Teaching opportunities

Texpat, I believe Paul is quoting the formal current legal position.

There were several Americans on the course (as were the main TEFL trainers). There was a young man from Eire (I believe he was from Limerick), a lady from Nepal, two trainees from the Phillipines, a couple of Aussies, one from Norway and several Brits although one came from north of the Thames so doesn't really count. An Indian gentleman (who heaven forbid should ever be in a classroom teaching a language he could barely speak) dropped out after the first week. A 45ish Brit failed the language exam and therefore the course. The highest scores were by two 20 something Americans (shame on us) who scored 98% and 97%. The gang of old fogeys (Aussie, Brit and American) came in around the 90% mark. The ones who struggled to get above the 70% pass mark were 30 - 50ish.

Two of the Americans are now in paid employment at a primary school in Chonburi, starting on 27,000B per month plus free accom. and health insurance, with the promise of a raise to 32,000B after 6 months.......... Both were hired unseen because they were put forward by the Uni. Both are under 30 and in need of a job!

I understand Pauls warning about the validity of any Thai based qualification on a global scale. However while I was on the course, the University received enquiries for TEFL certified teachers from schools in S. Korea, China and Malaysia as well as Thailand. As such, my personal experience suggests that a TEFL certificate from a RECOGNISED AND HIGHLY REGARDED source such as a top Thai University is recognised throughout Asia. In other words, do your research before signing up for a course.

I get a kick out of reading these posts about English,teaching of English etc.
Baiters delight,more like masterbaters to me,especially the newcomer snobs that assume they know and understand everything because they are ''in the business''of English teaching.
To begin with,almost all will find very little correlation between ''qualifications'' and and the ability to convey English in Thai classrooms.50 -60,mostly non-interested students and you may not discipline or flunk any of them for whatever reasons.Most of your jobs will be temporary at best and you will most likely be expected to placate the mob with humour and games while showing your white falang faces for the dog and pony show.

If you don't really understand how things work here.you are in for a shock!

Thai teachers command/demand respect,you will probaly not get either!

Good luck,especially to you know it alls,I am only a parent that has gone through many private and public schools systems with my daughter,what would I know!

"Thai teachers command/demand respect,you will probaly, (sic) not get either!"

That was certainly NOT my experience. Perhaps it depends on the teacher as to whether respect is given or not.

Well Stan often rabbits on about things he knows little or nothing about.

Hi to everyone.

Firstly I would like to thank everyone who contributed to my original post 'teaching opportunities'.

Just thought I would give you all a quick update. I am currently in Udonthani and have already volunteered at a village school on four oiccassions and have been invited back. I also have some teaching scheduled at the technical colleged in two weeks time. I found the volunteering experience most encouraging and the students (aged 13 to 14 years of age) really enjoyed it . The feedback came via parents and young people from within the village.

I have also posted on the Khon Kaen forum and recieved some positive responses. I will be visiting a teacher, who incidentally comes from the same town as myself in the UK, later this week. He has nine years experience of teaching in Khon Kaen. I will also be visiting the Text and Talk Acadamy while in Khon Kaen. Therefore, I believe this will be an invaluable experience that should give me an infepth insight.

I will definetly undertake my TEFL six week course but I also have a Masters Degree and over twenty years experience of working with young people.

Prior to departing Udon I will take previous posters advice of dropping into some of the schools in Udon as a way of introductions.

Will keep you all updated

Kindest regards

Andy

Hi all

Just a another quick update for those who are interested in pursuing a teaching career in Udonthani.

My month stay is now coming to an end. I have undertaken 20 hours voluntary teaching, visited 8 institutions with my resume and met may interesting people, both Thai and Western.

I prepared all my own resources and lesson plans based on my experiences within my working life in the UK. For those who have not read my previous posts I have 20 years experience of working with teenages and hold a Masters Degree. The lessons were extremely participatory and related to young people's own experiences/situations. Both students and Thai teaching staff were very pleased with the lessons and I recieved phone calls from two principles saying the students were coming to their offices and asking them to call me to see if I would come back and teach them some more English.

