As the need and desire to learn English grows in Thailand, so does the teaching job market. Hundreds of people every year escape to the ‘land of smiles’ to take up incredible opportunities to teach the most adorable children, adopt a ‘mai bpen rai’ attitude (translated - no worries) and spend their weekends on paradise islands sipping coconuts and eating “som tam” (the most delicious tropical papaya salad!)
All we’re missing is a little umbrella in our drink!
Thailand is literally bursting at the seams with teaching opportunities all across the country, and with an abundance of options and choices, it can be tricky to come to a decision where you begin your journey of culture, growth and having that laidback lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
Teaching English in Bangkok is a great start, continue and finish. Why? In all of Thailand, Bangkok has the highest demand for native English teachers and a wealth of different schools and tutoring academies to suit everyone. If you want a full time position making a difference to children living in poverty-stricken communities—Bangkok has it. If you’re a qualified teacher and want to pursue a career teaching in an International School—Bangkok has it. If you want to take it easy and go part-time at a tutoring academy—Bangkok has it. What’s more, Bangkok teaching jobs have a higher salary attached to them in comparison to the rest of Thailand and a huge expat community so you’ll never be far from a fellow teacher or ‘farang’ (foreigner) also chasing their dreams in this city of opportunities.
Sounds exciting but still pretty daunting right? We get it. Moving cross country to a foreign place to grab life by the horns often sounds better on paper than it does in reality and can leave you dazed with confusion. Here comes your gentle nudge that we all need to do something a little scary—here’s everything you need to know before teaching in Bangkok:
Fact #1, this is the Buddhist temple of dawn, Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan. (But we won’t make you pronounce it)
FAQs on teaching in Bangkok
What is the average teaching in Bangkok salary?
The salary you can expect teaching in Bangkok can vary according to your qualifications and the type of school you work at. For an unqualified native speaking teacher working at a Thai Government School, you can expect between 25,000-35,000 baht ( $800—$1,100 ). For International Schools, there are two types: Mid-level tier which will hire unqualified teachers with experience and qualified teachers for around 50,000-70,000 ( $1,500—$2,100 ) and the top-level tier schools that will only hire native speaking qualified teachers for 75,000-120,000 ($2,300—$3,700).
If you’re craving the nomadic lifestyle and looking for something a little more flexible, you’re likely to be leaning more towards the language centers which pays on average between 300-500 baht ($10-$15) per hour.
Considering the cost of living in Bangkok is one third or less than the cost of living in America and you can buy a decent sized meal for the equivalent of $1.50, even on the start-up salary, you will be able to live very comfortably here.
You probably won’t make quite enough to live in the Bangkok Grand Palace, though. ;)
What are the requirements for teaching in Thailand?
The first and most essential requirement for teaching english in Thailand is a TEFL, TESOL, CELTA (there are so many variations!) certificate. Don’t let all the abbreviations put you off, they all serve the same purpose and that’s you allow you to teach in Thailand. You can easily obtain these certificates online where you complete 120 hours of learning about becoming an ESL teacher. Another option is to get your accreditation here in Thailand where you will get hands on experience teaching at English Camps before starting the real thing in a classroom.
Can you teach English in Bangkok without a degree?
To teach English in Bangkok, a university degree is desired, but not required. But be prepared to be paid a little less than an undergraduate with a college degree and opportunities may be limited. But if you have determination, passion and a strong work ethic, you will get hired. Also, a love for children, a passion to make a difference and an open mind to accept a different culture and lifestyle is also an advantage.
We believe in you! Adventure is out there!
What are the types of teaching opportunities in Bangkok?
International Schools
In all of Thailand, Bangkok has the highest number of International Schools, so if this is your goal—Bangkok is where you should be at. As mentioned above, there are two different types of International Schools—top level and mid level.
The top level schools are the schools where the wealthiest of the wealthiest in Bangkok send their children for the highest quality of education, imported straight from UK, America, Australia and Canada. Mid level International Schools often state they are international schools as the whole curriculum is taught in english language, but they’re usually run by Chinese, Malaysian or Singaporean educators.
If you’re employed by an International School, expect to teach more than one if not all the subjects (if you’re a homeroom teacher)—from Math, Science to Health and PE.
You’ll get to interact with children from all over the world!
Language Centers
Language Centers, Tutoring Schools, English Academies are all snuggled under the same umbrella. They offer after school, weekend and school holiday programs for students of all ages who want to pursue extra language classes. Depending on the center, they offer both part-time and full-time positions. However, the pay is much less than teaching at schools and the hours are often inconvenient and irregular.
