Teaching English In Phuket
Ideally, one should be a native speaker and holds at least a bachelor’s degree. Those with teaching qualifications such as ESL and TEFL are able to get better salary at private and international schools. And while teaching experience is not mandatory in most cases, it would certainly be a big plus.
One needs to obtain a teacher’s license, as well as a work permit in order to have a secure teaching job in Thailand. The application for both documents should be done by the employer. Those without a degree or a teaching certificate can still find teaching jobs in Phuket. However, the jobs are mostly illegal and paid under the table. In the past, anyone with white skin and English accent can find teaching jobs in Phuket quite easily. Today, though, the Thai government crackdowns on foreign teachers who do not have work permit and teaching qualifications. Obtaining fake degrees and certificates can be easy but it is certainly not recommended. This is because the repercussions often mean hefty fine, jail time, and deportation.
The best place to look for a teaching job in Phuket is newspaper classified ads. Most foreigners would prefer to be teaching near the beach, such as in Patong. However, most teaching jobs are available in Phuket city.
Language school agencies are the most common place to start a teaching job in Phuket. These schools offer private tutoring and small-class courses on the evenings and weekends. Students can range from primary-level children to adults. Another alternative is to teach weekly classes at one of the public or private schools in Phuket, both primary and secondary levels. It is also possible for one to teach in both normal school and language school at the same time since the class timing is different.
Most of the time the agency or school will provide teachers with a set of curriculum, materials, as well as various resources. But sometimes, one may be asked to develop a specific lesson plan or even devise an entire curriculum. It is common for teachers to obtain other resources and materials on their own, especially when the provided ones are merely photo copied books. Generally, it takes more work, planning, and patience to deal with the younger students. Variety is also important as it will keep them interested. Songs, dances, and games are all popular among the students.
Those without prior teaching experience may find it overwhelming when they have to face a classroom full of 50 rowdy Thai students. This is why many opt to take a teaching certification course in order to gain enough teaching exposure before they jump into the real world. Having a teaching certificate will also increase one’s chances of getting a better-paying job, as well as provide one with enough confidence to face the Thai students in classrooms.
Before deciding to become a teacher, one must know how to present one’s self in the public. Teachers are held in high regard in Thailand and therefore it is probably not a good idea to be drinking in bars near the work place. In addition, teachers who do not follow the acceptable expectations of grooming, sanitation, and mannerism in Thailand will be frowned upon and may even get fired from the job.
Many find teaching English in Phuket a truly satisfying career. It is indeed a rewarding career, but only if one follows the rules and makes a great commitment.
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