Considering Going Overseas? Here’s Why You Should Work Abroad Instead of Backpack

by Jon | May 22, 2017 | XploreAsia News, International Internship

Whether you’re looking to travel after graduation, or eager to find a blank slate for a fresh start; you’ve decided to go abroad. In any case, there are many reasons and opportunities to make the most of your experience abroad. You can travel, volunteer, teach, or work abroad. No matter which path you decide to take, you will gain valuable insight into a new and exciting country.

Let’s say you can’t commit to a whole year teaching but you want more time than a week of vacationing or volunteering. Consider two options for a moment; you can either carry your life on your back or settle down and find work abroad.

Many people decide to travel as backpackers for an extended period of time, whether on their own or with a small group of friends. These back-packing experiences provide valuable insight to various local cultures and customs of many different regions and cities: everything from the local people to the cuisine, the landscape, and the diverse geography. Typically this type of excursion is an action packed list of things to do compressed into a small amount of time. With that in mind, backpackers are constantly on-the-go, seeking the next opportunity that comes along their path.

Picture your life backpacking: one week you might be hiking through a luscious mountainous region and the next you’ll be posted up on a white sand beach with a Chang in your hand. What could be more ideal?

Well, let’s consider the flip side of that exhilarating excursion – the cons, per se. While you may gain some unique street smarts navigating a foreign country, you won’t be getting an in-depth understanding of each culture if you’re constantly looking ahead for the next best thing to come along. Not to mention, there’s no time to relax when there’s so much to see and too much to do.

Taking in the view of our new home in Hua Hin.

Sound exhausting and stressful? Well, I have a solution for you. Ditch the backpack (along with the sore feet) and choose to fully immerse yourself in a local culture through working and living abroad. There are various attractions and benefits to working abroad compared to the constant hustle of backpacker travel. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know your surroundings while also appreciating each moment, embracing every aspect of this new, diverse environment.

Amazing to be part of a company that is dedicated to giving back to their community with time spent at the Pala'U orphanage.

First of all, you’ll gain hands on work experience in an international Thai office, pretty cool right? Those who work abroad gain value through capturing an in-depth understanding of how a business within another culture operates. Participating in daily operations allow for a better interpretation of the company in general and why they promote specific values relating to Thai culture.

Not only will you gain insight to a multi-cultural/international work environment but any challenges abroad will allow for more individual growth and prepare you for future struggles back home. Through working with other cultures you will learn how to navigate through daily issues that aren’t typically addressed within a monocultural environment.

Some of the XploreAsia team saying a farewell to one of our interns!

These miniscule interactions lead to a better understanding of how others operate while also promoting a new way of thinking. As you build these international relationships, your diverse group of colleagues will soon become a substantial global network of friends.

Enjoying a lesson on meditation from a local monk.

Interacting with the same people on a daily basis can also change your perception of someone from a different cultural background as you begin to understand why they do the things they do and reasoning put behind the unique customs of Thai people. It truly is an enriching experience to befriend a local and gain their personal insight on life in Thailand. Plus collaborating with locals within the office enables the perfect opportunity to enhance your Thai language skills. Everyday brings a new chance to learn something about the Thai culture and about yourself.

So if you’re thinking you’ll be stuck in one city without experiencing any of Thailand’s rich offerings by taking an internship over backpacking, you are mistaken. On one hand, much of the valuable offerings occur within daily office interactions. But what about the travel opportunities? As an intern, I find it much easier to travel somewhat sporadically because it helps to save up money before these trips while also allowing for some down time during the week without the stress that comes with constantly changing scenery. It is also reassuring to have a home base to return to after a hectic weekend reliving planes, trains, and automobiles. Travelling is still very much attainable as an intern so don’t be discouraged if that is a main concern when considering a work abroad opportunity.

Viewpoint over Khao Kalok Beach in Pranburi

While there is much to learn about culture by backpacking through a new country, personally I have found that working within an international office I have gained an extensive, unparalleled skill set with communicating across various cultures that would not be attainable through just traveling.

With that said, consider these five reasons why you should leave the backpack at home and work abroad instead:

Work within an integrated office environment and learn how to interact professionally with Thai people while also improving your own Thai language skills.
Gain full immersion into local culture including all of the food, friends, and welcoming family atmosphere you could ever dream of.
Assume automatic lower stress about what will happen next and gain more appreciation for what is happening now.
Build both a personal and professional global network of friends and colleagues.
Have the opportunity to travel on weekend excursions while still having a secure home base to return to afterwards.

Now that you’ve weighed the pro’s and con’s, why not start your journey now and apply to one of our unique internship programs!

Written by: Marti Lippert

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Why Teach English in Thailand?

by Jon | May 15, 2017 | XploreAsia News, Teacher Stories

Have you ever considered a different career path? Always wanted to do something that gives your job a meaning, a sense of adventure and freedom at the same time? One of our alumni, Shanoira, had the exact same thoughts! Read her encouraging and heart warming story of her adventures and experiences teaching English in Thailand.

I have been in Thailand for about 7 months now and if you’re reading this, then you are probably interested in teaching abroad. You might be wondering what it is like and if it’s something you can really do.

Well, no need to fear! I will let you in on everything there is to know about life in Thailand.

So first off, the hardest part is taking a leap of faith and truly committing to coming to Thailand! At one point, Thailand was just a dream. I was reading blogs but I didn’t have an active plan to move to Thailand. Then one day as I sat at my office desk (hating my job), staring at a picture of Loi Krathong, I thought, “What am I waiting for?”.

That night I filled out an application which led me to Thailand. So if this is something that has been on your mind for awhile: DO IT! In life you only regret the chances you did not take.

TESOL Certificate

In order to teach in most Asian countries, having a TESOL or TEFL certificate furthers your chances of getting hired as well as getting better pay (especially if you do not have a degree). I decided to get my TESOL certification with XploreAsia. XploreAsia is a well-run organization that has taught me in a short amount of time (3 weeks) to be a well-equipped teacher. For people who have never taught before or people who are new to a foreign country, I highly recommend going through a program like XploreAsia. In my view, not doing so would’ve been like jumping into the deep end of a pool and not knowing how to swim.

Their are numerous benefits to this program, such as you will instantly have a network of friends that can help you if you ever have a question about anything: visa runs, lesson plans, places to visit, etc. Also they will be living all over the country, so if you ever want to travel anywhere in Thailand you have a place to crash. When it comes to XploreAsia, they provided me with Thai lessons, cultural lessons, and fun excursions, all on top of the intensive training to be an ESL teacher. They set up my bank account, found me a job, and even helped me arrange transportation to my new town. I would never in a millions years have been able to do any of those things without the guidance of XploreAsia. Honestly, XploreAsia? You da bomb.

