Teach in Thailand: An Overview of Teaching English

Working in Thailand School/University Types

There are typically six types of schools in Thailand.

Public Schools

Private Schools

International Schools

Private Language Schools

Universities

Private English Lessons

The landscape of English teaching jobs in Thailand is diverse, with opportunities available in government schools, language academies, and international schools. Recruiters play a crucial role in securing these positions, and requirements often include a bachelor's degree, TEFL certification, and meeting specific employer expectations.

Many Thai schools have implemented English Programmes to enhance language proficiency among students.

Here is a little more information about each type of institution.

Public School

The first 9 years (grade 1 – grade 9) young learners can study for free. Students can continue in school for 3 years (until grade 12), but it is optional. Due to the accessibility of government schools, classes will be larger than most other schools on the list. There will also be a lot of mixed levels and abilities in class. Factors such as school funding may also contribute to available materials and support for students, e.g., special needs, high-level students, etc. There may even be disparities from class to class in the same school and grade. This, however, gives you a chance to teach many levels and adapt courses and materials to help students succeed in class. The working hours are your standard 8-4, arriving at 7:30, and if there is an event on the weekend or a half day on a Saturday, you may be expected to attend. Many government schools offer a housing allowance and paid vacations.

Private Schools

As a charged alternative to public schools, private institutes are more likely to have smaller numbers of students. This also means you may have a myriad of cultures in each class depending on the city and location of said school. In public schools, you are usually given more creative control if you achieve the educational goals and follow the curriculum. In private institutes there is likely to be someone making sure you are on route to achieving short and long-term goals when planning classes and offering a hand if you ask for one, especially for newer teachers learning the ropes. Private institutes also have more than one standard program for students, e.g., essential programs, intensive programs, Thai-only programs, and even Thai & English combination classes. Teaching English in a program usually has better technology available.

Many private institutes offer housing allowances, dormitories, and paid vacations. As private institutes may be a little more demanding and parents are paying for their child to attend, they may consider your experiences, level of education, nationality, English/Thai proficiency, and qualifications.

International Schools

These schools also have a mix of Thai and expat nationals. They usually follow a non-Thai curriculum, such as that of the UK, USA, Canada, etc. Other international schools may be for students from a specific country, such as China, South Korea, Japan, etc. Teaching English in an international school requires experience and actual teaching experience and actual teaching qualifications. The international market is a highly competitive market for teaching roles.

The high price points at these schools are reflected in their results. They do this by hiring the right teachers to uphold and maintain their standards. Some benefits are contract bonuses, raises at the end of the year, health insurance, and reimbursements for flights to Thailand. To teach English in Thailand in an International school is very challenging as they tend not to focus on TEFL teachers but instead on fully qualified and experienced teachers.

Private Language School

It is a great place for teaching English. With students as young as kids to adults, if you aren’t sure what ages or levels you want to teach, you can try a bit of everything all at once. The sizes of classes are one-to-one or small groups, which won't strain your classroom management skills. And if the education system’s 8-4 is not your speed, a language school may be more yours. With work starting in the late morning or early afternoon till the evening, you can beat rush hour traffic and enjoy a slow morning coffee. Language institutes require teaching time to be on the weekends and in the evenings.

Usually, teachers are expected to set up everything for classes (equipment, materials, lesson plans, books, worksheets, chairs, etc.). Some places offer some assistance, but if they don’t, asking other teachers in school or online and using online resources may be a great way to get started. These are paid classes people attend, and their motivations may differ. Most teachers who want to teach English in Thailand look to formal schools rather than language institutes. Since COVID-19, most teaching English roles have been in formal schools, as many institutes closed during the pandemic.

In some cases, very few students are enrolled by their parents, and their motivations may be lower than others. However, after some time, they can find ways and reasons to enjoy the classes, especially with the help and encouragement of excellent teachers like yourself.

Depending on the size of your school, you may be offered incentives such as contract completion bonuses, student signing bonuses, health insurance, and 10 days of paid vacation. Teaching English in a language institute offers flexibility with hurs and lifestyle.

Universities

A well-respected position in Thailand. If you are teaching English to support students studying in English (English for Academic Purposes, aka EAP) or whether you have a masters in a specific field and are teaching a university course to university students in English, both are highly regarded. University teachers have a lot more freedom with their time. To attend classes and meetings when scheduled and do whatever else they need on and off campus when their schedules are free. A teaching role in a university only requires you to be present when teaching. No office hours are usually included.

Your experience, qualifications, university location, and the amount of work the university is looking for will all contribute to your salary.

Private English Lessons

For extra income, tutoring privately online or face-to-face is a great source. This is usually a way to earn a few extra hundred baht a week, as doing this full-time requires having enough students to pay your living expenses.

With its appealing flexibility, complete control of materials, and your schedule and where you work, tutoring is very appealing when you have consistent students to teach. If not, it is the least stable option in the beginning. Many teachers enjoy teaching private classes as this can provide a more flexible lifestyle and more free time. Finding private students is usually done via word of mouth!