Thailand has always been one of the most popular TEFL destinations in the world, offering plenty of work for EFL teachers, a warm climate, great food, and a low cost of living.
Thailand is one of few countries that has never been colonized, and despite the fact it’s now one of the most visited countries in the world it has still maintained its own rich culture and heritage. The infamous tourist hub of Khao San road in Bangkok boasts a party atmosphere and is a great place to meet people who’ve travelled to the country from all over the world in search of an exciting adventure. But if you’re searching for a more authentic Thai experience away from the typical tourist haunts it’s not hard to find it – incredible cuisine, gorgeous natural wonders, and stunning Buddhist temples are always right around the corner.
The Thai people are renowned for being friendly (Thailand isn’t called “The Land of Smiles” for nothing), so for those teaching in more rural parts of the country, where 40% of the population lives, you can expect to be warmly welcomed by locals. Once you earn a TEFL Certification from Global Language Training, their Jobs Department can help you find teaching jobs all across the country.
- Popular locations for TEFL jobs in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Korat
- Average salary for EFL teachers in Thailand: 25,000 THB – 35,000 THB (£664 – £930) per month
- TEFL qualification requirements: At least a 120-hour TEFL qualification from an accredited provider like Global Language Training.
- Prerequisite university degree: A BA degree is a visa requirement.
- Term times: The school year in Thailand begins in mid-May and runs until early October. Students return for a second semester at the end of October until late February/early March.
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
- Language: Thai
Living Costs
- Accommodation: £220 – £400 per month
- Utilities: £28 – £50 per month
- Health insurance: 3% of your income, deducted from your salary. Your employer also pays 3%
- Monthly transport pass: £25
- Basic dinner out for two: £13
- Cappuccino in expat area: £2.19
- A beer in a pub: £1.93
- 1 litre of milk: £1.26
- 2 litres of Coca-Cola: £0.83
The cost of living in Thailand very much depends on where in the country you’re living and working. Unsurprisingly, Bangkok is the most expensive place to live, but salaries for TEFL jobs in the city should reflect that.
Finding a Job
Global Language Training Jobs Department can help you find a teaching job throughout the country and at all times of the year (although, for public schools, peak recruitment times are in the months before the terms begin). Most work in Thailand involves teaching children, either in government schools or bilingual and international schools. Private schools offer more lucrative salaries than government schools and teachers are able to supplement their salaries by tutoring.A 120-hour TEFL qualification such as the one offered by Global Language Training is required by most employers. Since teaching classes of up to 50 students is common in Thailand, a course that covers teaching large classes (as our 120+ hour courses do) is incredibly useful.
There’s a huge demand for EFL teachers in Thailand and Global Language Training can help you find one.