Officially Certified!
Call me Teacher Shanoira

TESOL graduation in Chiang Mai, teaching english in Thailand

TESOL graduation in Chiang Mai with Benz, XploreAsia Senior Placement Co-ordinator.

Teaching English in a Thai School

If you’re like me, you may have visions of these well-mannered Thai children eager to learn English, engaged in all your activities, and hanging on to your every word because you’re that awesome of a teacher. Well, it’s about time to wake up because all that, simply put, is a dream, not a reality. My students are hyper and talkative; there have been many times that they couldn’t care less that I want to teach them English. When I just began teaching, I wanted to rip my hair out of my head because I couldn’t get them to stay quiet, nor could I hold their focus for longer than 30 seconds.

However, please don’t let these things scare you! I honestly love being a teacher and I have never felt more fulfilled from a job in my entire life. Once I mastered classroom management and became inventive with the activities I used in class, this satisfaction from my job only increased. Every day (well, maybe not every day, but most of the days I’ve had teaching), I knew my students left class and learned new words or concepts. I’ve realized that English is a crucial skill to have, and the ability to speak and understand the language really does provide new opportunities to students for their futures. By being a good teacher, I’ve aided in their English knowledge and that makes me super happy.

Also, just so you know, Thailand schools tend to function by disorganized chaos. Classes get cancelled or moved around all the time. The students are constantly missing class since they are studying for some big Thai test that you know nothing about or it’s sport week, which is treated like the mini Olympics. You just have to learn quickly to go with the flow and your life will be so much easier. Do not get worked up when things do not go as planned because believe me – they won’t go to plan.

When kids do behave, they are adorable and all the misbehaving is forgotten.

XploreAsia Teach Abroad - thai school kids

Stares

As a foreigner with braids in my hair, I sometimes feel like a painting in an art gallery. Thai people will stare at me, whisper to their friends, and some even pull out their phones to snap a picture. One thing you’ll have to get use to is the amount of stares you will encounter being a foreigner in Thailand. We look different, and we act different, and especially in smaller towns, you can stand out like a sore thumb. At times, it can be annoying when all you want to do is eat dinner at the market but everyone has stopped what they are doing and are intently staring at you. But in time, this becomes normal, and you’ll instead feel odd when you go to places like Bangkok and no one cares that you are not Thai.

english teacher life in Thailand, elephant sanctuary

My Town

I got my placement in the Chaiyapum province which is located in Isaan. I am approximately 6 hours north of Bangkok. If you have ever visited Thailand, there is a 99% chance that you have never visited my town. Google has stated that less than 1% of tourists pass through Chaiyaphum each year. To be honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is a fantastic little town, and it has truly become my home away from home.

Some of the things I enjoy doing in Chaiyapum include eating breakfast by the lake, hanging out at the one bar, checking out the markets, and going for a swim at one of the local resort’s outdoor pool. However, I also love going for rides to one of the highest viewpoints in the province (like on the picture below) and just relaxing; we’ll check out the waterfalls and visit the stone hedges. Chaiyapum is a cute little town, and I have honestly met some of the most amazing people there.

XploreAsia Teach Abroad - Chaiyaphum Thailand view

Accommodation

Thailand is not really big on kitchens. Therefore, most apartments are “dorm styled” and are big enough for only one person. However, you will never hear me complain about this because the rent here is BEYOND cheap! I live by a lake in a quiet part of town next door to mansions that the house governor generals inhabit, and I still only pay 3500 baht a month in rent (Approx $120 CDN). And this also includes Wi-Fi! I am from Toronto, and I pay more rent living with my mom there than I do here for my own spot. I also love being the queen of my castle and being able to decorate my place how I wish to, clean my apartment when I want to, and come in and out as I please without having to talk to anyone. You really can’t put a price on freedom.

Food

When you are new to Thailand and you don’t speak the language, ordering food can be a pain, especially if you have dietary restrictions. I don’t have any dietary restrictions, and it was still stressful to figure out how to order food when I first got here. You will go to a restaurant and the menu will be in Thai, so you’re pretty much playing Russian roulette by ordering something based on the picture or the one with the minimal Thai words that you’ve recently learned. You will hope it will be delicious or at least edible, and sometimes when I did do this, the food was amazing. Other times, I didn’t get so lucky.

Western food is a lot more expensive in Thailand, but it is still a nice treat once in a while.

Thailand food selection was something I had to adjust to a lot! In Canada I did not eat much Thai food besides the occasional Pad Thai, so everything here in Thailand was very new to me. At first, I was very reluctant to try new cuisines because at times I can be very picky about food. Also, Thai people love spice, and I hate it. It was definitely a sharp learning curve for me, getting to know all the Thai cuisines, but now there are so many new dishes I love.

Another thing: Thai people also LOVE sugar so if you’re like me and thought you would get to Thailand and lose weight without dieting or exercising, then give up the dream now. It might not be like that.

Transportation

Thailand’s transportation is generally super easy and convenient. There is a train or bus that can get you to anywhere in Thailand for very cheap. If you are ever in Bangkok, the BTS system is years ahead of any transportation in Canada, and I love transportation here. It’s very easy to get around in Thailand, so if that was ever a stress of yours, I hope I put that to rest.

I should note that I have never ridden a motorbike before and neither do I have my driver’s license back home in Canada. However, getting a bike seemed like the most logical thing to do once I got to Thailand, so I got one. Getting a motorbike is super easy: all you need is a passport, cash and *boom* you can rent a bike virtually anywhere! I rented my bike for approximately $60 (Canadian dollars) a month and gas ran me around $4 a week. So overall, it is super affordable and easy to get a bike in Thailand, and remember to be safe (i.e wearing your helmet, not drinking and driving)! Navigating the streets of Thailand is really not a problem, except for in Bangkok. Driving in that city would be pure chaos. Just take the transit system there!

Reality

There is such a difference between reading about Thailand and actually living in Thailand. Facebook and Instagram can be super deceiving. You see posts of your friends feeding elephants, and drinking Pina Colada on the beach and you think, “Wow everyday in Thailand must be like paradise.” To an extent, living in Thailand is its own form of paradise, but people also forget that Thailand is a big country filled with more than just elephants and beaches. If you are coming to Thailand to teach English, you might be placed somewhere in the middle of the country, not just at the beach.

The best advice I can give to you is to be open-minded and to embrace the cultural experience you will undoubtedly have. There are plenty of opportunities to travel (like long weekends or school breaks). So don’t think you have to be on an island teaching in order to enjoy Thailand.

Living abroad can get lonely and culture shock can be significant and real. But believe me, the pros will outweigh the cons, and you will get over culture shock no matter how bad it gets! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and when you embrace the good and the bad, you will reflect on this experience later in life, and you will be more than glad that you did it.

XploreAsia Teach Abroad - xploreasia TESOL family songkran thailand

In Hua Hin, celebrating Songkran (Thai New Year) with my XploreAsia family

So now that you know everything there is to know about my life in Thailand. What are you waiting for? Book your flight now!