Since undertaking the teaching I have been offered two jobs. I explained my current situation in the UK and that I would not be relocating to Thailand until Aprill 2011. One of the schools told me that this was a new position and after discussion with their Director they would not start the position until my return if I was prepared to accept the position. I am still considering this proposal and negotiations are taking place via email.


Overall, this has been a very useful experience for now I feel I have a better insight into teaching English in Udon. I am no stranger to Udon for I have visited regulary for the last six years.

Therefore, the final part of my plan will be to take my CELTA in the UK and put myself forward for redundancy. Hopefully this will then enable me to relocate to Udon next Aprill. I have decided to undertake the CELTA to broaden my options in the future.

May I take the opportunity in thanking all those who offered me suppoirt both through the forum and in meeting up in Udon.

The prime purpose of this update was to give those considering a teaching career in Thailand an insight into my personal experience.

Kindest regards

Andy

Sounds like you have done your research,have a plan and Udon will benefit for it.Hope you find the support available ,after your return to really accomplish your goals!

I have yet to understand how anyone expects these children to learn English w/o an environment that allows for practice ,practice,practice!It should be obvious to anyone that children that have a falang in their home,learn and speak English much much better than those that do not!

Well done Firfox. Your experience matches my own. When in Udon I have taught on a voluntary basis just to give me something to do to pass the time. I have taught in a number of schools over the past 8 years and the local high school begs me to return every year and offers me a full-time position every time I go back. Although tempted to take redundancy and do that, I really couldn't work in that punishing heat - just a personal thing. The salary doesn't help either.
I would also say this; althougn NK Stan seems to have changed his tune in his latest post, don't let him put you off with his 'you will get no respect' comments. Although he has undoubtedly got far more experience than me of life in Thailand, I will simply say that his comments do not reflect my own experience. I have found that the staff and the vast majority of students (it will NEVER be 100% whatever you do) are extremely courteous, polite and respectful.

Good luck in your venture and do, please, keep us posted!

timthebrit wrote:Well done Firfox. Your experience matches my own. When in Udon I have taught on a voluntary basis just to give me something to do to pass the time. I have taught in a number of schools over the past 8 years and the local high school begs me to return every year and offers me a full-time position every time I go back. Although tempted to take redundancy and do that, I really couldn't work in that punishing heat - just a personal thing. The salary doesn't help either.
I would also say this; althougn NK Stan seems to have changed his tune in his latest post, don't let him put you off with his 'you will get no respect' comments. Although he has undoubtedly got far more experience than me of life in Thailand, I will simply say that his comments do not reflect my own experience. I have found that the staff and the vast majority of students (it will NEVER be 100% whatever you do) are extremely courteous, polite and respectful.

Good luck in your venture and do, please, keep us posted!

No I have not changed my tune.all situations are not the same and personality can make much difference.I would remind you that ''shows of respect'' such as wais and smile are not the same as respect,but oblgatory exercises that have been programmed,real respect has to be earned,if the real opportunity exists or is allowed!Many schools ,I would venture to guess most,don't allow a teacher the ability to teach and discipline outside their ''dog and pony'' show,as the student rules in most cases!

nkstan wasn't oh so far off the mark. different categories of students can exhibit behaviour across a very
wide spectrum. some of them, who have a reason to learn, i.e. direct motivation can be a joy to work with.
older students especially university age and mature learners who have a real-world need for english
competence can be a delight. however "some" younger learners aren't interested. they can be disruptive to
the rest of the group and how they act with a thai teacher is not the same as they behave with a foreigner
in their midst. it's also extremely delicate for the foreigner to enforce any discipline. i've only done a few
stints as a volunteer but it certainly opened my eyes that their are a lot more variables to the scenario
then just being an english coach. i mean c'mon, let's be honest here. and this guy on the thread with a
master's, tefl, celta, customizing his own lessons plans for interactive, fun, dialogue exchange(all free)
giving his time on a volunteer basis is what i must assume a dream candidate for some of these schools.
and what are they offering him? 30k a month? will they provide a work permit? exactly how many out-of-
class hours is he required to be doing other types of work? proofreading for colleagues, doing other dept
tasks etc? there is an awful lot of gray area there for a salary that might not even be minimum wage in
your home country. if your heart is in it and it makes you feel like your contributing great. it's not all roses.

