New Year, New Life

[Jumpman233345]

Hey guys, happy new year and all the best to you all

New year and a new life for me beginning on the 14th May as I shall be leaving England to live and work in Thailand as a teacher. Im 32, and have no prior experience as a teacher however i have many skills and much training which my company must have took a liking to.

After being given a contact email i emailed, asking about the possibility and opportunity....And after many emails and much waiting they got back to me and offered me a job, starting in May!!!! Contract has been drawn up, signed and sent back so its really happening!!

Visa's will be taken care of, good company benefits including a place to stay (will be renting something better though) when the wheels touch down

The position is in Pattaya however i was offered a position in Chachoengsao with a closer start date. It was to soon though unfortunately so Pattaya in May shall have to do

WOW! I'm made up at the prospect to say the least! Thailand is an amazing country with amazing food, culture, climate and people. I feel honored to be given the chance to be able to call it home, to live there, work there and to hopefully help the kids to the best of my ability. So that means NO EXCESSIVE DRINKING OR PARTYING!. I want to stay out there as long as i can so its dedication to my job, quiet nights in sat on the balcony with the laptop or the TV and Xbox with some cokes, QUITE CONTENT!!

Any advice guys ??? I'm a really hard dedicated worker here in the West, just come out of a ten year stint in a nursing home so it's a big change to say the least, I'll be like a fish out of water :-o

I believe the teaching is all structured, with use of DVD's etc, all planned out for the teacher to follow? It will take some getting used to but i'm 110% sure that once I'm settled and confidence grows i will be a much valued teacher who's good at his job

thanks for reading guys, any input / thoughts would be most grateful

HAPPY NEW YEAR

.

Edited January 7, 2014 by Scott

[pinkpanther99]

Good luck with your new teaching position. Teaching in Thailand will certainly be an eye opener for you - no one day will ever be the same and you will certainly find out a lot about yourself that you perhaps didn't know before. It's a character building experience.

Your comment: "I believe the teaching is all structured, with use of DVD's etc, all planned out for the teacher to follow?" Of course I've not taught in every school in Thailand but in the 3 schools I have taught in, it was far from structured, nothing was planned and it was so unorganised that you wondered how the schools managed to function at all. And I've never used a DVD to teach kids.

What I would say about teaching in Thailand is to expect the unexpected. It's how you can handle the 'Thainess' of it all. Not meaning to hate on Thais but it is how you handle the differences in culture that will almost decide if you will be a success or a failure. I've seen the most qualified English language teachers not last 5 minutes because they just didn't get the Thai-culture part of teaching. Where as someone like me, who is the first to admit isn't the greatest teacher (and unqualified apart from a TEFL) got on well at all the schools I taught at because I dressed smartly, was always on time, always waied the senior teachers and never kicked up a fuss when lessons got cancelled or moved even though I had spent hours sometimes planning and preparing work for the students. Always have a a smile on your face, even if you're frustrated as hell and always wai the parents.

Like I said, I've only taught in 3 schools on the opposite side of the country to Pattaya. I'm sure there are others out there who will tell you how organised and well structured teaching in Thailand is but that wasn't my experience.

Anyway, don't let my ramblings put you off, just be prepared - it isn't a walk in the park.

Good luck!

[pastafarian]

Excellent advice from the feminine feline, agree 100% especially re the DVD, the only time I've ocassionally used a DVD is letting them watch an English movie as a reward and even then they were quizzed about it afterwards. Good luck!

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[bundoi]

Don't underestimate the importance of your 10 years nursing, the behavioural skills you must have learnt - patience and tolerance - will be very important.

And no need to apologise or be shy about partying in Pattaya!!

Good luck!

[expat888]

I would be interested in hearing your opinion after 1 year of teaching in Thailand. After the excitement wears off.

Edited January 2, 2014 by expat888

[recycler]

Sounds like you are still pretty much inebriated after the new year celebrations!

My advice is temper you expectations and to try to learn as much Thai as you can before arriving here, preferable from a real Thai and continue while you are here.

Next advice is to consider your career perspective as a teacher in Thailand, you are only 32 and have a long time of working ahead of you and teaching might not get you where you want to be on the longer term.

[OmegaRacer]

Wow, you are exactly where I was 7 years ago. You even go to work for the same agency, but I stayed in Chachoengsao and I'm glad I did.

I can feel your excitement as if it were my own.

All I can say here is, be open to your life's new experiences, BUT beware of people around you. Not all have your best interests at heart. Even more so in Pattaya.

I love living here and after 7 years I still think it was the best decision in my life.

enjoy

[rct99q]

Congrats.....best advice was the one given above not trusting all the smiles. Some are genuine, others would be the same at your funeral. That aside. I do hope you are not planning this as a long term commitment. Fun for a while but realize you are in the middle of your supposedly best earning years for any pension/s and savings. Unless you are being paid more than the average you will find it difficult to save lots (any).

Good luck.

[ozyjon]

Please come back after a year or less and tell us about your experiences and remember the children are like fruit,,,, LOOK but don't touch.

