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own tests. You should figure out how much input
you want in course outlines, and find a school
to meet your expectations.
Expect Surprises
As far as teaching jobs go, you may be told
with a few days notice of a new class to teach,
a test that's to be given, or a school holiday.
This may be the mark of a disorganized company,
but it's most likely just another difference
between western jobs and Thailand jobs. Your
best bet is to try and adopt the "mai pen rai,"
attitude and not get stressed over small matters.
Expect Visa Hassles
The Thai policies regarding non-immigrant work
visas seem to be ever-changing. While your school
will handle the application process, you may
be asked to produce documents that weren't required
two months ago, like a letter of confirmation
from your university, or a letter from your
TEFL instructor.
For the many teachers working in Thailand on
tourist visas, monthly border runs are a necessary
while their paperwork comes through. If you're
close to the embassy in Bangkok, a 2-month visa
from Cambodia or Laos can be arranged in advance.
If you're crossing the border once a month,
ask your school about their policy on refunding
your travel costs, as many will comply and remember
- new visa
regulations suggest you can only do this
for 90 days in any 6 months. All details regarding
your work visa should be addressed before any
contract is signed. In addition, remember that
you can…
Expect the Taboo
If you're teaching children, it can be difficult
to control a classroom. Public schools often
have classes of 50-plus students, and Thai co-teachers
might treat your class as an optional commitment.
It's said that Thai classrooms are sometimes
a bit unruly so even seasoned ESL teachers will
have to figure out the best way to keep order.
Never touch a student in any way to discipline
him or her. It's best to discuss discipline
techniques with Thai teachers before starting
and they are likely offer some good tips.
Expect to Make Connections
To live in Thailand, a teacher will see up-close
how different things can be for tourists. A
smart newcomer will learn the "Thai price" for
taxi rides, food stall dishes, and admission
costs, and learn enough Thai to haggle it down.
Even if you're living as a local, you'll still
be met with the inflated tourist prices on some
goods. It's smart to master how to count in
Thai so that price-bargaining goes smoothly.
You'll likely be approached for private lessons
from many people, and many teachers find it
useful to swap Thai lessons with English lessons
in order to best pick up the language. If your
schedule is full, politely refer the person
to your language school, and they can arrange
one-on-one classes from there.
Expect Scrutiny
Unless you're living in Bangkok, Chiang Mai
or Phuket, your arrival in town will be discussed
and scrutinized. Most teachers don't realize
how much they're talked about, but the truth
is that foreigners stand out a mile away and
for Thai people, make great fodder for gossip.
Whether you're arguing with someone at the market
or drunk at the pub, don't forget that people
talk. Some discretion on your part will make
life much easier. Schools have been known to
fire teachers if their public reputations start
concerning parents and students.
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