changed to a Non B after presenting proof of employment. (duplicate copy's that were presented to the employment office) I was stamped for 3 months at this time.

4. Went back to employment office (2 days later) and showed them the Non B. Received my WP good for 3 months.

5. 3 months later went to the provincial immigration office and received my 1 year extension.

6. Went back to the employment office (same day) and received 1year stamp in my WP.

Having early Alzheimer's is tough, but i think the above is accurate.

[Bartman747]

All I can say is what I was and am being told to do by my school. In my first week of working at the school they sent me to the MoE to get what the MoE told me was a teachers permit. MoE told me it was needed for me to get a Non B. The MoE did correct me when I called it a license, they said it was not a license it is a temporary permit until the school get the license. I think this is the bit where I should of had a BA but the MoE said my paperwork was in very good order, which they said was unusual and then they gave me the permit. Then I ran away, lol. My school then use that piece of paper to apply for license. Once I have the license I can then go to the boarder.

I did have to go to the boarder few weeks ago, and school said have a go at trying to get a Non B but they were confident I would be turned down without the license. The visa plp at Laos told me that because it is a private school I need the license and not just a permit. They said if it was a government school the permit I got from MoE would have been enough to get a Non B. As well as copies of my contract and invitation letters of course.

I am no expert of any of this I have only done one visa run so all I am doing is what my school have told me to do. However everything they told me would happen, has happened and they do seem very professional about anything to do with my visa. I have to go back to the boarder before Oct 8th so I will prob go end of September an I will let you know how I get on with getting my Non B. The school said once I have a Non B they will apply for my work permit. Plus all the other foreign teachers in my school said that I am following the same procedure that they did and they now have there non B and WP, so I am confident the school knows what it is doing.

[futureexpat10]

...but keep in mind that this is ILLEGAL employment.

. Chok dee.

I'm in a similar posiition, three years of college, an associate's degree, and no bachelor's degree.

I want to move to Thailand permanently, and will have to support myself until reaching early retirement age.

Teaching English seems to be the best solution for income, even though it will be modest at first because I

haven't taught in classrooms and therefore, have no experience.

Since I'd be working illegally, what are the possible consequences and/or penalties?

Two things I don't want are jail time or permanent deportation.

I realize that many "look the other way" but, hypothetically, what if I'm caught teaching illegally by someone

in a very bad mood?

Thanks for the info, and yes, chok dee.

Edited August 29, 2010 by futureexpat10

[Scott]

I am off to work, but there is a thread about "Mr Hippos day in court" or something like that in an older thread that discusses what happens.

Hopefully, someone can direct you to it. If not, I will try and find the link later in the day.

[futureexpat10]

I am off to work, but there is a thread about "Mr Hippos day in court" or something like that in an older thread that discusses what happens.

Hopefully, someone can direct you to it. If not, I will try and find the link later in the day.

Thanks Scott. I did a search and found the thread, and it ain't pretty.

Apparently, the police raided a school and arrested one person on a retirement visa and others who were married to Thais and had marrage visas. There are multiple pages and I've just started reading. Here's a quote from someone that would send shivers down anyones spine who is working illegally:

Quote:

"Working without a WP is a serious offensive. It carries a jail term of up to 5 years under the new labour law. The regulations are how ever so that paying a fine is encouraged with subsequent deportation. Being on a retirement visa or being married to a Thai national is of no consideration."

I still want to move to Thailand, but it won't be by teaching English illegally.

Thanks again for the info.

[elshaheen]

All I can say is what I was and am being told to do by my school. In my first week of working at the school they sent me to the MoE to get what the MoE told me was a teachers permit. MoE told me it was needed for me to get a Non B. The MoE did correct me when I called it a license, they said it was not a license it is a temporary permit until the school get the license. I think this is the bit where I should of had a BA but the MoE said my paperwork was in very good order, which they said was unusual and then they gave me the permit. Then I ran away, lol. My school then use that piece of paper to apply for license. Once I have the license I can then go to the boarder.

I did have to go to the boarder few weeks ago, and school said have a go at trying to get a Non B but they were confident I would be turned down without the license. The visa plp at Laos told me that because it is a private school I need the license and not just a permit. They said if it was a government school the permit I got from MoE would have been enough to get a Non B. As well as copies of my contract and invitation letters of course.

I am no expert of any of this I have only done one visa run so all I am doing is what my school have told me to do. However everything they told me would happen, has happened and they do seem very professional about anything to do with my visa. I have to go back to the boarder before Oct 8th so I will prob go end of September an I will let you know how I get on with getting my Non B. The school said once I have a Non B they will apply for my work permit. Plus all the other foreign teachers in my school said that I am following the same procedure that they did and they now have there non B and WP, so I am confident the school knows what it is doing.

Online TEFL, only if your interviewer can't read or is half blind. Basically, you get what you pay for. No, I mean no respectable employeer will even consider an Online TEFL.

[Ijustwannateach]

I think this is a good time to mention the following rarely-enforced subforum guideline:

11. Posters who are suspected of baiting the other members through behaviors such as:

a. Starting multiple threads without following up with posts in their previous threads

b. Starting threads with suspiciously contrived spelling and grammar errors

c. Commenting off-topic in a manner which derails threads, especially in ways which go off-topic or break other forum guidelines

may find their topics closed or themselves warned.

OP, if you are not trolling, this is one of the few occasions on which I would advise you not seek a teaching job in any capacity in Thailand; otherwise you are trolling and the thread should be closed anyway.