Looking to fund your overseas adventure in Thailand? Teaching English is one of the most popular and readily available means to finance life abroad in the Land of Smiles. Assuming you are ready for this challenge, you may be wondering, “What are the requirements to teach in Thailand?“
If you haven’t done any research yet, it may (or, it may not) come as a surprise to learn that requirements to teach in Thailand vary greatly depending on where you look. Some sources list a dozen or so conditions, such as proof of taking a Thai culture course, having a teaching license, adequate score in an English proficiency test, and criminal history (yikes! hopefully a lack thereof), while others say you’ll do just fine with a résumé and a good looking picture. Well, which one is it!?
Based on my personal experience (individual school hiring criteria may vary) becoming a teacher in Chiang Mai in May 2013, there were four major requirements expected of me. Of course, Thailand being Thailand, these requirements seemed to be more like guidelines, and you’ll see why each of them is often bent a little. The bottom line is that these requirements are what I needed to land a teaching job.
Requirement #1: Bachelor’s Degree Diploma or Higher
A bachelor’s degree or higher is one of the most important requirements to teach in Thailand (or to work at all). Simply put, you must be able to provide evidence of a diploma. In my case, I provided a photograph of my diploma and also offered the official copy of my transcript I had brought with me from the States. My particular school was also ok if I had provided them with an unofficial transcript, but your experience may vary.
Bending the Rule
Although we don’t encourage this behavior, in the opinion of some schools the bachelor’s degree does not have to be the conventional four-year (or more) degree. It can be earned from an online university or it can be purchased through a company that sells diplomas for a few hundred dollars. The bottom line is that some schools only seem to want proof of a diploma, not proof of how you earned a diploma. Although it is up to the specific school or hiring agency to decide whether or not they will accept the online purchased diploma over a traditionally earned bachelor’s degree, we hear that it is unlawful to use a purchased diploma as proof of a bachelor’s degree in Thailand. I personally graduated from an accredited four-year university and would not feel comfortable cutting corners by utilizing a degree mill if that wasn’t the case.
Requirement #2: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification
A TEFL certification is not an actual legal requirement to teach in Thailand, but many schools treat it as a qualifier. Earning a TEFL prepares you for the major differences you may face teaching a Western language to Asian students as well as suggests ways to go about teaching around these differences. It also provides teaching fundamentals for those who have no prior experience, such as how to create lesson plans and how to get students more engaged in a lesson. I personally found it helpful because I had no prior teaching experience.
Bending the Rule
Since having a TEFL is not one of the requirements to teach in Thailand, employers will look for applicants with prior teaching experience, training, or an English degree. For example, if you have several years of experience teaching English in an Asian country or if you have a degree specifically in English (or even better, teaching English as a foreign language), your agency or school may overlook that fact that you don’t have a TEFL certification.
Keep in mind that although a TEFL is not legally one of the requirements to teach in Thailand, it may land you a more desirable teaching position or tip the scales in your favor should your application or résumé be competing with a few others.
Requirement #3: Non-Immigrant Business “B” Visa
Among the requirements to teach in Thailand is possessing a Non Immigrant Business “B” Visa (or B Visa for short). It’s possible to obtain a B Visa before arriving in Thailand if you are sponsored by a hiring agency or school prior to going to Thailand, but most likely you will be going to Thailand on a tourist visa and later switching to a B Visa. Unfortunately, a tourist visa specifically says, “Employment prohibited.”
Bending the Rule
Who knows – maybe your employer will scoop you right up while you are still on a tourist visa, ask you to start teaching the following Monday, and shrug their shoulders and tell you to do a visa run in the near future. Or maybe you’re taking classes at the university on a Non Immigrant Education “ED” Visa, but you are teaching through a work co-op. The point is, you may be working even if you are not on a B Visa. It happens, but lawfully you need a B visa and a Work Permit to teach, sorted by your prospective employer prior to starting your teaching position.
Requirement #4: A Good Picture and a Good Attitude
An attractive picture goes a long way in Thailand. Unfortunately, this also means that some people are denied a teaching position simply because of the way they look. Workforce discrimination is commonplace in Thailand, and it is not uncommon for a school to discriminate against you based on age, race, or sex. Or the fact you weren’t wearing a collared shirt in the picture you submitted with your résumé.