I am somewhat interested in teaching macro economics somewhere in Udon Thani. I have a college degree in business, am 68 years old and after visiting Udon Thani many times believe I would like to live there. I have no teaching experience and no English-related certification. Several decades of government consulting experience, which included much preparation of documents and editing of the same, gave me a sound base for applying the English language.

My finances are sound though I am not rich. I would desire a reasonable compensation for what I consider useful tutering and mentoring. Part time would be acceptable. A non-fee philosphy, economics and beer club would be interesting.

My hobby for the last decade has been reading and researching philosophy, economics and related history. My specialty is Austrian School economics. I have a good library in the U.S. which I hope to bring to UdonThani.

Though I enjoy meeting all people, including the young, I doubt that I could effectively teach the young; no baby sitting.

I have a few contacts in the Udon Thani teaching arena and will sound them out for opportunities. However, IMO they are not connected with the academic and business circles that might be interested in economics.

Request your comments for my edification and entertainment.

Regards,
Tom

NK Stan said ':lol: No I have not changed my tune.all situations are not the same and personality can make much difference.I would remind you that ''shows of respect'' such as wais and smile are not the same as respect,but oblgatory exercises that have been programmed,real respect has to be earned,if the real opportunity exists or is allowed!Many schools ,I would venture to guess most,don't allow a teacher the ability to teach and discipline outside their ''dog and pony'' show,as the student rules in most cases!

Just a tad patronising, Stan - don't you think?? As I said in my post, I accept that you have far more experience than me in all things Thai, but to suggest that, after 8 years, I need reminding of the difference between a deferential 'wai' and 'respect' is unnecessary to say the least. As for what a teacher is 'allowed' to do, here in the UK we too have to follow a curriculum and strict rules on discipline; a 'dog and pony show' too on your analysis?? I was simply passing on my experience of teaching in Thailand (which I accept is limited), but perhaps more insightful than if I had none??

timthebrit wrote:NK Stan said ':lol: No I have not changed my tune.all situations are not the same and personality can make much difference.I would remind you that ''shows of respect'' such as wais and smile are not the same as respect,but oblgatory exercises that have been programmed,real respect has to be earned,if the real opportunity exists or is allowed!Many schools ,I would venture to guess most,don't allow a teacher the ability to teach and discipline outside their ''dog and pony'' show,as the student rules in most cases!

Just a tad patronising, Stan - don't you think?? As I said in my post, I accept that you have far more experience than me in all things Thai, but to suggest that, after 8 years, I need reminding of the difference between a deferential 'wai' and 'respect' is unnecessary to say the least. As for what a teacher is 'allowed' to do, here in the UK we too have to follow a curriculum and strict rules on discipline; a 'dog and pony show' too on your analysis?? I was simply passing on my experience of teaching in Thailand (which I accept is limited), but perhaps more insightful than if I had none??

You seemingly to me,brought me up in a less than flattering manner,instead of just sharing your personal experience,so if you are offended by my reply,so be it!The comparison that you are trying to make between the UK is allowed to do,is not the same as here,IMO!

I think the OP has great qualifications and motivations,I think that he might appreciate hearing how it really is,which ,IMO,the focus is not on how well the students learn English,but how much fun their time with you is,and that they are all passed!

I think that the OP might do well in teaching for corporations,where there is motivation for learning,but I don't know if Udon offers that opportunity!