Newbie Needs Advice - Which Visa Option ...

[JDGRUEN]

For teaching here doesn't it need to be a CELTA or a TESOL not a TEFL ?

On the SIn Sodt being a problem it should be given back to the couple or even her family could lend you it. If it's large and you're not getting it back then don't get involved.

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Everything I read relating to being qualified to teach English says TEFL... but I am not expert on this. Anyone who has specific clarification - please post away... RE:Sin Sodt .. I agree.with you ... but how does ever know know for sure - if it will be returned whether small, medium or large... ?

Well - it seems that what I just posted about TEFL / CELTA is not exactly correct... I find that some schools have somewhat different definitions ... one school posts the following :

Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA)

The Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) (formerly known as "the RSA" and/or the CTEFLA) is accredited by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). The course is designed for both native speakers and non-native speakers with a near native-speaker competence, who are aged over 18 and have a high level of formal education. Previous teaching experience is not required.

The course is highly practical in nature and aims to provide a thorough grounding in the teaching methodology and language analysis necessary for effective English teaching. Internationally recognized, the CELTA is run in over 100 centres world-wide and is widely regarded as one of the most important and valuable forms of training in TEFL.

So - I will off to do more clairifying research ... the part above about "non-native speakers with a near native-speaker competence" is discouraging. My Thai language ability is Okay -- but I am not near fluent by any means...

[arthurwait]

It's a case of what is needed for a work permit.

[Jingthing]

Perhaps worth posting on the TEACHING forum. I recall hearing a number of times that finding employment for OLDER AGE English teachers (for any kind of real wage anyway) is very, very challenging. People on that forum may have more current input on that.

[arthurwait]

Perhaps worth posting on the TEACHING forum. I recall hearing a number of times that finding employment for OLDER AGE English teachers (for any kind of real wage anyway) is very, very challenging. People on that forum may have more current input on that.

Ha, ha. I was just about to edit my post to say something similar about asking on the teachers forum.

I don't do teaching, just did a TESOL years ago as a fall back, at the time I was told the work permit department only accepted TESOL not TEFL.

[JDGRUEN]

If teaching english is your desire I recommend CELTA rather than one of the TEFL courses. You will pay a very little more for the course but get a well recognized certificate that helps with the job hunt. As for banking, I also bank with USAA in Texas and set up Bangkok Bank as a transfer bank in my online banking. I opened several accounts in Thailand over the years and found Bangkok Bank to be the most convenient since I can easily transfer funds online from USAA to my Bangkok Bank account with very small fees. Bring some funds and open an account as soon as you arrive in Thailand and have a place to call your residence. Then set up the bank as if it were a US bank in your online USAA account. Bangkok Bank has all the info to do this at thier website. Also, bring originals of your pension info, Diplomas with transcripts, divorce decree, and international drivers permit from AAA as you may need them to accomplish your plans for the future.

Thank you very much ... I will be making copies of helpful post like this and keep it for handy reference as I make my final plans...

[JDGRUEN]

Make an appointment with Forrest Smith, the Thai Hon. Consul, his office is in the Galleria building nearest Loop 635. He has always been helpful to me and same day service. Be sure to download and fillout a visa application and have pictures. Also, take some data to show income and finances (bank statement and pension letter seems to work best.) Tell Forrest you need a Non immigrant O type visa single entry since you are investigating retirement in Thailand. Do not get a Non-immigrant O-A visa (that takes a lot more paperwork and prevents working should you decide too.) Once you are in Thailand and in the last 30 days of your permission to stay as stamped in your passport you can apply for an extension. The reason for extension of stay can be either work if you found some or eduction.

I have used the the Dallas Hon. consul for many years with no problems. Good luck with all your plans.

Thank you ... Based on a previous suggestion, searched and found the Thai Hon. Consul address and phone number. Your advice here is very helpful...

[JDGRUEN]

Perhaps worth posting on the TEACHING forum. I recall hearing a number of times that finding employment for OLDER AGE English teachers (for any kind of real wage anyway) is very, very challenging. People on that forum may have more current input on that.

Thank you -- I'll go check out the TEACHING forum and get more info....

[rct99q]

comments are based on my experience ony...

Teaching - depends on your school - mine did not require a tefl/tesol/celta/delta/beta etc...they do require you to have a BA. However they have a maximum age limit of around 60 - 65. DOE recently cracked down on a couple of recent hires that pushed over this limit and were released.

Sin Sod - never paid one have been together for 3 years, married for 2. Family never asked for one, when i asked my wife she said "up to you". But then again she has a lot more money than I do.

Visa - get a double (or triple) entry tourist visa and check it out for a while. Get your feet wet again and see how things go. I started with a tourist visa and have changed and obtained others while living here. Can be done you just need patience and a little help.

[JDGRUEN]

comments are based on my experience ony...

Teaching - depends on your school - mine did not require a tefl/tesol/celta/delta/beta etc...they do require you to have a BA. However they have a maximum age limit of around 60 - 65. DOE recently cracked down on a couple of recent hires that pushed over this limit and were released.

Sin Sod - never paid one have been together for 3 years, married for 2. Family never asked for one, when i asked my wife she said "up to you". But then again she has a lot more money than I do.

Visa - get a double (or triple) entry tourist visa and check it out for a while. Get your feet wet again and see how things go. I started with a tourist visa and have changed and obtained others while living here. Can be done you just need patience and a little help.

Good Advice ... If I run into a blockage on the "O" Visa ... I believe your method of getting to Thailand on a Tourist Visa - getting my feet wet / becoming a bit acclimatized to not only the weather but to the "How To" get the Visa that will work best in the long run... I am considering an ED Visa at the Walen language school (Thai language) class 1 to 2 days a week - with the ability to mix and match attendance via Skype. This would fit my plans okay as I wish to elevate my Thai language skills from the modest level I have now. I have known all along that I am too old for hire to teach in Government schools - but I have made contacts which may lead to some other teaching job arrangements... once I obtain some level of English teaching education CELTA/TESOL/TEFL - whatever... I'm in it for the long haul ..