The best thing to do is to look sharp in your picture. Have well-groomed hair, a pressed shirt (a tie if you are male), and of course, a smile. Thailand is also well-known for its mai bpen rai outlook, so if you’re non-confrontational and have a good-humored, go-with-the-flow type of demeanor, you will go far.
Bending the Rule
On a good note, sometimes the people responsible for hiring teachers look past the surface and understand that experience and enthusiasm are more important than a young, white face. On the downside, people with alcohol or drug problems, lackadaisical attitude towards teaching, or flat out aggression still manage to secure teaching positions because they look good in the résumé photo.
Can You Meet these Requirements to Teach in Thailand?
Based on my experience becoming a teacher, the requirements to teach in Thailand may not be as far-fetched or as extensive as some websites may make it to be. In my experience, I was hired by an agency by legitimately meeting the above four requirements to teach in Thailand. However, the best thing to do is contact a school or agency directly and ask for their policy.
It’s well worth your time, seeing as “rules” vary between schools and districts, and in particular, because some of the requirements to teach in Thailand are rather pricey and time-consuming. It’s the best way that you can prepare yourself before making the long flight to Thailand.
Fellow teachers, what has your experience been with the requirements to teach in Thailand? Are there any suggestions you’ve found to be useful? Here are some great questions and answers we’ve found on the topic.
Disclaimer: This information is based on what we’ve witnessed and/or heard from other teachers since living in Thailand. Individuals should conduct their own thorough research into the Ministry of Education’s official requirements to teach in Thailand prior to applying for a position!
I have a quick question. If I am taking a B.ed degree in TESOL in Bangkok.
Can I apply for a teaching position while I am doing the course.
I have a TEFL 120 ADVANCED as Well as an IELTS trainer.
Do they accept that and able to get a job teaching?
Some schools will accept this yes. You just need to find that school.
Dear Chris and Angela, I visited Thailand for the first time in 2017 and your site gave a lot of insight to help with my trip. I hold an Accounting Technicians qualification (AAT equivalent to a foundations degree) and was wondering coupled with a TEFL or CELTA certificate, if I would be eligible for teaching in Thailand. I dont want to bend the rules or source a job illegally, but equally I dont want to spend 3yrs studying towards a degree.
Will companies sponsor a non-immigrant B visa if you take on a part time role? Having taught English full time in Korea I know that it can be pretty exhausting. I enjoy teaching however, so I am hoping to save up a considerable amount of money in the US to enable my wife and I to only work part time. Will part time employers help you get a visa? Do you have any recommendations for such employers. Additionally, I have a b.s. in Electrical Engineering and 8+ years of industry experience including working on self driving cars. So, I would… Read more »
I have one question. I recently looked at a TEFL site to apply for and the one I found said I did not need a bachelors degree, or really any degree at all. Would it be extremely difficult if I went through with the program to find a job afterwards?
TEFL sites often advertise to potential enrollees that they don’t need to have a degree to take the TEFL course – this is a way they can boost their enrollment numbers or cater to people who will be working in countries that don’t require that teachers have a degree. However, in the fine print, the TEFL company will often only guarantee job placement for TEFL graduates who have a university degree – because Thailand’s countrywide law requires that you have a degree. It will still be difficult to find a job, or at the very least, you will be under… Read more »
Hi!
Question: I am Spanish, and I have been offered a librarian job at an international school. They tell me that I would need a TOEFL Certificate. Is that true? As a librarian? Or there are exceptions if you are a “specialist”?
Thanks!
We do not know the answer to this. However, if you are going to speak English with the children as a librarian, it makes sense that the school wants to make sure you have a certain skill level. Luckily, it is easy to get a TOEFL Certificate online for less than 100 USD. Good luck being a librarian! It is definitely worth getting the TOEFL because you will make a lot of money at an international school
How much schooling do the actually Thai people have to have to become teachers there ? Is it different for what age level they are teaching ? Just curious ?
We don’t know, although we’re assuming some sort of higher level degree or certification. :/ Good question.
