How Do Thai Schools Differ?

[mayacan]

Hi,

I'm been reading a little bit from the different posts here on this site. Can I get a clear description of the different types schools and levels in Thailand for foreign teachers.

I've read about government, private, university, and international schools.In terms of quality, how do they differ? In terms of qualifications, how do they differ? .....and in terms of pay scale, how do they differ? Are there any other types of schools that I'm leaving out?

I understand that to teach at the university level, one must need a master degree. I'm an experience high schoo teacherl in California, been teaching for 14 years (Social Sciences), have a teaching credential, and I also have been a high school varsity basketball coach for 20 years. I taught English conversation in Korea back in the 90's too, so I have experience teaching in a foreign country as well.

With my qualifications, where can I maximize my expereince with pay? Is it possible to at least make 60,000 to 70,000 baht a month with my qualifications? I've read that it might be possible to teach english courses as well as subjects in my field (World History, Sociology, U.S. History, Government). Would it be possible to also coach basketball in Thailand too? Does Thailand have an organized high school or university level basketball program?...and finally, w at what types of schools would I be able to teach these subjects?

I would appreciate any information in regard to my many questions, thank you.

Mayacan from Los Angeles

[Rumpole]

Just about the only way you are going to make 60,000 to 70,000 is by teaching at one of the handful of genuine international schools (not one of the Thai owned and managed places, which in reality are about as international as som tom). These schools almost always recruit outside Thailand and will not generally hire locally.

It's quite possible to teach other subjects in Thailand, but I really don't think you are going to make anywhere near 60,000 or 70,000, except at the international schools. Thai government universities pay about 23,000 to 25,000, with no other benefits, and the salaries have not increased for at least 15 years. Private universities pay a little more. Universities may not always require a master's degree, though. Depends how desperate they are for warm bodies.

The attrition rate for professional foreign educators in Thailand (except perhaps at the international schools) is quite high. The country attracts very few, and the absymal education system and often appalling working conditions quickly manage to alienate those that do decide to venture there. You might like to think about this before you throw in a good job at home to go to Thailand.

Sorry, can't help you with the basketball.

Edited August 26, 2005 by Rumpole

[Ijustwannateach]

I've responded to the qualification questions you raise here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...ic=15861&st=150

You may find reading the rest of that thread beneficial.

[mayacan]

I've responded to the qualification questions you raise here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...ic=15861&st=150

You may find reading the rest of that thread beneficial.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you for your response. Now the question is, how do I find out what are the "real" international schools that hire quality teachers for quality pay, and how do I get the necessary information for the application process? Also, when does the school year begin and end for these schools?

[kenkannif]

Do a search I put a list of some good 'proper' ones on here before....bit old though now.

[Ijustwannateach]

Here's a link with emails that may help... they can tell you if they're willing to hire you independently or if you have to go through the International Schools recruiting system (and if so, I suspect they can also give you contact information for that system).

http://www.asiatradingonline.com/internationalschools.htm

If you're more interested in Uni teaching, see the 2nd page of the Q about Q thread for a list of universities with "international programs" here.

"Steven"

[kenkannif]

I personally am not sure if he's even qualified to work at a good International school???

[Ijustwannateach]

Not sure- some of the Int. schools may need Ed. credentials, but he has an in-state teacher's qual in his own country plus lots of experience, so what's not to like?... Considering that his subject is social sciences, however, his choice of schools may be limited to the American ones in which he's familiar with the curriculum.

[mayacan]

Not sure- some of the Int. schools may need Ed. credentials, but he has an in-state teacher's qual in his own country plus lots of experience, so what's not to like?...  Considering that his subject is social sciences, however, his choice of schools may be limited to the American ones in which he's familiar with the curriculum.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Steven,

Thank you very much for the web site info, it's greatly appreciated, and very helpful.

From what I've been reading on this site, it seems that a large percentage of foreign teachers in Thailand are not state credentialed in their native country, and come to LOS without much experience. It would seem to me that my experience and qualifications would be more than satisfactory. I am one of the top instructors at my high school. I have sterling evaluations from my dept. chair and Vice Principal. Our school sends 60 -70% of our graduates to 4 year universities yearly. I will also be starting a masters program the first of the year.

I have visited LOS 4 times, and really enjoy touring the historical sites, palaces, & temples each time I visit. I just spent 3 weeks there this past summer, and had my best visit to date. Teaching in LOS is something that I'm thinking about for the future, maybe in the next 2 to 5 years from now if the situation is right. I have good girlfriend there, I love the culture and people, and if the relationship blossoms, then who knows..........once again, thanks again.

Mayacan

[Ijustwannateach]

I'd place the "offer a beer" icon here, but there doesn't seem to be one! Anyway, cheers, Mayacan! I think as long as you can find the right *place* here, qualifications shouldn't be a major issue with you.

"Steven"