You can also check out Shanoira’s Youtube channel where you can have a more detailed overview of her adventures in Thailand and additional tips for teaching english in abroad. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us in XploreAsia, we would love to hear from you!

Top Things to Know About Teaching in Thailand: Teaching at a Thai Government School

by Jon | May 7, 2017 | Living in Thailand, XploreAsia News

One of the questions you might have about teaching in Thailand is “What kind of school will I be placed in?” Here at XploreAsia, our talented team places our participants in some of the most amazing schools in cities and towns all over Thailand. We work with government and private schools across the country to provide the best placements for incredible people like you, who have come to Thailand to make a difference as English teachers.

We had the chance to chat with one of our wonderful participants Elise Griffiths who just finished a semester of teaching English at a government school in Thailand. As a teacher, Elise inspired significant change in the lives of her students each day, but beyond that, we were struck with how she truly embraced living and learning in her local community in Thailand. Here, she talks about her greatest joys and challenges in the classroom and her experience teaching at a government school in Thailand!

Where in Thailand do you teach?

I teach in Nonthaburi. It’s about 30 minutes outside of the Northwest province of Bangkok.

What kind of school do you teach in – government or private, boarding school or other? How long have you been teaching at this school?

I teach in a government school. I teach math and science to advanced students in a Mini English Programme (MEP) to M1 and M2 (seventh and eighth grade). I also teach English to P5, M1, and M3 (5^th, 7^th, and 9^th grades respectively). I taught there for one semester, but I am returning to America.

My craziest P.5 (5th Grade) class!

How many students do you have?

My MEP classes are smaller: M2 is 17 students and M1 is 24. I see them the most often (3-5 times per week). My other classes are about 30-35 students.

What are your working hours? Are you a part of extracurricular activities or after-school programs?

English Camp Elise Griffiths Government School

Math Camp!

I work from 07:30 to 16:30 every day. During those hours though, I teach 3-6 hours depending on the day. Usually it’s about four hours.

I wasn’t a part of any regular after-school activities, but I did practice some songs with a handful of MEP students for Christmas.

I played guitar and they sang Christmas carols in English. They even made some dance moves to “Jingle Bell Rock.” It was precious.

Do you teach with any other foreigners?

There are two other foreigner teachers at my school. One is a goofy British man, and the other teacher grew up about 30 minutes away from me, studied the same thing in university, and ended up at my same school only a few months before, but we didn’t meet until we began this job in Thailand. Small world, eh?

How quickly did you get to know the other Thai teachers at the school?

This is difficult because I work mostly in the Matthayum (secondary) wing, but we also have Pratthom (elementary) and Annuban (kindergarten) in our school. My guess is that there are about 40-60 teachers total.

In my office, there are two Thai teachers who we all call “Phi Ta” and “Phi Jo,” which means older sister Ta and older sister Jo. I brought in fruit for them and would ask them questions about speaking Thai, so that bolstered our relationship. It took about a week to warm up to Ta and Jo, and about two months for the other teachers.

What is the community around the school like? How well do you get to know your students and their families?

There are no other foreigners in my area, so it forced me to speak Thai, which I loved. One of my M.2 MEP students lived in my apartment, so we’d occasionally talk in a common area in the building. She ended up feeling like my little sister overtime. Her father was also very kind and would “wave” my food in his microwave because I didn’t have one.

MEP students photobooth government school

My MEP M.2 students playing with Photo-booth.

I also made friends with a wonderful woman named Noi, which means “little.” She ran a small restaurant just down the road from me and didn’t speak a lick of English. We’d converse about everything from our plans for Songkran to where to buy the best Tam Kha Gai to our sore throats we both got the same day.

Though we couldn’t always understand each other, she cried when I told her I was leaving Nonthaburi. It was unbelievably moving. In my opinion, attempting to speak Thai is the key to building relationships in the community.

What are some of your greatest challenges you face in the classroom?

Getting my students to focus was like pulling teeth some days.

Since you can’t send them to a principal’s office or give them detention, the discipline is entirely the teacher’s responsibility.

Especially in the non-MEP classes where I spoke more Thai than they spoke English, it’s difficult to earn the respect of the students who just don’t care to learn.

Being swift and consistent with repercussions that are universally understood was key to combating that challenge.

What are some of your greatest joys as a teacher in Thailand?

Some of the best moments are when my students finally understand a difficult topic, when I can tell they’re having fun, or even just watching them interact with each other. They are so full of life; it’s really refreshing to see.

My favourite photo: saying goodbye to my student Jigsaw.

My favorite moments though were when students would individually slip into the office and have conversations with me.

That’s when I really got to know them. They’re all so unique and have so much to them.

Seeing pictures won’t do it justice because it’s impossible to convey how each one is their own quirky, wonderful individual.

Thank you, Elise! We are incredibly touched by your experience in Thailand. You have clearly made a huge impact not only in the classroom, but in your community as well, and we love the stories that you’ve shared with us. We wish you all the best upon your return to the States, and we look forward to welcoming you into our valuable alumni network.

Curious on how you can start your own adventure teaching and living abroad? Read more about our amazing programs here.

TESOL & Teach in Thailand – The XploreAsia Experience

by Jon | May 4, 2017 | XploreAsia News

Teaching in Thailand

Chiara Burns

XploreAsia has a vast alumni network. We are a family, and we work together to support and guide new teachers, and veteran teachers alike. Chiara Burns joined us last year in Chiang Mai, and continues to teach in Thailand to this day. We reached out to her as we wanted her perspective on her experience, and her recommendations for those interested in teaching overseas.

Chiara honed her teaching skills during the TESOL course in Chiang Mai

How did XA prepare you for your teaching experience?

When I arrived in Thailand, I already had a TESOL certificate but as I lacked real classroom experience, I didn’t have confidence in my teaching abilities. So, I enrolled in XploreAsia’s course. It was the right decision.

The bulk of the course focuses on how to teach English without using the native language of the speakers. This might sound counterintuitive, but as you discover in the course (and through your own efforts at learning Thai), immersion is an effective way to develop language skills.

XploreAsia transcended my expectations. In the October 2016 Chiang Mai course, we had some wonderful instructors. Teacher Justin was a particular inspiration because his authenticity, humor, and sense of duty gave us teachers-in-training something to model off of and aspire to. That’s something you can’t get from an online course. In-person teaching demos also give you the opportunity to work through kinks like pacing, presence, and in my case, public-speaking abilities. By the time we headed to our English Camp, a kind of volunteer capstone, we felt confident and prepared.

The instructors also did an excellent job of educating us on Thai culture, with its many nuances and idiosyncrasies. While learning how to teach was important, I found the cultural aspect particularly edifying; the lessons in Thai language, history, politics, and social norms better prepared us for transitioning into a country very different from our own.