[smotherb]

I believe you have been given some good advice. However, keep these few highlights in mind: 1) you will not be the only 'first-time' inexperienced teacher, 2) you will probably be given less support from the school than you need, 3) many, if not most, English teachers stay only one term, 3) you are spending your prime earning years in a low-paying job, 4) many Thais and falangs have low regard for falang English teachers, 5) "they just don't want to learn" is a common complaint from teachers, 6) you may have trouble getting your contractual rewards from your agency and your school, 7) it can be a fun and memorable experience

[laobali]

It sounds like this will be your first visit to Thailand as well. Best of British, old chap, you might need it.

[Doznotdiz]

Well I wish you luck with your teaching experience in Thailand, but you would do well not to raise your hopes up too high. Thailand has one of the the worst records for English Language ability in Asia and although they are trying to change this due to ASEAN and the upcoming AEC, by employing more native speakers, I will believe it when I see it. They are changing the rules for English teachers and the best schools are having to fire long term foreigner teachers who do not have degrees even though they are perfectly adequate and respected long-term employees. In tourist spots like Pattaya many language schools will simply hire back-packers who have never taught before and who then just about manage to turn up to work drunk every morning. I have heard that the majority of teachers here work illegally so you should make sure that this "agency" provides you with a work-permit. Perhaps you shouldn't put too much emphasis on this position but use the experience to get yourself a better paid job in Korea or China - provided you have a degree of course.

Oh, and learn how to spell.............."to" should be "too".

"The position is in Pattaya however i was offered a position in Chachoengsao with a closer start date. It was to soon though unfortunately so Pattaya in May shall have to do "

[Ruin]

Hey Jumpman, you have all the necessary enthusiasm. Time to start brushing up on the teaching techniques. So many websites after an initial Google search will help you.

I would suggest getting a teaching certification in Thailand. It will open up the door to both more and better paid jobs. Particularly if you are thinking of making a career ouf of this as opposed to a get away from it all break.

Oh, yes, don't settle down with the first girl you meet. Be choosey, look for someone in your job area.

[Docno]

I'm surprised and impressed that people can walk into a classroom without any teaching experience or formal qualifications. I wonder about the impact on the profession as a whole, but I commend you on your confidence and positive outlook. That will probably carry you a long way, and I'm sure that there are other key skills that you've learned in your work that will transfer to this job. That said, I'm not sure that I'd be able to do a good job of it, and I've taught management at the university level (undergrads, post-grads, and MBAs)... from what I've seen (as a recipient of 2nd language teaching), there are some unique challenges to teaching something that we use everyday without much conscious thought. Good luck... hope you enjoy your experience...

[Daniel Boon]

and watch of for Joy ... [ http://www.stephenleather.com/private-dancer.pdf ]

I will be in Pattaya in April if you have some time to enlighten me ..

Daniel

[Shancloudy]

Happy New Year and Welcome to the greatest profession!!! As a new teacher in Thailand you will constantly experience the stress and pressure ( but it depends to the school ). Remember that patience is important in teaching and be passionate educator.

[Jumpman233345]

What I would say about teaching in Thailand is to expect the unexpected. It's how you can handle the 'Thainess' of it all. Not meaning to hate on Thais but it is how you handle the differences in culture that will almost decide if you will be a success or a failure. I've seen the most qualified English language teachers not last 5 minutes because they just didn't get the Thai-culture part of teaching. Where as someone like me, who is the first to admit isn't the greatest teacher (and unqualified apart from a TEFL) got on well at all the schools I taught at because I dressed smartly, was always on time, always waied the senior teachers and never kicked up a fuss when lessons got cancelled or moved even though I had spent hours sometimes planning and preparing work for the students. Always have a a smile on your face, even if you're frustrated as hell and always wai the parents.

Thanks for your answer mate. I was lucky while growing up and was fortunate to see many different cultures and ways. I am a great believer in "obeying and accepting" what ever countries rules i am in. So I should be fine with regard to all you mention. Shirt and tie "bet it gets bloody hot hey!?"

I have been to Thailand before so im aware of what its like (madness lol!) Hong Kong is a crazy place as well but its nothing like Thailand, no where is. I love the thai'ness that you mention haha

Thanks for your answer dude

TC

[Jumpman233345]

Excellent advice from the feminine feline, agree 100% especially re the DVD, the only time I've ocassionally used a DVD is letting them watch an English movie as a reward and even then they were quizzed about it afterwards. Good luck!

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Hey man thanks for your answer, you let them watch a movie hehe, wow, did you have time to do that all in one sitting!?

Here is an extract of some correspondence regarding the teaching methods used

"We already have curriculum provided for the teachers and also teaching materials such as worksheet, flashcard, CD Rom, Cd, vcd etc. The teacher will be responsible for preparing the lesson plan and the test ( semi and final test) . And also we have a team to assist you in case you have your own idea to create your own materials or teaching assistance in a classroom when needed."

Regards

[Jumpman233345]

Don't underestimate the importance of your 10 years nursing, the behavioural skills you must have learnt - patience and tolerance - will be very important.

And no need to apologise or be shy about partying in Pattaya!!

Good luck!