I’d like to clarify a few things for your readers, if I may. 1. Schools in Thailand have very little to do with your paperwork. They only collect, screen and submit it. The relevant government bodies (The Ministry of Education, The Teacher’s Council of Thailand, The Immigration Department, The Ministry of Labor) will decide whether your documents are acceptable or not. Not the schools. The rules are bent (maybe even often) but not by the schools, as they have no say in it. If the Ministry of Education says your degree is not enough, that’s it, end of discussion. That’s… Read more »
Thanks for commenting!
1) You’re right about the “special deal” trick schools have with the Ministry of Education, so the school can tell you yay or nay for your paperwork.
2) You go on a visa run, yes. B if it’s for a Non Immigrant Business “B” Visa then we think it’s safe to say you’re going on a B Visa run :)
3) If you are a non-native English speaker (NNES), you need a TOEIC score of 600+ or IELTS score of 5+
Hi. Great blog! I am an American who lived in Thailand for 18 months doing volunteer work about 30 years ago. I speak Thai fluently and read and write S-L-O-W-L-Y :) I taught English while was there, as well. Mostly at private companies, ie banks, airlines, etc. I taught in the conference rooms of the companies for free. I went to college for 2 years and dropped out and have spent my working life as a business owner. I am considering retiring in Chiang Mai. Question…what are my chances of teaching English there? I, like you and your wife, can’t… Read more »
That’s awesome to hear that you can speak Thai fluently. That is such an advantage if you want to teach English. If you retire in Chiang Mai, you will be eligible for a Retirement Visa (50 years old or more) and then you can teach “informally” in your spare time. Unfortunately, without a college degree, you aren’t eligible for a Business Visa, but you CAN still teach and earn money under the table. At the right school (and maybe with a little help from a visa law firm) you can get a Work Permit and legally teach. Our vacation lasted… Read more »
Yes, a Retirement Visa is available from 50 y.o. but it specifically states that working – including voluntary work – is NOT allowed. So your teaching “informally” and therefore without a work permit, while it might go under the radar for a while, has the potential to get you in BIG trouble.
As for Chiang Mai – be aware of the SEVERE air pollution problems; a recent report here in Thailand said that CM had the worst air pollution in the world.
Chiang Mai has had HORRIBLE smog problems Feb/March/April 2019.
There is a loophole in the system – you can apply for a work permit while you are on a Retirement Visa *Extension*.
Great post. 25 years ago you could get a CPA by going to night school and just satisfying the electives to write the national exam without a bachelors. Will this be a barrier? Also is it best to bring the criminal record check copies with you in case your asked? Finally what agency did you use as there are a lot of varying pricing outside of Thailand that seem to think they can help the process at a high price and working direct seems easier?
Thailand’s national requirement is a bachelors degree, so a CPA doesn’t technically work unless you give it to a school and they think it’s your degree. Yes, we recommend bringing a criminal record with you. I went through the agency from which I earned my TEFL. We recommend SEE TEFL because it helps graduates from their TEFL program find jobs. Good luck!
H! I am Jether from Philippines. I recently acquired my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I just want to ask if it possible for me to become an english teacher in Thailand. Right now, I don’t have a visa nor a passport. What can you advise for me to do? Thanks!
You meet the *main* requirement because you have a bachelors degree. However, since you aren’t from a native English speaking country, you will need to hae a TOEIC score of 600+ or an IELTS score of 5+. We advise that you come over on a tourist visa to look for a job, which is good for 60 days. Once you get a job and sign the paperwork, you can apply for a Non Immigrant B. But of course, apply for a passport first!
Hi Chris and Angela! Hope you are both well. Great article by the way. I have a couple questions and desperately need some clarification, I hope you can help. I have a Zimbabwean passport, I’m 25 years old, white and male. I have a BA in Communication Science and I’m TEFL certified through an accredited body (TQUK). Will I be able to legally teach English in Thailand? I have minimal experience in English teaching, but I have 2 year’s experience in private music teaching to students of all ages (mainly kids though). Realistically, what are my chances. I have a… Read more »
You will be legally able to teach, Tim, because you meet the minimum requirements – you have a degree and a TEFL and you’re a native English speaker. You might have a slightly lower chance of getting hired because you have a Zimbabwean passport (and not UK, Canada, Australia, or USA) but as a young white male with teaching experience, your chances are high.
