Prospects Evaluation For Bangkok University Jobs

[Northwest87]

Hi all. I have asked questions here before, and done as much of my homework as I could. I'm in the last stretch of my Master's completion and I'd like to get an opinion from people familiar with the current universities employment market in Bangkok.

I'm planning to make the move next fall. I'm 57, US passport and degrees, shooting for uni jobs in Bangkok. I'll have a B.Sc. Psychology and a M.Ed. In TESOL from lower-tier US universities, and a post-baccalaureate TESOL certificate from a good one. Experience-wise, not much aside from internship/assistant-teacher stints in college environments (practicum and extra volunteer work). I'm fluent in French (native speaker), but no teaching certs there. I have a few other skills and work track record (all provable to an employer) that may or may not be useful in teaching specialized English courses, I just don't know at this point (marketing, various areas of IT including project management, securities/finance).

I don't see many of the uni jobs advertised, as opposed to language schools and the like. Therefore I assume--if I have learned anything--that the correct strategy is to show up on a tourist visa and hit the pavement with my resume, in a coat and tie. Can do. But are there things to know as to being a "walk-in"? What are the offices to target? Who are the gatekeepers in this environment?

Are there issues with unis arranging (or not) for work permits in some circumstances and not others? That's one of my worries. The other is about medical insurance/benefits provided by the employer. What to look for? Pitfalls?

Rajabhats? Should I make these a priority due to the low work experience?

Salaries. I think that I have a handle on the basics, but what about negotiating the "extras" and the hours?

That's a lot of questions Any other info and evaluation of my prospects are most welcome.

Thanks in advance!

NW

Edited May 25, 2011 by Northwest87