Teaching Jobs in Thailand

Set Goals

Setting clear goals will help you maximize your teaching experience in Thailand. Here are some ideas for establishing meaningful objectives:

• Research and read about the teaching styles and expectations of the Thai education system. Take note of the relationships and dynamics of fellow teachers with their classrooms and work toward emulating something similar that works for you.
• Continue to learn or brush up on the Thai language! If there wasn’t a strict language requirement for your program, it’s a great way to foster more meaningful interactions and relationships with students and staff alike.
• Find a hobby or interest that you already like within Thai culture. Connect with people and learn more about Thailand’s culture and history through it.

Understand the Benefits

Teaching in Thailand brings a unique set of rewards, from personal growth to resume-building achievements:

• Become a better, more inclusive teacher. Teaching abroad can help you become more empathetic and understanding of different learning styles, cultures, and ways to teach.
• Great food. The affordability and the deliciousness of every meal on the street or in a restaurant in Thailand is downright astounding. It’s actually cheaper and more affordable to eat out than at home. It’s a part of the culture and is a bright spot of the country’s culture.
• Location, location, location. Thailand is situated in a roughly centralized location within the Asian continent, making it a great home base. It also isn’t a bad option if you’re looking to travel south toward Australia or New Zealand.

Things to Know

To succeed in Thailand, it helps to understand a few key aspects:

• Language: Learning basic Thai can make a big difference. Always check for language requirements for any program. For younger generations, English has become a required class so don’t fret if you’re not fluent in Thai. Consider learning the basics to better communicate with your school and in the country.
• Visa requirements: Check with your program requirements or the host country’s embassy for up-to-date and current details. Look into whether you’ll need additional paperwork for traveling, working, or volunteering. All individuals will need a nonimmigrant visa, but the process and requirements will depend ultimately on your nationality.
• Cultural etiquette: Respect, politeness, and patience are highly valued in Thai society and the workplace. Knowing how to greet someone else is important! Commonly, you’ll find some form of the wai. It’s a gesture that looks like placing your palms together at chest height and then lightly bowing your head. Thai people operate from a stance of respect and value politeness, patience, and mindfulness.

Thailand is massive, so the culture and atmosphere vary from north to south (and east to west to a lesser extent). Choosing the right location to teach English in Thailand will impact your enjoyment, so decide what you want and then look for the right place.

Bangkok

As the capital of Thailand is a popular option for international teaching jobs in Thailand. If you don’t like massive cities, then this is definitely not the place for you to teach English in Thailand. With millions of people and a variety of diverse neighborhoods, Bangkok is a place to both enjoy and stay present at the same time.

Chiang Mai

A smaller city in the north, Chiang Mai has a cooler climate and more historic charm. There are plenty of ESL teaching jobs in Chiang Mai to choose from. Chiang Mai offers premium access to the coveted north, to cities like Pai and Chiang Rai, which are more heavily influenced by Chinese culture and are unique to northern Thailand.

Surat Thani

If you’re looking for quieter places with more natural landscapes, a city like Surat Thani has some teaching job opportunities. With access to the beautiful coast and being located near the mouth of the Tapi River, it’s a wonderful and more authentic Thai place to teach. Know that options will definitely be more limited and salaries will most likely be lower as well.

Taking a few steps now will help set you up for teaching success in Thailand.

1. Get Matched

Use the GoAbroad Online Advisor to find Thai teaching programs that align with your goals and background.

2. Choose a Program

Create a MyGoAbroad account to organize and compare programs that meet your teaching aspirations.

3. Choose How Long to Stay

The ideal stay duration will vary based on your goals and schedule:

• Short-term: A shorter period of time, like the summer offerings, is a great introduction to teaching English abroad. Often the options are less traditional but as valuable and a great way to gauge if you could see yourself doing it longer term!
• Semester: Maybe one of the more common options when looking to teach abroad in Thailand. If you’re a young professional, or seasoned student looking to grow professionally, it’s a great option.
• Academic year: The other most common choice, an academic year is a great choice for those who need to step away from their regular academic schedule. It’s an excellent experience and a really valuable way to see more of the world.

5. Funding & Scholarships

Fill out our GoAbroad Scholarships & Deals application to connect with funding opportunities for teaching programs in Thailand.

6. Apply

Once you’ve chosen a program, submit your application, and a coordinator will follow up with details on your next steps.

7. Get Your Essentials

Prepare essential documents and resources before departure, including visa, passport, flights, and travel insurance.

Thailand offers teachers a fulfilling professional journey and an exciting adventure. From city classrooms to rural schools, it’s a destination where you’ll learn as much from your students as they will from you.