Hello, Angela and Chris, I found your blog to be quite insightful. I’m currently teaching in Spain and will spend the summer in Bali. I’ll complete my CELTA certification in Bali and will begin looking for jobs in Bangkok there. I traveled to Bangkok multiple times to renew my Vietnamese visa and get clothing in my size. Is it necessary to return to my home country to start the work visa process for Thailand? I’m really hoping I’ll be able to go to the Thai embassy in Bali and get “the ball rolling.” I just started researching this, so hopefully… Read more »
You don’t have to return to your home country to apply for a Non Immigrant B ‘Teaching’ Visa. Just remember 1) you’ll have to first accept a job to get a B Visa 2) go to Bangkok to get the supporting visa documents or have your future employer mail them to you wherever you are in the world 3) apply for the B Visa at the Thai Consulate in Denpasar (or another location nearest to you). Good luck!
Hello Chris and Angela, I am working in Dole Philippines under Human resource Department, I took my Bachelors degree recently which is related Financial Management. I can speak English fluently where i used to do the orientation for the incoming employees of company prior to the deployment in their job. Do I qualify to apply as an English Teacher in Thailand?
Yes, there are definitely schools that will hire non-native English speaking applicants if their English speaking abilities are a high enough level.
Chris and Angela what are reliable agencies or website you may suggest where I can apply? I mean is paying a right amount according to the level and capacity of teaching of every Filipino
I was wondering, as a gay man, would you suggest trying to teach in Thailand?
Yes. Thai people are very open and accepting of gay men and women.
Hi Angela and Chris,
Thank you for your post and answering all these questions.
I am a Hungarian citizen and I possess a master degree in soil science from Edinburgh Uni (MSc soils science). I have taught English in China at a summer camp and I have been doing one-on-one sessions online mainly with adults in the past 6 six months. I enjoy teaching and all the interaction that comes with it however, I wonder if all the above mentioned experience/certificate is enough to qualify as an English teacher in Thailand.
Yes, good luck!
Hi, i graduated 4 years university finance department in my country but i want to move Thailand with my family, i am also married from Thailand, i dont have ielts or tesol… can i work as an English teacher in Thailand? if i can, what would i earn about salary per month?
Yes, with a non-teaching degree (without a TESOL or teaching experience) you qualify for a job at a government school, private school, or language center. The salary will vary a lot depending on your nationality and what city you choose to teach in. As a very rough example, you could make 15k baht per month in the countryside if you are Malaysian or 50k baht per month if you are Australian working in Bangkok.
Hello Chris and Angela,
Great blog!
What if English is my 2nd language? However, I have BS degree in engineering from US universities and I also have worked in US company for quite sometime. I speak/read/write/interact in English at work and outside of work 24 hrs a day. I am also a native Thai speaker. Would I be qualified?
Thanks!
Yes, but some schools may want to see a passing TOEFL score to show your proficiency in English. Be forewarned: If you are native Thai speaker (we’re assuming you’re Thai?) then you may be offered a much lower salary (what a Thai person would earn) rather than the higher pay of a Westerner. Not all schools will do this but some will. Good luck!
Hi Chris and Angela. I last worked in Thailand from 1997 to 2000. I worked using my Cert. TEFL qualification, despite not having a University degree. I survived on non-imm B visas throughout my time, employed by ECC (Thailand). I even spent one academic year at a Government primary school. Today, I have a Cambridge DELTA (post-graduate qualification – Master’s equivalent) (obtained in 2001). I have held Director of Studies and Academic Director posts for the last five years in the UK, successfully steering schools through British Council and ABLS accreditation inspections. In addition, since 2012, I have worked for… Read more »
Sounds like you’re more than qualified to teach at any well-paying school of your choice in Thailand. Why are you so unsure despite your experience?
Hello I am from Ghana an African country and a teacher i wish to travel to Thailand to teach,I have a 3 year teacher training college certificate,Diploma in teaching, and a bachler degree in teaching do I qualify? If yes what should I do to come there with necessary Documents.