After the course, we were given resources on dealing with culture shock and XA instructors were careful to follow up with each individual in the following months. It’s a wonderful network to have. I spent some time in a hospital over the summer break, and was immensely grateful for the support and kindness I received from the staff at XploreAsia. Not only do they prepare you for the teaching experience, but after the course you’ll be able to reach out to seasoned professionals for support and advice.

The in-country TESOL course is a great way to make friends & start a valuable teacher network in Thailand.

What did you enjoy most about a month with XA?

Beyond the classroom, XA organized many excursions in and around Chiang Mai. Additionally, there was ample time to explore and hone travel skills: learning how to flag down songteows, barter in a night market, communicate with locals, plan and book daytrips, and pick the best street food. If this is your first time living abroad, that’s invaluable.

While you may not apply all of the teaching strategies learned in the course (differences in curriculum, time constraints, and student ability may necessitate changes in your approach) spending a month in Chiang Mai or Hua Hin enables you to practice navigating a culture with the added benefit of a safety net–and cool people with whom to adventure. That was the most enjoyable and significant upshot from my month with XA.

Making long-lasting connections with students

Teachers are well-respected in Thailand, a truly rewarding profession

What is the best part about teaching?

Connecting with students. It can be a demanding job, but even my worst days tend to be redeemed by an exchange with a student–whether in the form of a smile, a short conversation, or a shout of “TEACHER BEAUTIFUL” from the third-story of a nearby building.

Working in a Thai school system can be exasperating at times. Things aren’t done the way they are in the West in that the whole of Thailand is thirty minutes late to everything and no one is particularly concerned about that except, perhaps, us falang.

I remember once I assigned my higher-level classes a video project in place of a midterm. Two weeks later, when it was due, I found that not a single student had done the work and our “movie day” was a flop. In one of my least graceful moments as a teacher, I taped their vocabulary to the board, walked out wordlessly, and sobbed in a bathroom for the better part of an hour (it had been a stressful week between testing and illness). The self- talk that ensued was something along the lines of: They don’t care about the material, I’m a failure of a teacher, why am I even here, I’m wasting their time and mine…

Only to discover that they needed an additional week to complete the work. In fact, they were baffled and upset that they had distressed their not-so-sabai foreign teacher and when I arrived at my desk I found a gift and handwritten apology from the class. It was unexpected and touching.

It’s cliche at this point, but no less true. Your students teach you more than you’ll ever teach them. I think my kids have taught me patience and deepened my sense of compassion/understanding. And that’s one of my favorite parts about the job; the way it asks you to grow. If you’re open to learning from and cooperating with worldviews different from your own, I believe you’ll find yourself a better human being for it.

I’ve found that in making an effort to truly connect with my students, my experience in Thailand has been infinitely more rewarding than it otherwise would be. My kids to be clever, warm, and funny:

Teacher C: “The hair above her eye is an…”

Student: “Eyebrow!”

Teacher C: The hair above his lip is…”

Student: “A nosebrow!”

They love to joke. And make music. And play games. Teaching is not without its frustrations, but ultimately it’s been a joyful and eye-opening experience.

Sports Day in Thailand is a very serious affair!

Any excuse for a group photo at the end of class!

What advice would you give to someone considering joining the XA program?

First, keep your expectations to a minimum. The fewer preconceptions you have about your placement, the people and the country, the more delighted you will be. If you’re embarking on this journey for the right reasons, you’ll find a way to make the most of the experience regardless of what it is. Liberate yourself from expectation, embrace possibility, and you will find yourself far more fulfilled.

On that same note of fulfillment, I think it’s important to recognize that while this is a wonderful opportunity to travel and explore, it’s ultimately not about you. From what I observed, many of those who were disappointed in their time teaching abroad spent more time negotiating days off from work than engaging with it. That’s not to say you shouldn’t take advantage of every holiday and opportunity that comes your way; just not at the expense of your students.

No matter your reasons for teaching abroad, the best advice I can give is to prioritize your students. I came to Thailand looking for inspiration, and I found it in them. Teaching abroad is an unconventional spin on the 9-5 (or 8-4 in my case) and allows me to discover and sculpt my worldview, connect with people from a foreign country, and hone my crafts. This could be done through travel alone, but teaching offers something deeper. It’s an immersive experience and there is a sense of service that comes with it…knowing you’ve had an impact on someone’s education is truly fulfilling. That is the memory, the feeling, and the sense of meaning you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left.

Teaching in Thailand is an incredible experience that will broaden your horizons, and help make a difference to the lives of your students, and your local community

Thank you Chiara for taking the time out to chat with us!

Top Things to Know About Teaching Abroad in Thailand

by Jon | May 1, 2017 | Living in Thailand, XploreAsia News

Teaching in Thailand

What are the main things to know about teaching abroad in Thailand? This month, our blog posts will be focusing on the different aspects of teaching in Thailand. We’ll cover everything from requirements for becoming an English teacher to how much money you’ll really need to come teach in Thailand. We’ll compare teaching in public vs. private schools in Thailand and showcase the differences between the TESOL and CELTA certifications. And these are just a few of the topics that we’re highlighting this month!

Here, we’ve provided a brief overview of top things to know about teaching abroad in Thailand. We’ll be following up over the next few weeks with more in-depth posts about each topic. As always, we’d love to hear from you on what you’d like to know about teaching in Thailand. So let’s get this discussion started!

Requirements for Teaching English Abroad in Thailand:

You will either need a TESOL certificate or an education degree to teach English abroad with XploreAsia. Even if you do not have any previous teaching experience, our TESOL course in Thailand will really prep you for the job. In addition, although it may be a bit more difficult, you can still teach in Thailand without a degree.

Most participants end up taking the TESOL course even if they already have a TESOL certificate as it gives them the hands-on experience they need through teaching children at a local Thai school. The course is also a great way to meet friends with similar interests that you can then visit all around Thailand.

XploreAsia offers the TESOL course in various locations throughout the year including Hua Hin (Thailand), Chiang Mai (Thailand), and Yangon (Myanmar). Soon, we’ll also offer a TESOL course in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)!

Of course, the Online TESOL course is another great option if you aren’t able to travel just yet. Our TESOL course is internationally accredited so you can use it to teach all around the world!

Placement in Thailand:

Our placement team is constantly working to find our teachers the best possible place to work. There are both small town and big town placements, so you can be placed all throughout Thailand. You can teach younger or older students, and sometimes even both.

Check out some of our teacher’s blogs about their towns and their own adventures of teaching English in Thailand!

“A Year of Mai Pen Rai”

“Welcome to Amphawa”

“Saying Yes 2 School”

“I Love Ranong”

Average Salary for foreign English teachers in Thailand:

A TESOL teacher’s salary in Thailand on average is 30,000-40,000 baht per year for degree holders, and 25,000-35,000 baht per year for those with no degrees.

