Are you thinking about teaching English in Thailand, but don’t know how to get started? Well, then this post is for you.
Teaching English abroad is an amazing way to help people and immerse yourself in a different culture while also having amazing travel adventures and getting paid! It’s a win-win and one of the most popular ways to earn money while traveling.
A Guide To Teaching English In Thailand
Over the past few years, Thailand has really caught up with other Asian countries such as China or South Korea as a hub for TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teachers looking to put their skills to good use.
As such a popular tourist destination many Thai’s are keen to pick up English as a Second Language (ESL.) And with a tropical climate, many beautiful places to visit, a welcoming and eager population and an affordable standard of living, Thailand is a popular place to live and teach English.
To give you the best insight possible, here’s a guide on how to get started teaching English in Thailand. For more info about visiting in Thailand you might also want to read my comprehensive Thailand travel guide too.
What Requirements Do You Need To Teach In Thailand?
Some countries in the southeast region of Asia give preference to, or just flat out only accept, native English speakers, however Thailand doesn’t require that at the time of writing.
Whilst you don’t necessarily need to be a native from an English-speaking country, a fluent understanding and ability to speak the language is obviously still the major requirement.
Some Thai educational institutions will ask for a Bachelors or equivalent degree, with most also asking for some form of TEFL certification to show you’re qualified to be in the classroom.
For the most part, Thai schools that ask for a TEFL certificate will generally require that this course take up to 120 hours worth of studying.
Can You Teach English In Thailand Without A Degree?
As mentioned, most ESL jobs in Thailand will ask for a 4 year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from their applicants. This is because formal education institutions in the country currently don’t sponsor work visas for teachers who don’t have a degree.
For those without a degree but still looking to immerse themselves in the Thai culture, volunteering is always a good option. Most volunteering jobs won’t require a degree, and are a great way of picking up some valuable experience as an ESL teacher.
How Do You Find A Job Teaching English In Thailand?
You can find English teaching jobs all over Thailand but there are obviously more positions available in big cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai than on the Thai islands.
Thanks to the Internet, it’s never been easier to get in touch with schools in Thailand to find teaching jobs. Third-party agencies and recruiters are always a good option, however international schools such as The TEFL Academy are increasingly becoming the go-to for potential teachers.
These schools are able to provide the courses and TEFL certificates so many jobs are looking for, have job boards available and update on-site for applicants to browse through, as well as plenty of handy resources for them to read through and learn more about the country they will be visiting!
How Much Money Can You Make Teaching English In Thailand?
English teachers in Thailand generally look to make between $900 and $1200 USD each month. However, with that base salary often comes a variety of bonuses and packages to entice applicants in, which can include any of the following:
- Transportation from the airport
- Country/region guides
- Help with securing a visa
- Either providing housing or support with living costs
- Covering health insurance costs
- Paid holiday leave
- Extra bonuses
The cost of living in Thailand at the time of writing is roughly $500 to $1,000 USD per month, which is pretty low against the salary and average cost around the wider Asia region.
Couple this with the plethora of bonuses offered by schools, and it’s clear to see why so many teachers are able to make some decent money whilst immersing themselves in one of the continent’s most spectacular countries.
For more about the costs of living and traveling in Thailand check out my other Thailand blogs for more tips and inspiration for traveling in Thailand on a budget like my backpacking Thailand budget and my 1 month Ultimate Thailand backpacking itinerary
What To Expect When Teaching in Thailand
Most TEFL jobs in Thailand are contracted to a twelve month period, however six month options aren’t unheard of either.
Most of the jobs will require a full-time commitment (roughly 25-35 hours per week), with everyone from young learners, teens all the way up to fully grown adults looking to learn English in a classroom these days!
For more info about teaching English abroad check out this interview I did with my friend Alice who taught ESL for 5 years in Europe, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and China! Teaching English allowed her to live in many different countries, immersing herself in the culture while also saving money to travel around the world.
Get Teaching In Thailand Now
Prior to the pandemic hitting, Thailand was averaging over 39 million visitors each and every year, having started booming as the 2010s got underway.
With borders reopening and travellers being welcomed back, there’s never been a better time to experience all the wonders Thailand has to offer, and teaching English is one of the best ways of supporting yourself as you immerse yourself in its culture.
Check out the latest entry requirements for Thailand at the official Thailand Tourism website here.
With a relatively low cost of living, plenty of wonders to marvel at, a welcoming community from border to border and a whole host of workplace benefits, the Land of Smiles could well be the perfect place for your next big adventure!
Check out this article for 35 more working abroad ideas with tips and interviews with people who are really doing it.
This post was written in collaboration with The TEFL Academy