Yes, you definitely qualify. Each school is a bit different in the qualification ‘proof’, so we would err on the safe side and bring several copies of official transcripts to hand out as necessary.
Hi, I do not have a bachelor’s degree but I have a Level 7 Diploma in TESOL from London Teacher Training College, which is equivalent to a Masters Degree according to the U.K. Is this sufficient or would I need a degree still?
Some schools may look at your certification a bit funny but you are well beyond qualified and there are schools that will hire you. You may have to ask around a bit but you definitely qualifiy.
I don’t have a four-years degree but a three-years degree in IT. Is that a problem? Besides, do I need a good score in IELTS? Which IELTS exam should I take – academic or general training ? Thanks
If you can produce a ‘certificate of a degree’ to your work or hiring agency, then there shouldn’t be a problem. The official Thai government sites (that we know of) do not mention a specific length (number of years). We do not know which IELTS exam you need to take or the minimum score (6? 7?) without Googling it ourselves. That’s one area we haven’t researched yet.
Hello. I am a Mathematics Teacher all the way from the Philippines. Am i qualified to teach in Thailand though I”m not an English Teacher?
Yes, there are some schools that require math teachers who speak English. The positions are fewer but it is possible.
This is not strictly true. There are private schools that can hire, with work permit, without the undergraduate degree, who are then in turn contracted to provide teachers at government schools. This is a common practice, though not the majority of jobs. It is aboveboard, however.
Could you give us a few names of schools that hire without a degree? Many of our readers (us included) would be very interested to know!
Hello, I have to respectfully disagree. Teaching a subject in one’s native language is very different than teaching English as a foreign language. I taught at a Tier 1 research university for 7 years in the US, and found a TEFL course quite necessary. Because one generally teaches English IN English, to those who don’t know English, a different approach is needed. If students have problems understanding the subject matter, then one can provide additional explanation, however when teaching English, that generally makes things worse by overloading the language abilities of the learner (unless you are teaching advanced topics such… Read more »
Thanks for sharing this – yes, a TEFL makes you aware of major cultural differences, identifies the hurdles specific to non-native English speakers, as well as focuses on grammar rules instead of “oh, it just ‘sounds better’ this way” without an explanation. Great points. If you are teaching at an international school with may students who grew up speaking English, that’s an example where you can get away without a TEFL. But teaching at public and private schools, a TEFL definitely comes in handy.
Question: I’m an American who has a BS in chemical engineering and some teaching experience in Taiwan. i would like to quit the corporate world and teach English in Thailand. However, I do have a DUI on my record. Will this prevent me from obtaining a visa or finding employment?
Sorry, we don’t know the answer to this one! We don’t know if Thailand is only concerned with felons and sexual predators or if they also are against non-violent crime offenders. We don’t know if it’s up to each school to determine if your offense is worth ignoring or not (similar to how some schools accept a 3 year degree and – instead of a 4 year degree – while others may not) or if it is up to the decision of the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to which you apply. I know several teachers who never submitted a… Read more »
Chris and Angela,
Thank you for the feedback. Another question! You mentioned that I might be able to work at an international school or university? Where would I go to find available jobs for working at an international school or university?
Browse Google for and Facebook for teaching listings. We like to recommend ajarn.com.
hi chris n angela…i am from pakistan and i have masters in english literature i dont have any celta certificate may i apply as an english teacher in thailand???plzzzzzzzz help me
Yes, but certain schools (the better ones) may want you to have CELTA if you have no prior teaching experience. Also, they may want to see your proficiency in English, so you should look into taking the IELTS.
Chris and Angela, I am retired Air Force and Marines (25 years) and have a Bachelors of Science Degree in Occupational Education from an accredited university in the US. I have taught Health Science Courses (medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, etc.) for 23 years. I’m considering retiring from teaching in Texas and possibly teach abroad. I would have no problem teaching English. I am, white, 59 (do they discriminate by age)? I am not TEFL certified. Do I have the credentials to teach English in Thailand? If not, what do you suggest I do to be able to teach… Read more »
You definitely have the credentials – no need to go after a TEFL if you’ve had 23 years experience teaching already. We think for your situation (being older and more experienced), an international school or university would be value your skills over your age. Good luck!