“What’s the actual cost of moving abroad to teach English in Thailand”

“What not to worry about when moving to Thailand”

This is great because the cost of living in Thailand is quite low. Typically you can find accommodation from 3,000 – 6,000 baht per month! If you are interested in more information on budgeting and salary in Thailand check out these awesome articles!

Typical Work Week for a TESOL teacher in Thailand:

The average school day is 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. However, you will typically have several periods throughout the week to do all of your lesson prep. You will typically only teach 20 – 25 hours per week.

One of our teacher’s, Stella, wrote all about her typical day teaching English abroad in Thailand here. You can also read more about a day in the life of an English teacher here!

Thailand’s School Year:

The Thai School year typically starts at the end of April/ beginning of May. Most schools will get 1-3 weeks off for October and then schools will continue on through March, at which point most schools go on summer break for April. Many of our teachers use their time off to travel, volunteer, or work at English camps throughout the country.

Types of Schools in Thailand:

The two main types of schools in Thailand are government and private schools. However, due to the large number of government schools, you will most likely work at this type of school.

Example of a Government School

Example of a Private School

And now, a couple FAQ’s!

Do I need to speak Thai?
No, you do not. Most schools actually prefer that you don’t speak Thai so students are fully immersed in English during their time with you in the classroom. However, it is still a great idea to learn some words for when you are out and about in town.

Is it safe as a solo female traveler?
Thailand is generally a safe place for female travelers. In fact, majority of our teachers come as solo female travelers. However, even though Thailand is generally safe, like anywhere else in the world we expect everyone to be vigilant at all times regardless of where they are in the world! Check out this blog written about solo female travel from one of our previous interns.

Lisa Dershowitz is one of our program coordinators here at XploreAsia. She has taught all over Thailand and holds a wealth of travel and teaching experience.

I’m curious to know: what are your questions about teaching abroad? What are some of the factors holding you back from coming to teach English overseas? What would you like to know about life as an English teacher abroad? We’d love to hear from you!

Ready to start your own adventure living and working abroad? Check out our amazing programs here.

Life After Teaching Abroad

by Jon | Apr 26, 2017 | XploreAsia News, Teacher Stories

Teaching in Thailand is truly a life-changing experience that could shape and inspire you in so many ways. We love to hear stories from our participants: everything from why they chose to come to Thailand, their favourite teaching memories, their daily challenges and joys, and how the experience has changed their lives.

Making a living can sometimes feel separate from taking advantage of all life has to offer. It can be difficult to find balance and fulfillment within a career path itself, and often, we find that this search for passion-driven work is exactly what draws our wonderful participants to come teach abroad. The lessons that are learned both in and out of the classroom, for the teacher and the students alike, hold incredible value. As a teacher, you not only make a difference in the lives of your students and your community, but you also discover your own unique set of skills and strengths that you’ll carry with you for life.

We had the wonderful opportunity to talk with one of our incredible participants Jessica Melton. Jessica taught for one year in Pranburi and is now returning to Thailand to teach at a larger school in Chonburi. Here, she reflects upon her experiences in Pranburi and how teaching in Thailand has influenced her career path.

Where in Thailand did you teach?

I taught for one year at TreamudomSuksaPattanakarn School in a small town 30 minutes south of Hua Hin, named Pranburi. The school has about 1,200 students.

What grades did you teach & how many students did you have?

I taught Matthayom 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and I had a little over 500 students. Most of my students were between 12-18 years old.

What are some of your memorable teaching moments?

Sometimes as a teacher, it is difficult to know how much information your students actually retain from your lessons. At the end of the school year, I was curious to see how much information my students truly understood.

To test them for their final exam, I decided to assign them a group video project. There were about 5 students in each group and the only directions I gave them was that each student must choose an emotion to act out throughout their whole video. I gave them 2 class periods to work on creating and editing their scripts with my help.

I was so impressed by how much effort they put into making these videos, how they incorporated my teaching material in their storylines, and how hard they made me laugh. I started crying out of happiness, and I felt a huge sense of fulfillment.The videos ranged from remakes of “Miss Universe” to “I Can See Your Voice” that include dialogue about fashion, exercise, directions, music, and various other topics.

There are also all the small moments that I look forward to each day. Whenever my students walk into class I play music that we can all dance or sing to. Before class starts we have a dance party, or a singing session, or I have them show me the latest Thai dance trends, and I reciprocate by attempting to show the latest American dance trends. Usually when I’m finishing up my class, we try to talk about our lives outside of school.

For me, it is important find every way I can to relate to my students in order to give them motivation to communicate with me. Before and after class is where the real cultural exchange happens. Looking forward to those small moments is a big reason why I am excited to go to work in the morning.

Why did you decide to teach in Thailand and how has the experience influenced your career path?

Prior to teaching in Thailand, I worked at a software company for about 2 years. Everyday I woke up, went to the office, sat in a chair, and didn’t see the sun for 8-9 hours. As the sun was going down, I’d leave the office and either head to my cross-fit class or go grab a beer with friends. Specifically for me, I felt like I wasn’t able to use my funny and quirky personality to make advancements in my career because I didn’t feel fulfilled with that type of work.

At the end of the day I was drained. I knew I needed to be able to utilize my passion for really connecting with people and using humor to do so.

I knew I needed to make a drastic change to shock myself back into living a personally fulfilling lifestyle that I had back in college. I felt like I needed to take on responsibilities that I truly cared about and Thailand was that perfect shock!

What has teaching in Thailand taught you about work-life balance and finding value in what you do?

In Thailand, I have really come to value living in open air spaces and how much the sun can influence my attitude and energy levels. Sure, I have my days where I just want to collapse on my bed after a hard day of teaching and find a new Netflix show to watch, but most days I feel that my students and the sun give me more energy to exert after-school.

While living here, I taught myself how to play the guitar, I attended Thai language lessons twice a week, and sometimes, I even had the energy to exercise after a day of working on my feet.

I also joined the Bangkok Women’s Rugby Team and have played in a couple on international tournaments against ASEAN teams. Basically being exposed to fresh air and the sun does wonders for your soul and well-being (and wearing sunscreen, of course).

My environment gives me the energy to use my funny and loud teacher persona. The weirder and sillier I am in class, the more my students pay attention to the words coming out of my mouth.

I’ve started to understand that working in an environment that allows my personality to thrive gives me the energy to continue working on my personal goals after the work day ends.

Teaching can be very tough, and I’ve experienced several mental blocks and the “push and pull” of growing up in a western culture but loving a culture so different from my own.

At times, it can be hard to navigate what I want in the future because of this, but I am learning more about what I want and don’t want in my life to be with each coming day and experience.

Since teaching in Thailand, what do you currently do for work? How did your experience in Thailand shape this decision?

