Tefl Certificates And Work Permits?

[mark__baum]

Is there anyone out there, who has direct experience with the Thailand (particularly, Bangkok, which is where I'm most interested in) English-teaching market, who can comment on the influence that having some manner of TEFL certification has on obtaining a work permit? Does having a TEFL certificate make getting a work permit a whole lot easier, or is it primarily better just to get a higher salary? (I DO have a B.A. degree)

I'm planning on visiting Thailand and teaching English for six months or so, and don't plan on making a career out of it. I am simply trying to decide whether or not it's worth the expense and time of getting TEFL certified. (Not that I don't sincerely care about helping Thais learn English, I am still willing to put myself through great ordeals in order to be a good teacher.)

I'm most concerned at the moment with work permits. So can anybody help me? Would a TEFL certificate be of significant help with getting a work permit? Just what kind of greater opportunity does certification provide?

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! To anyone who is able to give me helpful information!

Mark Baum

[vinny]

See also WORK PERMITS, VISAS, AND REENTRY PERMITS IN THAILAND and If You Are A Teacher..., Be aware possible teacher raids.

May also be useful: Ministry of Education's THAI / FOREIGN TEACHERS NEEDED.

Edited August 31, 2006 by vinny

[Mossfinn]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! To anyone who is able to give me helpful information!

Mark Baum

Mark, you might also want to do some searches in the 'Teaching in thailand', sub forum.

If you have difficulty with the search function, just post a few questions people are more than helpful generally.

Good Luck

Moss

[joeyswags]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! To anyone who is able to give me helpful information!

Mark Baum

Mark, you might also want to do some searches in the 'Teaching in thailand', sub forum.

If you have difficulty with the search function, just post a few questions people are more than helpful generally.

Good Luck

Moss

Mark,

I will tell you what I have experienced in my teaching life here in thailand. I came here a year ago with a degree in Business Econ with no TEFL and fairly easily got a job. However, in this first school I did not get a workpermit.

I was told by my first school that i couldnt get a work permit until I had my TEFL they were not even encouraging me to get it. I made visa runs once a month on saturdays for six months and was working illegally...a bit scary. I was pulled over on my motor bike (for riding in the right lane while trying to make a right?) they got ahold of my passport and was questioned at length why I didnt have a work permit but had all these school books on me. 1000 baht later i was on my way . I think one might be getting in even more trouble these days.

I have since left my first scandalous school and got into a really good english program where I have a workpermit, health insurance, and pretty good pay and still no TEFL...i guess it depends where you go..my new school absolutely will not employ a farang who just wants to make monthly visa runs.

But if you are thinking about coming and teaching for a short period get a "non-b" first (if possible)...it will cut down the processing time on your workpermit.

Cheers

Joe