Introduction to Teaching Abroad in Thailand
Are you considering teaching English in Thailand in 2024? You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not teaching abroad in Thailand is the right choice for you.
In this blog post you’ll learn about how to get a visa to teach in Thailand, what salaries you can expect to earn and tips for applying for jobs in Thailand.
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Obtaining a Visa to Teach in Thailand
To teach abroad in Thailand you will need a Non-Immigrant B Visa. You can get this from your home country once you have received a job offer. Alternatively, you can arrive on tourist visa and convert to a Non-Immigrant B Visa with a job offer after interviewing at schools in Thailand.
You can apply for this visa by going to the Thai Ministry of Labor office in your home country or in Bangkok. You will need to provide documents like:
- your passport which is valid for travel
- a copy of your bachelor’s degree and transcripts
- a copy of your TEFL certificate or teaching license
- a letter from your employer stating that you have been hired to teach English in Thailand
- a clean background check
- the visa application form and Thai format passport photos
- a copy of the Thai school’s license
- a recent bank statement
Visa requirements change often, so visit your local Thai consulate or embassy website for the most up-to-date information.
Salaries for ESL Teachers in Thailand
As an ESL teacher in Thailand, your salary is likely to be your top concern. After all, you’ll need to know how much you’ll be making in order to budget for your time in Thailand.
The good news is that ESL teacher salaries in Thailand are some of the highest in the region. First time teachers can expect to earn between 25,000 – 65,000 Thai baht ($800 – $2,000 USD) per month, depending on your qualifications and experience. More qualified and experienced teachers can earn more.
Of course, your salary may also be affected by the city you choose to teach in. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are both popular destinations with higher salaries than smaller towns and villages.
Nevertheless, Thailand is a great place to teach English and you can expect to enjoy a high standard of living on your salary.
Best Cities for Teaching English in Thailand
When deciding where you want to teach English in Thailand, it’s important to consider the cities you’d like to live in. Each city offers something different – from the bustling nightlife of Bangkok to the laid-back vibe of Chiang Mai -so take a look at what each city has to offer and make an informed decision.
Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city and offers tons of cultural activities, plenty of restaurants, shopping malls and nightlife. Chiang Mai also has lots of attractions, but it is quieter than Bangkok with a more laid-back atmosphere. Other popular cities for teaching include Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui.
Wherever you go, you’ll find plenty of things to do on your days off from teaching English in Thailand! And don’t forget about all the amazing street food you can find here.
To check out the cost of living in different Thai cities, you can use numbeo.com to search for average rent, utilities, food prices and more.
Step by Step Process for Teaching Abroad in Thailand
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and teach abroad in Thailand, there are a few specific steps that you need to take to ensure that everything goes smoothly. The first step is to decide which city or province you want to teach in. Bangkok is the most popular destination for teaching English in Thailand, but there are also plenty of other cities and provinces that offer great teaching opportunities.
Once you have chosen your destination, the next step is to find a job. There are many different ways to go about this, from applying directly for teaching positions through online job postings on International Job Boards like Dave’s ESL Café or Ajarn or even cold-emailing potential employers directly with your CV and cover letter.
Download my free Ultimate Teach Abroad Jobs Guide for more places to find jobs in Thailand and around the world.
You’ll also need to get a visa for Thailand if you plan on staying in the country for more than three months. See the above section on visas to learn more.
Finally, once all of your paperwork is approved and taken care of, it’s time to start preparing! You’ll want to sell or store your belongings, prepare what you’d like to bring with you and learn about Thai customs. With these steps taken care of and some advance planning, your journey as a teacher in Thailand will be off an amazing start. You can watch the video below to get some ideas of 7 things to bring when teaching abroad.
FAQs About Teaching Abroad in Thailand
Teaching abroad in Thailand can be a bit intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. To make things easier, here are some common questions people have about teaching abroad in Thailand:
How do I get a visa to teach abroad in Thailand?
You’ll need to apply for an Non-Immigrant B Visa, which is issued to foreign teachers who have been hired by an accredited educational institution.
What are the salaries for teaching English in Thailand?
Salaries for teaching English in Thailand vary depending on the school and your experience. Generally, new teachers can expect to make anywhere from 25,000 – 65,000 Thai baht ($800 – $2,000 USD) per month.
What are the best cities to teach abroad in Thailand?
There are many great places to teach abroad in Thailand. Bangkok is the most popular option because most of the jobs are there, but there are also plenty of opportunities available in Chiang Mai, and beach towns too. You’ll want to consider what kind of lifestyle you want while in Thailand.
Is there a step by step process for teaching abroad in Thailand?
Yes! Before you start looking for jobs or applying for visas, you’ll want to research different schools and job opportunities and make sure that you meet all of the requirements. Make sure you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject and a quality TEFL certificate like International TEFL Academy or Premier TEFL.
Need a TEFL certificate? Watch this video to learn about how to get a TEFL certificate to teach English abroad or online.
Final Thoughts
Teaching abroad in Thailand is a great experience and it’s a good way to improve your teaching skills by getting international work experience. Thai schools are plentiful and the students are eager to learn. The best part is that the cost of living is affordable so you can save money or really enjoy your time in Thailand.
Want to fast-track your teach abroad journey? Book a 1:1 coaching call with me.