Since starting my experience teaching in Thailand, I have never reached a point where I felt like my time here was done. Although I have finished up my 1 year contract with my school in Pranburi, I will continue teaching English at a new and much larger school in Chonburi, and then we’ll see what the future has in store for me!

Where is your favourite place to travel in Thailand?

Krabi was the first place I fell in love with because of how much it reminds me of Avatar. I went on the most beautiful hike that led to a breathtaking view of a dozen islands. Although I lived in Pranburi for a year, I will never get sick of driving around on my motorcycle and exploring the roads. I think Pranburi will always be my favorite place in Thailand.

And last, but not least, what advice would you offer prospective teachers or anyone considering taking this step?

Just do it. Take a chance on yourself! Being scared is a good thing because when you make it to the other side of that fear, you will respect yourself so much. Find yourself by getting lost and throwing yourself in new situations where you need to trust and rely on your own abilities.

Thank you so much, Jessica! We loved what you said about working in an environment that allows your personality to grow. While we know more than anything that teaching is hard work, we also know that the experience provides so many valuable opportunities and incredible experiences that open countless doors down the road. We are inspired by your spirit and passion for teaching, and we look forward to hearing about all of the amazing adventures and accomplishments ahead for you.

Curious on how you can start your own adventure abroad? Read all about our amazing programs here.

We Had A (Water) Blast at the XploreAsia Songkran Party!

by Jon | Apr 20, 2017 | XploreAsia News, Living in Thailand

Our XploreAsia office held a wonderful and water-filled Songkran party that was truly a blast! But the actual holiday of Songkran started even earlier the night before. Music, dancing, and of course, so much water filled the streets from the evening on, and everywhere you looked, the energy and excitement was palpable in the air. We sat down to chat with some of our interns about their very first Songkran experience and what they loved most about the holiday!

Did you have any prior knowledge or expectations about Songkran?

Krish: I didn’t know too much about the holiday. I’d heard a lot about it from friends, but I didn’t really know what to expect.

Isabelle: So many people kept telling me that it was “one of the best days of their life,” but I really had no idea what to expect. A giant water fight? It sounded like fun, but not THAT much fun. But when the day of Songkran rolled around, I was proven wrong; the holiday is truly is one of the best days of the year, and I’ve never seen that much excitement and joy in the air. It infuses the whole city.

Jane: Yes, I’d had heard it was a lot of fun and that you’re not dry the whole day!

How would you describe the holiday to someone that’s never experienced Songkran before?

Marti: Pure joy!

Krish: The greatest water fight in the history of man-kind.

Jane: The best day of your life. I would give up the 4th of July for Songkran. The holiday just unites the country.

Do you have a crazy story or funny memory from the day?

Marti: One of our placement coordinators Nat getting inside the water bin on the side of the street.

Krish: Our office mom “Meh” with the water gun just having a blast trying to hit as many people with water as possible.

What was your favourite part of Songkran?

Krish: Dousing everyone with water!

Jane: Going into town and being with all the Thai people. I loved being immersed in the local culture and seeing how they celebrate Songkran.

XploreAsia held a short blessing ceremony after the festivities where the older generation (the mothers) gave a blessing to each of us there. It was such a beautiful moment for everyone there.

Have you ever been a part of a ceremony like that before? What were some of your favourite memories from that special ceremony?

Krish: I had been to a monk blessing ceremony before, but this particular ceremony was different in that it really highlighted the importance of family to me. Through the experience, I felt like a welcomed member of the XploreAsia team.

Marti: Our office mom “Meh” crying through the ceremony. It was so touching to see the love and care she gave to every person.

Jane: I’ve never experienced anything like the ceremony before. It felt very sentimental and was centered around family; even though it was in a company setting, I could certainly sense the family air.

Let’s play a game of Songkran lightning round!

Most important item to wear on Songkran:

Krish & Jane: Hawaiian shirt!

Marti: Water-proof bag (don’t get a cheap one; it’ll break down!)

Water weapon of choice:

Krish & Jane: Mini Bucket

Marti: Water gun

Sounds of Songkran:

Marti: Children laughing and yelling, or the sounds of someone yelling as they got doused with cold water!

Isabelle: Splashing of water, live music from stages around Hua Hin on the night before Songkran, people yelling and shouting, the sound of people saying Happy New Year to you when they put paste on your face.

Best moment of Songkran:

Marti: Street festivities. We were shuffling an inch at a time down the street on the night before Songkran.

Krish: Definitely soaking my boss with water!

Jane: When the water fights first start and everyone goes from being dry to wet.

Favourite Hawaiian shirt colour:

Krish: Blue

Jane: I don’t have a favourite colour; I mostly just loved all the bright colours everywhere!

Unexpected sight at Songkran:

Isabelle: Bags of chalk being sold on the sides of the road, and all the colourful Hawaiian shirts.

Krish: I remember seeing a guy jumping out of a bucket of water.

Jane: There wasn’t one person unhappy in the crowd. And I was surprised by getting the chalky paste put on my face. At first, I thought it wasn’t a good thing, but then I realized that it’s meant to ward off bad spirits and is a sign of affection or good luck.

Thank you so much to our wonderful interns! We are so glad that you had a wonderful experience at your very first Songkran! We sure had an incredible time celebrating with over 100 people, new faces, locals, alumni, and our office dogs Nom Sod, Pudding, and Pumpkin. Happy Thai New Year!

I’d love to hear from you: what is your favorite holiday? What are some of your treasured holiday traditions? Have you ever celebrated Songkran before?

Ready for your own adventure abroad? Check out some of our incredible programs here.

Making a Difference: How Trash Hero is Keeping Our World Clean

by Jon | Apr 17, 2017 | XploreAsia News, Making a Difference

Accumulation of waste across the world is a clear issue, and yet not nearly enough is being done to tackle this problem. Our incredible Program Coordinator Krissy started an amazing project to minimize excess waste. Through her actions, our TESOL course participants have had the chance to actively make a difference in keeping our environment clean. At XploreAsia, we also seek to raise awareness on the issue through selling Trash Hero water bottles and offering free refills of water. Check out Krissy’s story of how she became involved with Trash Hero and the difference that the organization makes in Hua Hin, Thailand!

What is Trash Hero and what does the organization do?

Trash Hero is an organization dedicated to sustainability and waste management education within local communities. The first Trash Hero chapter started in Koh Lipe and has since grown to multiple locations throughout Thailand and abroad. They are multifaceted in what they do, and it is very easy to get involved. Their first goal is to simply clean local areas and encourage other locals to do so through leading by example. Most, if not all, chapters have a Facebook page that advertises where and when the weekly cleanups will be held.

The second is to encourage local businesses to get involved with the Bottles and Bags program. Local businesses can order stainless steel water bottles for 100 baht a bottle and sell them for 200 baht. The caveat is that they must provide a water refill station for any person who has a Trash Hero water bottle to refill for free.

