Thailand’s frequently asked questions
Q:What is a average living expense per day in terms of breakfast, lunch and dinner?
A:Local food and a drink will cost about 250 Baht per day for three full meals. Western food will cost about 400 Baht per day.
Q:Do schools provide lunch?
A:Yes, most public schools do. Some private schools also, but not many.
Q:What are the living expenses per day in terms of transport?
A:Traveling in non-major cities via songtaew (truck taxi) will be about 20 Baht for a 5km trip, while a scooter taxi may charge between 50 and 70 Baht for the same trip and a metered taxi starts at 35 Baht and may only work out to about 50 to 80 Baht depending on traffic. Traveling in Bangkok is easy and cheap, from the underground MRT to the SkyTrain BRT to buses and taxis – a full day to work and back should work out to no more than 100 Baht, depending on the distance from work.
Q:Do schools provide lunch?
A:Yes, some do but not all.
Q:Transportation from accommodation to work – will this be provided?
A:This will not be provided, but public transport in Thailand is very good and assistance is provided in the form of scooter hire at your own cost while completing the TESOL Course in Hua Hin.
Q:How safe is it around there?
A:Extremely safe. Walking home late at night and sleeping with your door unlocked is never a worry.
Q:What are the age groups you will be teaching?
A:Anything from primary school to high school and college, between the ages of 7 and 21.
Q:Working hours? And days per week?
A:8 hours per day Monday to Friday. Only about 4-5 actual “in class” hours though, depending on the school.
Q:Are there sports after school that you have to attend or teach?
A:Not always. Some schools will offer coaching and if you have skills in a certain area you may discuss that with the school, but they do have concerts, after school activities and sport and culture days every now and again.
Q:After contract can you still travel in the country or do you need to be out of the country?
A:You can stay as long as you like as long as you have a job and a valid visa and work permit.
Q:Can one renew working contract and visa without leaving the country?
A:Yes you can. You can speak to your school about the details.
Q:How long is the working visa valid for?
A:1 year, but you have to report to immigration every three months within that 12 months.
Q:What type of visa will we will be working on?
A:You apply for your 60 day Tourist visa before departing for Thailand, which can be extended for 30 days after arrival. Once you are employed you will apply for a Non Immigrant B visa and will then have to apply for a work permit. Most schools provide assistance in this area but some do not.
Q:What activities are happening during evenings and weekends?
A:Teach Travel Asia does provide one or two Thai cultural excursions during the TESOL Course in Hua Hin. There are many different and exciting night time activities in and around town that we can refer you to, however we do not provide evening entertainment.
Q:Will we receive any Thai language training?
A:Our fully integrated 120 Hour In-Class TESOL Course provides a crash course in the basics of Thai – taught by a native Thai speaker with 15 years experience in teaching Thai to foreigners. Some kids have a very limited understanding of English and others will be more proficient, our Course teaches you the skills to adapt to various environments and skill levels.
Q:Where are the best and worst places to work?
A:There are no real “bad places” to work, however bigger cities tend to offer bigger salaries, while smaller cities will give you the real Thai experience. Thailand is a wonderful country and anywhere you work is bound to be great.
Q:What is possibility of getting a second job to make more money?
A:Very possible, making a double salary is very common when getting extra work on the side in the form of one on one tutoring and extra English classes.
Q:How are the authorities?
A:Thailand is really an easy place to travel and get around as long as you smile and show respect to members of police and government etc.
Q:Medical services and insurance – how will this work?
A:Some schools do provide medical insurance, but with the Teach Travel Asia starter pack the applicants have the option to sign up for a years accident insurance for a once off cost of 700 Baht when opening their local bank accounts. This covers them for up to 5000 Baht per visit up to a limited amount per year and is renewable on an annual basis.
Q:What is phone and internet connectivity like?
A:Really good and cheap. Wifi is available all over Thailand and the internet speeds are really fast. Making calls and sending SMS’s locally are also inexpensive.
Q:What about other African countries? Will they qualify? Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi etc.
