Teaching English in Thailand for the Summer
- Dave's ESL Cafe at eslcafe.com, and Teach Abroad at TeachAbroad.com both regularly post overseas jobs, including those in Thailand. It's best to apply as early as possible. One school that advertises for English-speaking teachers is Global Crossroads, which offers six-month contracts that start between May and August. The American TESOL Institute is another school that offers short-term contracts for 4 or 5 months.
- Bangkok and Phuket are the most popular destinations for English teachers in Thailand. Most schools offer paid accommodations in addition to salary. Other negotiable perks include travel allowance and transportation reimbursement. After you apply to schools and are offered employment, the school will arrange for your visa, but you may have to pay for it up front. After you begin teaching, the school may ask you to apply for a work permit to ensure you are working legally in the country.
- Always check the travel advisories before traveling to any foreign destination. Be aware that while most schools are legitimate, there are some that run scams. Check the forums at Dave's ESL Cafe before committing to working with a particular school. Always ask the school that hires you if you can speak with other current teachers. If they say yes, ask the teachers to be honest in their assessment of the school, including work environment, supplies, books and student interaction. If they say no, this is a big red flag.