The bags are another great aspect to the organization because Thailand has an interesting view when it comes to plastics. Plastic is regarded as an endless commodity with little thought to what happens once a person is done with it. Bringing a reusable bag with you to the shop will prompt funny glances, but again, it’s the ‘lead by example’ mentality that is slowly making headway.

How and when did you first become involved with Trash Hero?

I can’t remember the exact time when I started working with Trash Hero, but I know the reason. I had recently returned to Thailand after a short trip home, so probably around May 2016.

I lost my stainless steel water bottle somewhere and turned to the internet to see where to buy one in Hua Hin. The thing is, you can’t. Stainless steel water bottles are like the unicorns of Thailand, they just don’t exist. But I persisted, I typed in other locations and search words until I stumbled upon the Trash Hero website, specifically the Bottles and Bags program.

I read through the information and scoured the website to see if there was a place close by to purchase a water bottle. To my surprise, they had a chapter in Hua Hin. So I looked them up on Facebook and went to their next scheduled cleanup. The rest is history as they say.

How would you describe the impact that Trash Hero has made so far in Thailand?

Trash Hero has made a huge difference all over Thailand. Most of the chapters are in the southern parts of Thailand with one in Bangkok and another in Chiang Mai. But if these volunteers didn’t come out to pick up rubbish every week, who would? Some beachside hotels are responsible for cleaning their section of the beach, but what about the other areas that fall outside the scope of those establishments? That alone can make a huge difference. Trash Hero removes hundreds of kilos of trash from the beaches up and down the coastline and on the islands. Chapters have even started on other parts of the globe.

What differences have you made personally in your daily life and how has XploreAsia helped with your involvement in the Trash Hero cause?

I personally volunteer many Sunday afternoons to Trash Hero and help to clean the beaches here in Hua Hin. I’ve also assisted in establishing a relationship between Trash Hero and XploreAsia. Wagging Tales is now one of the businesses taking part in the Bottles and Bags program offering stainless steel water bottles to our teachers and the community.

With this expansion in sustainability mindfulness, Wagging Tales also offers lunch to participants during their course for purchase. Initially, lunch was served in single use plastic containers. I’m proud to say that Wagging Tales has since switched to serving with reusable plates and silverware. We hope to continue this relationship and have our teachers help us to spread the message of sustainability into their placement communities.

How can we get involved with Trash Hero and make a difference in helping to protect our environment?

The best way to get involved with Trash Hero is to look them up online and find a location to volunteer at near you! Then look at that chapter on Facebook to find out the exact location of meet-ups. You can also start trying to reduce your waste by getting a stainless steel water bottle, reusable bag for shopping, containers to bring with you to take-away shops, and just saying ‘no’ to straws! A little goes a long way and leading by example is always a plus too.

Thank you so much Krissy for dedicating your time and resources to such an amazing cause! We truly value and appreciate the inspiring difference you are making in our community. You define leading by example, and we know that your efforts and the hard work of many others will bring about great change in keeping our environment clean.

We are always eager to discover new ways to make a difference in the community: what inspires you to make an impact in our world? Are there any local causes that you are passionate about sharing with others? How do you make a difference in your own community?

Ready to start your own adventure teaching abroad? Check out some of our incredible programs here.

Teach in Thailand: A Day in the Life of An English Teacher

by Jon | Apr 10, 2017 | XploreAsia News, Teacher Stories

Signing up to be an English teacher in Thailand requires courage, a sense of adventure, and the dedication to make a difference in the lives of your students. But actually living the experience goes even further than that! You might find that not only will you change the lives of those in your community and school, but the experience will also broaden your horizons and help to shape you as an individual.

We had the chance to ask one of our participants Bronson Taiapa about his daily life as an English teacher in Thailand. Bronson was one of our TESOL course participants last April, and he started teaching in Isaan, Thailand, last May. Since then, he’s loved it so much that he is now in his second year as an English teacher in Thailand. Here, we chat with Bronson about his daily life in Isaan and how teaching in Thailand continues to inspire him!

How did you decide to teach in Thailand?

I was a screen-printer for several years back in New Zealand, and I needed a change in my work. I wanted to try something that scares me and since I don’t like talking in public, I thought I’d try teaching. Thailand is an amazing place and luckily, it was the place I could go to learn to teach.

Where in Thailand do you teach English?

I teach in Sawang Daen Din, Sakon Nakhon, Isaan. It’s in the western part of a province of Northeast Thailand.

How many students/grades do you teach?

I teach 2 grades: Mathayom 4 from 4/1 -16, and half of Mathayom 6 (High-school). I have about 960 students, give or take 10 or 20 students.

Could you walk us through an average day in your life as a teacher?

An average day would begin with waking up at about 6:45am, getting ready and being at school by 7.40am. School always starts with assembly at 8am, but I’m not expected to be there, so most of the time I just go to my classroom and set up for the first lesson at 8:25am.

I usually have 2 or 3 classes after lunch, my last class ending about 2:50pm, or I have one that ends at 3:40pm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have a few kids that come in and practice their English with me and with one another. It’s usually a pretty relaxed session – no stress, just practice, and on those days, we finish at around 5:30pm.

We usually have 2 classes, then a small 25 minute break, which I’ll usually use to eat some breakfast (usually fruit from the cafeteria). We have another 2 classes after that, and then lunch.

During lunch I occasionally like to walk around and talk to students or play sports (if it’s not too hot, and if I’m not sweating too much by that stage).

On other days, I get lunch and go to my classroom to eat. I’ll usually find some students sitting there for the next class, but mostly they’re there to escape the heat outside, so I generally put on a movie, and we’ll sit and chill while I eat.

On the other days, however, I’m usually home, out of my work gear, and relaxing by 4:30pm. Sometimes I’ll play basketball with my students around 5pm when it has cooled down.

What do you enjoy most about teaching English in Thailand?

Having fun with the kids definitely. They’re awesome!

Conversely, what are some challenges you face as a teacher?

Holidays. As great as they are, they made the second semester very difficult to test my students and get grades for them.

Classroom management is also always a challenge for me. If you give them an inch, most times they’ll take a mile; this is a challenge for me because I don’t like raise my voice to my kids or even punish them. It’s a lesson I’m still learning.

How has teaching in Thailand influenced your career path and shaped you as a person?

I’ve become a more confident person in social situations. I’ve found that if I am 100 percent committed to something, I can do the things I used to doubt I could do. I think I’ve become more inspired to travel and teach and learn about other interesting cultures.

Thank you so much, Bronson! We loved learning about your daily life as an English teacher in Isaan, Thailand. You are so clearly passionate about making a difference in the lives of your students and in the community. We are impressed and inspired by the work that you do!

