Help! Teach Kamphaeng Phet Or Nan?

[desousa]

Hello y'all,

I'm a 23 year-old English teacher in Madrid heading to Thailand in a few weeks, and I've yet to decide on two offers that I've been made. I must make my choice by tonight before my coordinators decide to hunt me down. Any tips/ideas would help tremendously.

Anyone been to either Kamphaeng Phet or Nan? Would love to hear any experiences!

Both offers are nearly-identical, I've written down the pros/cons of each, yet I'm still largely undecided (what a privileged dilemma).

For the offer in Kamphaeng Phet, about five hours from Bangkok- teaching in a supposedly/(relatively)-high-tech high school, along with two other Americans between 30-40 (so, slightly older than me). The company has promised to help with permits and visas, and from correspondence they seem quite knowledgeable and helpful. It's a year-long contract, no vacation time for the first six months, and accommodation is not included in the package.

For the offer in Pua, Nan, about twelve hours from Bangkok and hours from any city- same basic details, teaching in a regular high school with two other foreign instructors between 23-27, aren't quite as knowledgeable about visas and permits but seem willing to work with me, provide a 4-month contract that can be extended, opportunities to work in different parts of the country, vacation days are allowed in the first semester, and for the same income as the first offer, they include accommodation.

I'm not sure exactly what to ask, but as a 23-year-old who wants to truly immerse himself in teaching but still wants to have some degree of travel experiences and maybe even a social life, which would you recommend? I've taught in rural Venezuela, so I kind of know what I'm in for, but coming from gorgeous, wonderful, exciting Madrid, I just don't want to feel so lonely that I won't be able to give my best effort.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to get involved here somehow!

- Jorge

[chowny77]

To be honest both places do not offer much in the way of things to do. I have been to Kamphaeng Phet twice, once by choice to see what it was like and once by force by my school for a seminar. I have been to Nan more, one because I have to go there for visa extentions the other time was for a wedding. Unless you have access to a motorcycle (scooter) or a bicycle both place are pretty well spread out. I would go for Kamphaeng Phet if I were you and try to work out a deal to get the accommodation thrown in with your contract. Be cheeky and ask. They can only say no.

Anthony

[AnandaSatvha]

Who needs a big city when you have an amazing forest next to your school? Can you teach me some more spanglish amigo?

[fredob43]

To be honest both places do not offer much in the way of things to do. I have been to Kamphaeng Phet twice, once by choice to see what it was like and once by force by my school for a seminar. I have been to Nan more, one because I have to go there for visa extentions the other time was for a wedding. Unless you have access to a motorcycle (scooter) or a bicycle both place are pretty well spread out. I would go for Kamphaeng Phet if I were you and try to work out a deal to get the accommodation thrown in with your contract. Be cheeky and ask. They can only say no.

Anthony

I live in K.P.Phet and I can tell you it's a great place to stay, live, and teach. Real Thailand nothing like the tourist's place's. In the last few year's it has become well sorted for shopping and general amenities, and unlike the above I dont think it's to spread out I live on the edge of K.P.Phet and when the sister in law come's to visit she go's everyware but push bike. Not been to Nan so can't help there. If you decide on K.P.Phet send me a PM and I can show you the sight's and introduce you to local peep's, Lot's of cheap accomodation. Hope this help's. Edited June 18, 2012 by fredob43

[Krupnik]

Sorry to sound negative but neither places will offer you anything in terms of social life, especially at your age, not only that but both places are pretty far from anywhere that will. You might want to make further applications...?

[desousa]

Thanks for the responses! Krupnik, not negative, just real! Thank you

I've let my employer know this, and there's a possibility of being relocated to Ranong? Still small town, but not quite as small, right?

[fredob43]

Thanks for the responses! Krupnik, not negative, just real! Thank you

I've let my employer know this, and there's a possibility of being relocated to Ranong? Still small town, but not quite as small, right?

Ranong if that's what it is and not Rayong (Dirt Hole south of Pattaya) is used for doing the Visa run to Burma and that's not big either. But there would be a lot more non Thai's 'farang' floating about all be it passing through. Sorry for the late reply.