Government Schools
Government Schools is home of the majority of the thai population under 16 years. Run by the Thai government, all subjects (even english in some cases) are taught in Thai language. There is a constant demand for english teachers and you often find that these schools will raise money for years just so they can afford to hire a native speaking English Teacher for one semester. Teaching at a government school can be challenging but the results and rewards are phenomenal as you make a difference to these children’s lives and open up a world of opportunities to them.
Some government schools offer English Programs which is similar to the mid level international schools but is a department within a Government School. For a price, this allows thai government students to be taught all lessons in the english language but still be a part of a government-run school and curriculum.
Where can I find teaching jobs in Bangkok?
Just kidding, you can’t find teaching jobs in the forest… we wish.
Honestly, the best way to get teaching jobs in Bangkok is to just book your flight, gather your paperwork together, contact schools directly and just get here. The majority of schools like to hire ‘locally’ which means hiring a teacher that has already arrived in Bangkok so they can interview and hire that teacher within days. As straightforward as it may sound, it can still seem scary, especially those on a tight budget who require a job almost immediately.
To put your mind at rest and to kickstart your job hunt, there are many forums online with an abundance of teaching jobs in Bangkok. Check out GoAbroad Thailand ESL Teaching Job Board for a list of websites looking to hire teachers in Bangkok or browse listings at local-favorite Ajarn.
Is it safe to teach abroad in Asia?
Definitely. You will be taken care of by the Thai people and teachers around you and the crime level in Bangkok is considerably low in comparison to other major cities around the world such as London and New York. However, this isn’t to say that you should walk home alone at 3am or get in a car with a man who offers you sweets, you should always exercise necessary caution wherever you are in the world. Newspapers and online news can sometimes portray Asia as an unsafe place to live with storylines of murder and assault but once you get here, you will see that those stories only made it onto the news because they are so rare.
You’ll be safe exploring places like the floating market of Bangkok!
Do I need to know Thai before teaching in Bangkok?
No. Bangkok is one of the most international places in the world with millions of people from all over Asia, Africa, Europe and America all choosing to call Bangkok their home. English signs, posts and restaurant menus can be found everywhere—except maybe the local rural places, but even then, you can communicate using sign language and Google Translate. You really don’t have to worry about this language barrier as you’ll find that thai people will want to practice their English with you and will be very forthcoming in teaching you a few thai words to help you get by.
As far as teaching goes—schools actually prefer it when english teachers are not able to speak Thai as they want you to speak to the students in English only without being tempted to slip into their native language
What are the best jobs and programs for teaching in Bangkok?
1. i-to-i TEFL
This 5 month program will take care of everything so you can relax and have peace of mind that everything will be taken care of leaving you more time to get them beach essentials ready! From finding you a teaching job and accommodation to providing you with 24/7 in-country support a community of like-minded people. I-to-i TEFL is no stranger to helping people like you find their dream teaching jobs in Bangkok!
You’ll feel as zen as this statue in Bangkok!
2. GeoVisions
This organisation will work to find you the best teaching jobs and opportunties to suit your needs and situations, whether you’re a degree holder or not, a highly qualified teacher or having no teaching experience, they can help you make your Thai teaching dreams come true.
3. Entrust TEFL
Entrust TEFL is an award-winning full time TEFL course for future English teachers as they offer a culture orientation, TESOL accreditation in Thailand, a community of like-minded people and additional courses for teachers who want to teach online, teach maths, science, business and many more!
4. SEE TEFL Teacher Training
Basing their training in Chiang Mai amongst the mountains and elephants, See TEFL offers a superb package supporting you from organising your travel plans, job placement, a teacher community, resources and a TEFL accreditation, all you need to do is book your flight.
[Browse ALL Teaching Jobs in Bangkok Here]
Are you ready for the adventure of your life?
Go forth and explore Bangkok!
Deciding to teach English in Bangkok can be one of the biggest decisions of your life, and one of the best. Breaking away from the mundane 9-5 office routine to make a difference to people’s lives and spend your weekends wandering around golden temples, soaking up the sun on white sand beaches and playing with elephants will undoubtedly change your life.
Teaching English in Bangkok will open your world up to plenty of opportunities, excitement and adventure that will leave you thankful that you decided to break the mold, spread your wings and take on the adventure of your lifetime.
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