I’m curious to know: what are some of your questions about teaching in Thailand? What would you like to know about life in Thailand as an English teacher? In what ways do you think that teaching in Thailand will challenge and inspire you?

Ready to start your own adventure living and teaching abroad? Check out some of our incredible programs here.

Tips for Lesson Planning and Classroom Management

by Jon | Apr 6, 2017 | XploreAsia News, Teacher Stories | 0 comments

Teach in Thailand

So you’ve finished your TESOL course and you’re ready to start your placement teaching English at a school in Thailand! Armed with lesson plans and engaging activities, you feel ready to tackle any challenge in the classroom. But what happens when your lessons don’t go as planned? Or you’re faced with an unexpected number of students? What are some of the ways to quickly adapt and change in a new environment?

Recently, we had the chance to talk to David and Khensi, who are both teachers at a school here in Hua Hin. Here, we chat with them about the individual challenges and joys they have in the classroom, tips and strategies for classroom management, and advice they have for incoming teachers!

____________________________________________

David:

Could you walk us through what you do in your TESOL teaching placement?

My situation is an interesting one, as I am my school’s EP (English Program) computer teacher. However, I was trained as an English teacher with XploreAsia, and before that, I had no teaching experience. Some schools will provide a curriculum, textbooks, and lesson plans for their teachers. For my school, there’s nothing for the computer program: no curriculum or a desired end goal. So it was my responsibility to create the curriculum, the topics, and the overall course goals.

How many classes do you teach?

My school has only one computer teacher, meaning I was responsible for every student enrolled in the EP program. The semester I started, the EP program consisted of M1 to M5, and in the current year (2017), it will include M6. It was a challenge coming up with what to teach each grade, as I had no real insight into what the students learned the previous semester, other than from a few midterms, exams, and tasks that I was able to find from the previous computer teacher.

Students at our English immersion camps, where our TESOL course participants gain hands-on teaching experience!

How did you tackle the particular challenges of your teaching job in Thailand?

I was able to create a curriculum, consisting of Java programming language, Photoshop, basic networking, html/css, JavaScript, and After Effects. At least that was the initial plan. The biggest challenge was the language barrier. Teaching students about concepts relating to the programming world in a foreign language was difficult. The best way to deal with it is to take it slow. Be willing to slow down even more than you think is necessary. I didn’t at first, but after a while, my lessons became slower. I covered less in each lesson, and they were able to follow along a little easier. So the training [in your TESOL course] to have you speak slower, verbalize through emotion and actions, is incredibly useful and applicable.

How do you create structure in a rowdier classroom or when students misbehave?

When students misbehave, I call out their name, and sometimes ask them to stop. When they don’t, I’ll close my gap between myself and them. Looking into their eyes for a period of time can win you a victory, simply through awkwardness. In some of your classes, that may not be effective at all, so you may have to find other tactics.

I’ve found that keeping a strong presence in the classroom, such as being ‘everywhere’ in the room and having your voice projected around the room, can be effective. A lot of the tactics for classroom management that you learn in XploreAsia are great: tapping on a student’s desk, calling their names, standing next them, asking the students questions, etc.

Honestly, have fun. That’s the best thing you can do.

What are some of your teaching tips that you can offer prospective and incoming teachers?

Tip #1

Teach slowly. Some individuals will be teaching at private schools, so you’ll have incredibly bright students whose possession of the English language is strong. Teaching slowly would not apply in this case.

Teaching slowly is good as it allows the students to follow along, although you do have to keep track of the stronger students who do not benefit from slow teaching. Have them help the others, possibly through translating (this is more towards teaching non-English classes), or by writing on the board for you.

Tip #2

Get to know your students. This is personally my favourite part of teaching, as they will appreciate you more if you see them as people and not as simply teenagers (or children).

You’ll also get a good grasp of where each student’s issues may lie and where their strengths can be found. This goes a long way in helping them learn.

Be patient. Take a breath when things irk you. Remember that they are young and you were in their shoes once. It’s not about you, it’s about them.

What advice do you have for anyone coming to teach English in Thailand?

Be prepared to potentially be in a position with big responsibilities and with a big say in the students’ education. It’s a big challenge, but a rewarding one. My advice, at least if you’re in a similar situation, is to teach something you know about or have an interest in. You’ll be able to learn on the go, even if you don’t feel confident with your knowledge.

Decide what you ultimately want the students to do (if it’s a big task at the end of the semester, like design their own website). After that, it’ll be a lot easier to figure out the general course path. You’ll be able to envision what your semester will look like, week to week, lesson to lesson, task to task.

If you’re in a similar situation, take advantage of the fact that you’re teaching in Thailand, as their relaxed nature allows you to make mistakes, and improve at a pace that’s not rushed.

________________________________________________________________________

Khensi:

Teaching Tip #1: At the beginning of some of my (difficult) classes, I usually write down the time that I am prepared to end the class – be it 5, 7 or (rarely) 10 minutes early. And if the kids don’t behave or make noise, I add minutes to the time and that way not only do the students behave, but they also police or scold the students who are disrupting the class because ultimately everyone’s behaviour affects the fate of the class.

So if they become noisy 11:05, I’ll shift the time to 11:07, and so forth. If they end up leaving at a normal or later time, they have only each other to blame. The goal for the students then becomes getting through the lesson as best as possible with the reward of an early release.

Teaching Tip #2: Another classroom management tactic is threatening the kids with point/score deductions. Usually the disruptive kids are the ones who can’t afford any sort of drop in their grades, and so by making this threat, the students are likely to take it seriously.

Sometimes, I’ll even walk around the class with the class list and if a student misbehaves I make eye contact with them and pretend as though I’m deducting points off of their scores.

Unbeknownst to them, I’m simply just making a dot next to their name. Once I do it with the first or second student, the rest of the class sees that I mean business, and I end up with a rather well-behaved class.

Teaching Tip #3: As a means of keeping the students on their toes and not letting the structure of the class be predictable, every once in a while I swap the front row students with those in the back row. Usually where a student decides to sit in every class influences how involved they want to be in the lesson.

Once I become familiar with a class in the sense that I can tell who wants to participate and who doesn’t, I start shifting kids around and breaking up familiar patterns and groups.

Khensi with a few of her students!

This usually involves instructing the shy and/or disruptive students to sit in the front rows just so that they are more inclined to listen and participate.

I do this every now and then at the beginning of the lesson. Even if the naughty ones are likely to be late, I make sure I have a few empty seats in the front row waiting for their arrival.

Thank you so much for all your advice, David and Khensi! We are so inspired by the work that you do, and we know that you are changing lives through your commitment to your students.

I’d love to hear from you! Have you taught before? What are some of your tips for classroom management? What have you always been interested in teaching but haven’t had the opportunity to do so yet?

Are you ready to take that first step into teaching abroad? Check out our amazing TESOL course options and programs here.