Recruitment Agencies in Thailand for Teaching Jobs
So, you've decided to come to teach English in Thailand for the experience, the opportunities, and the culture! But how can you go about finding employment? When looking for English teaching jobs in Thailand, you can spend a long time looking for vacancies, crafting applications, making calls, and sending emails to no avail. This is where using a teaching agency or recruitment company to help you land an English teaching position in Thai schools and institutions can be extremely useful. They can make applying for jobs faster, easier, and less time-consuming.
Let's look at recruitment companies and teaching agencies for native speakers of English and non-native speakers:
About Teaching Agencies and Recruitment Agencies
Teaching agencies and recruitment companies are private businesses that recruit eligible teachers to fill teaching positions in schools and institutions with which they have a relationship or contract. These teachers can be recruited from within their country and from abroad, hiring native and non-native English speakers.
These agencies provide comprehensive human resources solutions that address various organizational needs, from staffing to strategic long-term planning. Their relationships can be personal connections with teachers or education board members from previous employment and networking. Alternatively, the schools can find an agency or recruitment company and pay the agency to find teachers. These relationships or contracts with the schools make using an agency or recruitment company appealing. The good ones have an excellent rapport with the schools they work with, and these connections increase one’s chances of getting hired.
What They Do
In general, teaching and recruitment agencies streamline the hiring process for applicants and ensure that only the most suitable candidates are presented to schools. They are your liaison between the schools and you, helping to set up interviews, organizing documents for immigration, negotiating on your behalf, and introducing you to your new home and schools in their network. They are there to support you every step of the way.
How They Help
Your agency and recruitment company are your greatest resource and support network. They are there to help with answering any queries you have about life in Thailand or the bureaucratic side of things. They can also support teachers in Thailand with things like teacher training, cultural information, group excursions, and setting you up in your area with accommodation and established teachers to ensure you have a support network when you arrive. Additionally, agencies offer comprehensive human resources support, addressing various organizational needs and ensuring smooth operations for both teachers and schools.
The Hiring Process
Here is a timeline of the general process, from application to working in your school when applying to teach in Thailand. Some processes may vary from company to company; for example, you may be introduced to your school after moving to the area or not attend training. There may also be more than one interview - one with the agency and another with the school.
These agencies and recruitment companies post teaching vacancies online on popular job boards, their sites, Facebook groups, and through their friends via word of mouth in late December, January for arrival in April and May, and post around June for arrival in September and October start. They use rigorous screening and sourcing methods to ensure that only the most suitable candidates are presented to schools. Try to prepare your documents for the process around when you start interviewing. Click here to see what documents you need and what steps to take to prepare them.
Free vs. Fee?
Some agencies have no fees; your only costs are accommodation (hotel on arrival & apartment), flight to Thailand, and any personal expenses you'll need before you get your salary (food, travel, etc.). If you pay a fee route, you are essentially paying for a job and are guaranteed to get one. If this option isn't in your budget, we recommend finding an agency with no fees. They will be more competitive due to this factor.
Alternatives include looking for teaching jobs yourself on job sites, which is the cheapest way to find them in Thailand. Some will be direct hires with a school, while others will be recruiter posts. Make sure to do your research when applying.
Pros, Cons & Benefits
Hiring Rate
Due to their connections, recruitment agencies significantly increase your chances of being hired. However, the process can be very competitive. For example, they receive 200,000 applicants but only have 100 positions.
Salary
You may get a higher or lower salary than expected, depending on your school and passport. Some companies are known to make additional deductions to your salary for expenses. Make sure you read your contracts well before signing. Credible companies will ensure you pay on time and be transparent about money-related issues.
Fees
You will likely incur an agency fee, teacher training, visa and work permit, and initial accommodation (hotel on arrival & apartment). The finder's fee ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. They may include accommodation, food, and travel costs. The teacher training may be optional or mandatory.
Benefits
Most agencies and recruitment companies assist teachers with finding accommodation, visas, and work permits. They usually inform you of their offers during the interview, but if they don't initially, we highly recommend you ask so you won't be blindsided later.
Accommodation
The agency will tell you what additional benefits they or the school will provide, such as a whole or partial accommodation stipend. These will vary from company to company and school to school.
Visa & Work Permit
Either they will pay the visa and work permit fees and reimburse you in your salary, or you will be expected to pay the bills without reimbursement.