Hi Chris and Angela! Just a quick question. I just moved to Chiang Mai and was offered a job at a public school. I am currently finishing my last course of my four-year degree online and will not have my degree until December. I do, however, have copy of my university transcripts and my high school diploma.
The school that hired me would like me to get the Non-Immigrant B Visa. Would I be able to get this with my university transcripts and high school diploma alone?
We know you need a degree to apply for a Non Immigrant B Visa and the subsequent extensions, but it’s really up to your school to vouch for your degree. In other words, they are required to write a letter saying you have a degree, which is part of the application documents required at a Thai Embassy or Consulate; you do not have to submit the degree itself. Therefor, it’s up to your school to decide if your 95% completed degree is worthy. This is kind of in the grey area!
Hi Chris and Angela! Just a quicky, i live in England with my hubby and our daughter.im originally from Finland so English is my second language.How much this really matters when looking for a job as a teacher in Thailand?
Second questions is considering my partner. He is black African with Finnish passport as well, native in English language with masters degree in English and mechanical design engineering.will his race and skin color be a huge no factor to get a job as a teacher?
Thank you for your reply.Love your blog x
If English is your second language, you may be asked to complete a IELTS (International English Language Testing System) to show how well you master the language before getting hired. In regards to your partner, he can expect to face discrimination, but not with every school. If he is turned down for a position, he needs to stay confident and apply at another school. Unfortunately, most Thais see dark skin as bad and white skin as good, but there are Westernize schools who hire teachers based on ability and not skin color. We wish you luck!
Hi there, I am looking to change career to teach children preschool or pre-k. I have been working here in Thailand for 8 years and have a good paying job but I feel I am called to teach children. I like being around them and interacting with them. I feel I have more meaning when I help these kids learn. I understand what a big influence teachers have in these early years of a child. I understand pay is low however, I would like to have some experience and get at least 18 units of education. Do you know a… Read more »
We’re not the best people to ask because we aren’t familiar with teaching requirements in the USA. We don’t know how important it is to earn the 18 credit hours of educational classes from just anywhere or if American schools want to see that you’ve earned those units in the USA. Sorry, we don’t know!
its LLB (Hons), LLM and MA.
Having an MA is what’s important. You’ll get the job!
Hi guys,
Thank you for the infos. I have a law degree (3 years) and 2 masters in English University. Would it still be possible to teach despite the fact that my degree is 3 years course instead of 4?
Is it a BA or BS?
Hello Chris and Angela I am RJ 22 years old from the Philippines I went to college but due to my personal constraints I didn’t manage to finish the course but despite of it I earned a three year teaching experience as a Bible teacher at Jesus Is Lord Church worldwide Ministries,I will be going to Phuket this coming October to take TEFL course, undergo TOEIC examination and find a teaching job afterwards . My questions are: 1. will it be possible for me to be hired as an English teacher tho I am not a degree holder? 2. Will… Read more »
1) Not legally. You may be able to find a paying job (as in, you’ll have cash in your pocket) but you will not be eligible to receive a Non Immigrant B Visa or a Work Permit. Because Thai laws. 2) It’s good you have three years teaching experience – and that will definitely help you find a job – but again, the company who (illegally) hires you, will not be able to sponsor you visa and work permit. It’s possible to teach for a short time this route is not sustainable for the long term. Sorry to be the… Read more »
Please I hold Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Technology Education (English taught course), Do I have any chance of getting teaching appointment in either public or private school in Thailand? I’m asking this based on fact that, it appears English teaching is the only critical job opportunity. My subject area is either Building Construction or Technical Drawing/Building Drawing
There’s a very high demand for English teachers and the opportunity to teach other subjects is few and far between. However, we suggest looking at either private (high) schools or universities to see if they offer a specialized program in building construction/drawing. Good luck!
Hello, I have a masters degree, but no bachelors degree, will this be okay? I hope so.
We would assume so since it is an advance degree and that with most schools (maybe not all) will accept it.
