Thailand
TEFL in Thailand: Job Hunting Guide to Teaching English in Paradise
Why Thailand
Why Teach English in Thailand?
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations to teach English abroad. Teachers can easily find English teaching jobs at private ESL institutes throughout the country. Most schools are in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chonburi.
For the most part, schools are family-owned businesses or small local chains. Teaching English at public schools and teaching Business English to private one-to-one students are also popular in Thailand.
Teachers work an average of 29 hours per week. You can apply via a recruitment agency or directly via schools' websites. Most schools help teachers with work permits and airfare.
01
Low Cost Of Living
When a meal at a local restaurant costs $2, the median ESL salary goes a long way! Most TESOL jobs in Thailand come with accommodation, so language teachers are able to travel around the country and save some money. Bangkok is about 20% more expensive than Chiang Mai, but teachers earn a higher income in the capital.
02
Top Travel Destination
Thailand has a lot to offer as a work and travel destination, and teachers can travel throughout the country by train for less than $10! You can find a cheap bedroom for as low as $4 a night in the country side or a luxurious room for as low as $50 a night in a top Thai beach resort.
03
Both Gap-Year And Career Opportunities
Whether you are looking to get started as a teacher, or pursue an exciting international career in language teaching education, Thailand has it all. This magical TESOL destination attracts a wide range of people who share a passion for living in an exotic destination.
Salary & Cost of Living
How Much Can I Earn Teaching English in Thailand?
| Position Type | Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | ฿30,000+/mo (~US$1,000) | Plus benefits. Stay away from internship programs that charge teachers hundreds of dollars and pay less than US$400/mo. |
| Private Schools | ฿35,000+/mo (~US$1,200) | Plus accommodation and benefits. |
| Business English | US$25 – US$40/hr | Highest paid English teaching jobs in Thailand. Found in tourist and business centers. |
How to Find Jobs
How To Apply for TEFL Jobs in Thailand
Apply for English teaching jobs online, via a recruiter, or in person. All these options are free. Below we will show you their advantages and disadvantages. Don’t pay for job placement assistance or take an internship in Thailand! These are the most well-known scams in the TEFL industry. Find well paid teaching jobs with just a university degree and an internationally recognized TESOL / TEFL certificate. Teaching experience is not required.
Apply Online
Most Common
Private schools in Thailand accept job applications all year round. You can apply online from the comfort of your home. The Director of Studies will interview you via Skype or telephone, and the school will help you process the visa.
Some schools offer subsidized airfare or a bonus to reimburse you for your travel expenses. When you get to Thailand, the school will likely pick you up at the airport and take you to your apartment. Most job offers come with full or partially subsidized accommodation.
Applying for jobs online is the most common route for new teachers. It is quick, safe and free. You can find job ads and a list of schools on the OnTESOL job board or you can visit Ajarn, where many Thai schools post job ads.
Advantages
- Quick, safe, and free
- Apply from home before arriving
- Schools help process visa
- Many offer subsidized airfare
- Accommodation often included
Considerations
- Can’t see facilities beforehand
- Interview via Skype/telephone only
- Harder to assess school culture remotely
Use a Recruiter
Best for Public Schools
Using a recruitment agency is very common. It is free for applicants because schools pay recruiters to find qualified teachers. For this reason, private language schools give preference to teachers who apply online.
Using a recruiter is highly recommended for those who wish to teach in a Thai public school.
Advantages
- Completely free for teachers
- Best route to public school jobs
- Recruiter handles paperwork
Considerations
- Private schools prefer direct applicants
- Less control over placement
Apply in Person
Best Schools
Just choose a city and go! Flying to Thailand and applying for jobs in person is the most unorthodox option, but it has its benefits. Applying for jobs in person allows teachers to see the facilities and talk to the teachers.
Furthermore, the best schools only hire teachers whom they can interview in person. This is true for Thailand as it is for the rest of the world; the reason is that a face-to-face interview allows the Director of Studies to find more about the teacher as well as test his or her lesson planning skills on the spot. Some schools in Thailand do not require TESOL certification, but the best ones do — and they will test your teaching skills during the job application and interview.
Advantages
- See facilities and meet teachers first
- Best schools prefer in-person interviews
- Test lesson planning skills on the spot
- Access to top-tier positions
Considerations
- Requires flying to Thailand first
- No guaranteed job on arrival
- Need savings for initial expenses
Best Cities
The Best Cities to Teach English in Thailand
Bangkok
Capital · Business English · Most Jobs
As the capital, Bangkok is where you will find the most TESOL jobs. There are many language institutes operated by Thai and international chains. There are also many jobs in family-owned schools and in the public school system. Teaching experience is not required, but experienced teachers can teach business English lessons and earn a much higher income.
Teach English in Bangkok →Chiang Mai
Culture · Temples · Festivals
Those who want to experience Thai culture go to teach English in Chiang Mai. Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai attracts millions of tourists who come to see Thailand’s beautiful temples and enjoy traditional festivals. The number of jobs in the private and public sector is similar to Bangkok, but schools in Chiang Mai pay slightly less.
Teach English in Chiang Mai →Chiang Rai
Buddhism · History · Low Cost
Chiang Rai is a small city near the northern border of Laos and Myanmar. It was founded in 1262 and has played an important role in the history of Buddhism. People interested in teaching English in Chiang Rai should apply for public school jobs only as there are very few private academies. Wages are the lowest in Thailand, but the cost of living is also very low.
Teach English in Chiang Rai →Phuket
Beaches · Surfing · Relaxed Lifestyle
Phuket is the place that resonates in everyone’s mind when they think of teaching English in Thailand. Phuket’s white sandy beaches and clear blue waters attract tourists from all over the world. Phuket is also known for its relaxed attitude and delicious food. Go surfing, trekking, dolphin watching, or read a book under a tree. New teachers should apply for TESOL jobs in public schools, while experienced teachers can pursue highly paid jobs in some of the few private language schools that operate in Phuket.
Teach English in Phuket →