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Just Thailand
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This page offers links to living and working in Thailand. It is for anyone looking for a job in Thailand, but the information has been contributed by a Black British person and so deals with racism (a big topic in Thailand) also.
THE BLURB
Thailand seems to be a paradise for EFL teachers and it seems like the jobs find you rather than vice versa. Conditions are pretty similar wherever you go, whatever qualifications you've got and whenever you arrive. Expect to get between 30 and 40,000 baht per month, which will allow a comfortable lifestyle. Bangkok offers more than this but while there is an abundance of schools, so too is there an abundance of pollution and overcrowding. Most experienced teachers say it's a place to get out of quickly rather than spend long periods working in.
Students can be infuriatingly blase about their studies, but it is a relaxed attitude which seems to infect teachers and encourage them to "chill out" after a short time. It is totally unacceptable to throw a wobblt in front of Thai students and will only result in a loss of face and respect. You need to be outgoing, confident and ready to have a laugh rather than stress over grammar points. In fact, if you are looking for a serious place to develop your EFL profile, Thailand probably isn't the place. Most teachers are wandering backpackers, and even the British Council recruits from the resident population of native speakers. Having said that, there are of course opportunities for the career-minded - it just taked a bit more time and research to find them.
RACISM
On the subject of racism, no-one will deny that Thais are racist. They apparently see Black people as inferior and can be quite rude although there have been no reports of violence. Nonetheless, this viewpoint has been refuted (although only a tiny number of times) and one Black woman proposed that the racism was from a lack of exposure to other cultures rather than a 'nazi-like' mentality. As she had been living there for two years, some credit has to be given to these comments, and as with anything perseverance is what matters most. If you can put up with stares and find a school to employ you then you might as well give it a go. BUT be upfront with schools via email/phone about your skin colour as you don't want to turn up and be told that the job has suddenly gone when they clap eyes on you. Whatever you decide you must be mentally prepared for racism and be determined to overcome it with your classes rather than throw in the towel because a couple walk out....
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GUIDES
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An excellent map of Thailand so that you can see where your offers are coming from can be found by following this link.
take me to the map
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As always, the Lonely Planet gives you all the basic info you need. Though not particularly aimed at those planning to be resident you can research the history and culture at this website.
take me to the lonely planet
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"Official website for Thailand's world famous Khao San Road - the gateway to Southeast Asia. Travel, backpacking, working in Thailand... It's all there!"
take me Khoa San Road
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"Here you will find lots of info and other great materiall. More than 250 photos, a travelstorie combined with photos, links to other useful sites and a message board where you can tell your own stories, read others, ask questions and get the very best of answers."
take me to Thailand Travel
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Read teachers experiences and comments on living and working in Thailand from Dave's ESL cafe. Find experienced teachers to email and learn the pitfalls to avoid. A must for anyone trying to get a 'real' picture of Thailand EFL life.
take me to ESLcafe
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