Support from Agencies in Schools for Talented Candidates
Hands-on, informed agencies, and recruiters will have a great system to keep you informed and open channels for contacting them about any issues during your contract and help you solve them. You will also find stories of companies with bad reputations where teachers report feeling unsupported and taken advantage of when issues arise at school or regarding salary. You can find both kinds of stories in the same company. Take some reviews with a grain of salt and decide about the companies yourself, as we only hear one side of the story. Additionally, these agencies provide comprehensive human resources support, addressing various organizational needs and ensuring smooth operations for teachers and schools.
What to Look for in a Recruitment Agency
When searching for a recruitment agency in Thailand, several key factors should be considered to ensure you find the best fit for your needs. A reputable recruitment agency should understand the local job market and economy in-depth. This means they should be well-versed in Thailand's specific demands and trends, allowing them to provide tailored advice and opportunities.
A strong recruitment agency will boast a vast network of talented candidates and offer diverse recruitment services. These services might include executive search, workforce management, and industry trends analysis. Such a comprehensive approach ensures that companies seeking top talent and candidates seeking new opportunities receive the best possible support.
Another crucial factor is global presence. Agencies with a worldwide network can offer broader opportunities and insights, making the transition to working in Thailand smoother. Experienced consultants within these agencies can also provide personalized support and guide you through every step of the hiring process.
Additionally, an agency must have a proven track record of delivering high-quality candidates and excellent customer service. Look for agencies that have received positive reviews and can provide referrals. This will give you confidence in their ability to meet your needs.
Ultimately, the best recruitment agency for you will depend on your specific requirements and preferences. Research read reviews, and ask for referrals to find an agency that aligns with your goals and can provide the level of service and expertise you need.
Thailand’s Job Market and Economy
Thailand’s job market and economy are dynamic and rapidly evolving, presenting opportunities and challenges for job seekers and employers. The country boasts a robust manufacturing sector, with significant contributions from the automotive, electronics, and textiles industries. The services sector is also expanding, particularly in tourism, finance, and IT.
The Thai government has taken various initiatives to foster economic growth and development. Investments in infrastructure, education, and innovation have created a favorable business environment, attracting many companies to establish operations in the country.
However, the job market in Thailand is highly competitive. A large pool of talented candidates competes for a limited number of positions, making it challenging for companies to identify and secure the best candidates. This is where a recruitment agency can be invaluable. With their expertise and extensive networks, recruitment agencies can help bridge the gap between employers and job seekers, ensuring that the right talent matches the right opportunities.
Tips for finding a good recruiter/agency in the Job Market
Scams are prevalent in Thailand, and taking advantage of enthusiastic teachers is not uncommon. If they request payment for anything in advance, using a trusted company and researching the details and information will go a long way to protecting yourself.
A promising sign is transparency and good communication from the agency or company. You should seek upfrontness and well-informedness about the process and expectations from them.
Recruitment Agencies in Thailand
There are several recruitment agencies in Thailand, each with strengths and specialties. In no particular order, some of the agencies include:
Kids English Thailand-KET
Kids English Thailand (KET) connects teachers with schools across Thailand, providing job placement, visa support, and cultural immersion to ensure a smooth transition into teaching.
Why Choose Kids English Thailand?
Guaranteed teaching placement in Thai schools.
Visa assistance, housing support, and cultural workshops.
Flexible options to teach, volunteer, or intern.
Standout Feature: A full-service program that goes beyond job placement, offering hands-on support and real Thai cultural integration.
Education Services
Education Services handles the logistical challenges teachers face when moving to Thailand. From visas to housing, they make the process stress-free.
Why Choose Education Services?
Comprehensive visa and housing assistance.
Resources to help teachers settle into Thai life.
Personalized support tailored to your needs.
Standout Feature: Their focus is on making transitions smooth and hassle-free.
MediaKids Academy
MediaKids Academy is perfect for those looking to explore Thailand’s diverse regions. They offer placements in primarily rural areas, allowing you to experience Thailand’s culture while teaching young learners.
Why Choose MediaKids Academy?
Placements across Thailand, including cities and countryside.
Ongoing support with housing, visas, and classroom adaptation.
Creative teaching methods that make learning fun for students.
Standout Feature: A network of schools that spans the country, giving you the freedom to choose your ideal location.
By partnering with one of these top recruitment agencies, you can navigate the competitive job market in Thailand with confidence, knowing you have expert support and access to a wide range of opportunities.
Our recommendations:
Here is our shortlist of job boards to search for English teaching opportunities in Thailand:
1) Teast
2) Ajarn
3) KruTeacher