I have no college degree, but am interested in living abroad in places like Thailand and since i’m good with English maybe i can use my english to teach to schools
do you think i can bend the rules like what you wrote on the blog and secure a job so i can live in Thailand?
my main purpose to live in Thailand with help of Savings maybe 10,000 US Dollars and secure job to live there and also marry a thai woman who’s willing to marry foreigner
Any Advise u can give?
People bend the rule (working without a real degree) all of the time but we do not advocate it. It’s just up to the school. You are one of many men who want to marry a Thai woman in order to have a reason to stay in Thailand. Yes, that is absolutely possible.
Hi Chris and Angela I’m a healthy and well qualified English teacher, but over the age limits. Are there ways around ageism in Thailand?
Dress sharply and have a clean shaven face (a beard is a nono anyways but it has a tendency to make men look older). International schools are much more open to hiring qualified teachers with less emphasis on age, skin color, sex, etc. Start with them first. Don’t bother with public schools at all. Some private schools may be good.
Hello Chris & Angela, I am planning to go to Thailand by the end of August. I am a licensed teacher here in the Philippines with experience, BS Secondary Education major in Biological Sciences. Recently, I have just acquired my TESOL Certificate. I have already read your previous reply about Thai’s favor in European-native speakers. Questions are: 1. How low would the pay be, compared to native speakers? Like how much do they pay Filipino’s? Just to see the picture. :) 2. Will my TESOL Certificate help me? or should it be TEFL? 3. Does the requirements needed, need to… Read more »
1. There is a poor relationship between Thailand and the Philippines – Filipino teachers get paid what Thai teachers are paid even if they are fluent in English. So, 15,000 to 20,000 baht per month 2. TESOL/TEFL/CELTA – generally doesn’t matter but a specific school may prefer one or the other 3. Not that we’re aware of 4. The better salary is one-on-one based on the hourly wage AND because it will be less frustrating, but you would have to freelance (and not be eligible for a visa). On the chance that you find a school/language center that will put… Read more »
Hi guys, good read! Just a quick question, I’m looking to go teach English in Thailand (like most here). Got my TEFL, BA in Publishing degree and general plan/timeline for heading over in September… One thing I’ve just noticed though is it seems to be 4 Year degree course required (which would be a BA Hons in my case). Is my BA going to be okay? Or will that be a problem? Just to clarify, my BA is a 3 year degree, although with resits it did take me 4 years to complete…
Yes. Employers and Thailand’s Minitry of Labor want to see that you have completed college/higher education. In fact, the requirement seems quite vague on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: “Evidence of educational qualification such as diplomas or teaching certificates.” – Section 2.4
Hi Guys,
Thanks for an amazing blog! Been incredibly informative and helpful in planning an escape to Asia from the hustle bustle of the corporate world. I meet all the requirements above, but planning on doing my TEFL together with some practical once arriving in Thailand- What is your take on that compared to an online alternative before arriving? Lastly, you make mention of agencies you used for placements- any names in particular that you can recall perhaps?
Thanks again! Look forward to your response :)
Marc
I absolutely recommend taking a TEFL course in the Thai city you want to teach in. Don’t bother with the online classes and I don’t recommend taking a TEFL course ‘vacation’ in the southern beaches of Thailand and then trying to get a job in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Most TEFL companies help with job placement, but it’s a lot easier when their connections are within arms reach rather than on the other side of the country. For agencies, go here.
thank you very much!!!
Hi Chris and Angela. Your website is so helpful to us. Do you have any idea how many years a foreign teacher can work in Thailand? i heard that there are some rules about foreign teachers in Thailand. In my case, I have been teaching in my school for 3 years now, and this school year will be my 4th. I am not a graduate of Education. If i want to stay in the same school, what should i do next to extend my stay here? thank you very much!
Legally you are allowed four years (2 years, twice) on a temporary/provisional teaching license before securing the real teaching license. Check out this post – they suggest a few alternatives, such as teaching at a foreign language center or going through a hiring agency to bypass the TCT teacher license. They also give situations for people like you who may not have a degree in education but with a few extra tests/courses you can be eligible to get a teacher license. It’s a good read and should set you in the right direction.