Yes I agree with you it must help, I am the most calm, laid back person in the world. Dealing with dementia and EMI people is not the easiest thing in the world to do and requires everything you mention - THEN SOME..,Situations where all other carers get annoyed I am always the one thats chilled out still lol

and i'm not shy about partying in pattaya , iv done it for three solid weeks which was absolutely mental. I was just trying to say I'm there to do my best this time, and to be at your best you cannot party and get wrecked every night can ya? ......Thats what weekends are for

Thanks

[Jumpman233345]

Wow, you are exactly where I was 7 years ago. You even go to work for the same agency, but I stayed in Chachoengsao and I'm glad I did.

I can feel your excitement as if it were my own.

All I can say here is, be open to your life's new experiences, BUT beware of people around you. Not all have your best interests at heart. Even more so in Pattaya.

I love living here and after 7 years I still think it was the best decision in my life.

enjoy

WOW awesome lol what a coincidence

Would you mind if I sent you a PM?

[Jumpman233345]

Congrats.....best advice was the one given above not trusting all the smiles. Some are genuine, others would be the same at your funeral. That aside. I do hope you are not planning this as a long term commitment. Fun for a while but realize you are in the middle of your supposedly best earning years for any pension/s and savings. Unless you are being paid more than the average you will find it difficult to save lots (any).

Good luck.

Same Same as anywhere in the world though isn't it, people who are just two faced! eewww no need for people like that but i get what your saying

At the moment i plan it to be for as long as possible to be honest, I am a simple guy with simple expectations who is very content with the little things in life. Like with any/most jobs in the world, they are bearable aren't they? needs must and all that, But I'm sure that an amazing climate, women, food, culture helps

I get what your saying tho, thanks

[Jumpman233345]

I believe you have been given some good advice. However, keep these few highlights in mind: 1) you will not be the only 'first-time' inexperienced teacher, 2) you will probably be given less support from the school than you need, 3) many, if not most, English teachers stay only one term, 3) you are spending your prime earning years in a low-paying job, 4) many Thais and falangs have low regard for falang English teachers, 5) "they just don't want to learn" is a common complaint from teachers, 6) you may have trouble getting your contractual rewards from your agency and your school, 7) it can be a fun and memorable experience

Funny, Iv heard many many people say that Thais and falang have a higher regard for english teachers who "try"

[Jumpman233345]

It sounds like this will be your first visit to Thailand as well. Best of British, old chap, you might need it.

Nope it will be my second time in Thailand mate, the Brit returns muhaha

[Jumpman233345]

Hey Jumpman, you have all the necessary enthusiasm. Time to start brushing up on the teaching techniques. So many websites after an initial Google search will help you.

I would suggest getting a teaching certification in Thailand. It will open up the door to both more and better paid jobs. Particularly if you are thinking of making a career ouf of this as opposed to a get away from it all break.

Oh, yes, don't settle down with the first girl you meet. Be choosey, look for someone in your job area.

Thanks mate, I am enthusiastic and am under no illusion that it will be easy. Thanks for the advise i shall look around on google, any sites that spring to mind? a link perhaps?

The company offers "Teacher license & Work permit assistance" so we shall have to see

I will be taking it easy once there with regard to the girls hehe , nice and easy and try to pick a diamond from the rough

regards

Edited January 2, 2014 by Jumpman233345

[Jumpman233345]

i have many skills and much training which my company (English Avenue) must have took a liking to.

Pretty discriminating people at English Avenue, so if they have took a liking to your skills, you know you're something special.

Why , how do you know? I'll make my own opinion once there though

regards

[Jumpman233345]

and watch of for Joy ... [ http://www.stephenleather.com/private-dancer.pdf ]

I will be in Pattaya in April if you have some time to enlighten me ..

Daniel

Yea hehe i have heard this before .....I will not be there till May though

Happy New Year and Welcome to the greatest profession!!! As a new teacher in Thailand you will constantly experience the stress and pressure ( but it depends to the school ). Remember that patience is important in teaching and be passionate educator.

thanks for your kind words my friend

[Scott]

Posts discussing grammar and writing style have been deleted. Unless someone is asking for advice, such comments are off-topic.

[Puyai]

You say your agency will help you with your 2 year waiver and work permit. Do you have a B.A. degree? If you do not, there is no way the agency will be able to get you your waiver which you need to gain your work permit. A lot of agencies promise the world, then give you nothing.

[Jumpman233345]

You say your agency will help you with your 2 year waiver and work permit. Do you have a B.A. degree? If you do not, there is no way the agency will be able to get you your waiver which you need to gain your work permit. A lot of agencies promise the world, then give you nothing.

No I do not have a B.A degree I'm afraid. I was just relaying what I read

[pinkpanther99]

I believe you have been given some good advice. However, keep these few highlights in mind: 1) you will not be the only 'first-time' inexperienced teacher, 2) you will probably be given less support from the school than you need, 3) many, if not most, English teachers stay only one term, 3) you are spending your prime earning years in a low-paying job, 4) many Thais and falangs have low regard for falang English teachers, 5) "they just don't want to learn" is a common complaint from teachers, 6) you may have trouble getting your contractual rewards from your agency and your school, 7) it can be a fun and memorable experience

Sound advice here