A:Sorry, only South Africa.
Q:What if you are unhappy in a job? Can you get a new one?
A:We don’t often get this. If the applicant really dislikes the position and they have a good reason, then we can move them. But they need to understand that this will take a bit of time and they need to give at least one month notice before resigning.
Q:Dress code for teaching?
A:Semi casual/formal, no slops, no jeans, no T-shirts. Work trousers and button and collar shirts for men and full length dresses or work trousers and collar blouses for women.
Q:How difficult is the TESOL course? Can one fail?
A:Yes, one can fail. But if we see that an applicant is not doing well, we will spend more time with the applicant to make sure they pass. We have had people fail or be kicked off, but that is due to other things like alcohol abuse or conflict.
Q:Must the applicants take resumes with them to Thailand?
A:Yes, resumes, CVs and passports are important.
Q:Packing essentials? Sleeping bag, towels?
A:Anyone can get everything in Thailand, and it’s very cheap. Some of the accommodation does not provide sheets or bedding, but this can be bought in Thailand upon arrival.
Q:Any serious laws they are very strict on?
A:Yes, drugs and The King. Don’t ever speak about either of these two.
Q:More information regarding couple placement – can couples be placed together?
A:This can be done but not necessarily at the same school, perhaps only at schools within the same town.This may take a little longer than individual placements.
Q:What is the level of English and behavior of students?
A:Depending on the school location, big city – great English level. Small city – not so great. Asian kids are also very well mannered and respectful, although classroom management skills are imperative and this is something we focus on during the TESOL Course.
Q:What curriculum will they follow at school?
A:There is no set national curriculum, each school has their own and they will inform you what is required of you in terms of annual or quarterly topics that need to be covered.
Q:Do your colleagues at public and private schools speak English?
A:Yes some of them do, but often not all of them.
Q:Will you work with any special needs children?
A:No
Q:What are the expected deductions from your pay check? Does is differ from school to school?
A:Yes it may differ. Some schools deduct tax at about 3%. Normally they don’t deduct tax for the first year.
Q:Do you get paid overtime?
A:No, but there is the benefit of long school holidays!
Q:What are the chances of getting a salary increase?
A:If you do a great job and get along with your employers and colleagues, show commitment and apply for an extended work permit you may receive a salary increase. This depends on the school and area you are placed in.
Q:What are the chances of teaching English in neighboring countries?
A:Very good, Teach Travel Asia can arrange this for you.
Q:Will all paperwork and books be supplied by the school?
A:Yes, most of the time. Not all the time.
Q:What is the big difference between language schools, private schools, government schools and varsity?
A:Not much difference, maybe only starting times and salary.
Q:Can participants choose part or full time?
A:Normally it’s full time. Most contracts are for 12 months and aren’t available on a part time basis.
Q:Is religion a big issue?
A:Not really, you stick to yours and they normally stick to theirs and being respectful to others is important.
Q:What happens if you lose your job? Can you get a new one?
A:If you are fired, Teach Travel Asia will no longer help with placement.
Q:Are they expected to work during school holidays?
A:Not normally, this will depend on the school.
Q:Can you drink tap water?
A:We have, but we would not make a habit of it. Bottle water is really cheap and it’s just safer to go buy a bottle. But if you happen to get a mouth full, no need to go to hospital.
Q:What is the time difference between SA and Thailand?
A:SA is 5 hours behind Thailand
Q:Would Teach Travel Asia prefer it if a participant completes the TESOL/TEFL course online or upon arrival in Thailand?
A:Definitely in In-Class in Thailand, and there are a few reasons for this: a) Thai culture and Thai lessons are invaluable, network of friends, closer teacher / trainer relationship. b) Thai children are unique, practical training gives the applicant an opportunity to get to know how to work with Thai students and prepare successful lesson plans. c) Volunteering in Thailand with our nonprofit English Camp, the best experience of the course! And it looks great on a teachers resume. d) Gets applicants very comfortable to teach in Thailand.