Hello guys I just discovered you blog since I am right now looking for a teaching job in Chiang Mai. I am a certified English Teacher though, with no CELTA degree or anything like that. I have a bachelor’s degree in Education and Teaching English as a Second Language. I think I meet all the requirements except that I am not a native speaker and I have long hair :P I’m confident about my English and my skills but what do you think about the long hair? hahaha. Is it a silly question? Thanks for your time in advance, and… Read more »
Man, this is a toughy. It really depends on the school. Some school directors are more open to ‘unconventional’ looks, such as beards and long hair on men, and may ask that you have it securely fastened during the day. Have an answer ready if they ask you if you are willing to cut your hair short. :/
Hi Chris & Angela, I am moving to Thailand in September and the plan, like most people, is to teach English. I am Irish so English is my first language and by September I will have completed my TEFL course. My one and only concern is my lack of a Bachelor’s degree.. In saying that, I do possess a Foundation Degree (2 year higher education degree) and I am 2 years into my BSc. From your experience and knowledge, Will my Foundation Degree certificate be enough to get me a teaching licence and a job in a school? I appreciate… Read more »
Hi Tom. Legally speaking, Thailand’s work laws require that all employed foreigners have a undergraduate’s degree. Is it possible to teach without a degree? Yes, many people teach ‘illegally’, particularly at schools who are desperate for teachers. You may be able to find a job and earn a paycheck, but unless your hiring company/school forges documents (falsifying that you have a 4 year degree), then you will not have the correct credentials to receive a Non Immigrant B Visa, a Work Permit, or a Teacher’s License.
Hi, I meet all of these requirements but I have a shaved head. I’m white and American so that’s good. Any idea if schools will discriminate because of this? Also… is it likely at all that I could be hired during the school break around october or november at a state run highschool? Thanks
I’ve worked with men with shaved heads – it’s totally acceptable! Be sure to wear a collared shirt (tie to an interview for sure) and have a clean shaven face. Yes, applying in October during the semester break is a great time to look for jobs since many teachers ‘go on vacation’ and never return. You have a good chance of filling a vacancy. Good luck!
Hi Chris and Angela,
I’m traveling to Chiang Mai end of May to complete a CELTA course that ends June 24. What are the chances that a regular Thai school will hire me in the middle of the semester? My goal is to teach children ages 6-11.
Thanks!
Hannah
Public and private Thai schools typically begin school in mid to end of May. Although the chance is less than if you were to apply right now, a few schools may be looking for replacements or trying to fill ‘no shows’. Language centers hire year-round (if you are willing to work in afternoons and weekends to not overlap with traditional school hours).
hi Chris and Anj, I’m a graduate of Secondary Education major in Music, Arts, Physical Education Health (MAPEH Major here in the Philippines) but can speak english fluently, am i qualified to be one of the teachers?
You’re qualified but many of Thailand’s schools (and the Thai parents who send their kids there) want European English-speaking teachers because of their physical features. Oftentimes Filipinos who have been be offered positions are paid at a lower pay rate than their European colleagues. Your best bet it be hired by a school who has adopted less discriminating hiring standards – international schools are a great place to start. We’re sorry to be the bearer of bad news but that’s how it is here :/ Good luck!
Hi Chris,
I am from Pakistan and I speak English with an American accent. I had applied for Celta course in Chiang Mai and passed the interview. I was wondering, would I be able to pass the course successfully since I’m a non-native.Also, I speak English in American accent not the British,so would that be a problem?
If you are fluent in reading and writing and understand English grammar than you should have no problem passing the course. Non-native English speakers sometimes have a more difficult time finding a job because some schools only want native speakers. However, some schools will be happy to hear your American accent and hire you. Good luck!
Thank you for the reply. Now I know the period to travel. So can I apply for schools here while still in Cameroon? If yes please can you assist me. I already have my passport. Can you place me in contact with some schools.
You can apply while you are still in Cameroon, but we think it’s best to come to Thailand and meet your future boss in person and see the school before signing a contract. We can offer our services in helping you contact some schools. Please send an email to us and we will provide you with our rates.