How to teach in Thailand: Step by Step Guide
Many Filipinos are dreaming to work abroad someday. Most of us would prefer to work in western and popular countries such as Canada, the USA, France and other parts of Europe. We are very much attracted to these countries since they offer a hefty amount of salary we can never have in the Philippines working as a rank and file employee. But it’s quite surprising that working as a teacher in our neighboring country Thailand has become quite popular among Filipinos both teachers and other professionals.
There are several reasons for many Filipino Teachers to work in Thailand such as a bigger salary, and cheaper cost of living. These practical reasons are enough driving force to motivate some of the Filipino teachers and other professionals to consider Thailand as their new workplace and country to settle down. Thailand may sound a very friendly country and lenient when it comes to visa processing especially that they are our neighbors but they have restrictions too especially if you do not have enough papers or documents.
Ways to Apply in Thailand as a Teacher
Walk-in
This is the riskiest way to apply as you will have to travel from the Philippines to Thailand and try your luck in applying as a teacher. You are only given 30 days as a tourist in Thailand. You need not apply for a visa to enter Thailand if you are a Filipino but you also need to exit Thailand on or before the 30 day period expires. You may exit in other countries near to Thailand such as Cambodia. It would be better if you have a family or relatives in Thailand who are going to guide you when you start applying there.
When you go through immigration in the Philippines for your flight to Thailand, you will be asked certain questions such as “What’s your purpose in traveling to Thailand?” You will have to say that you are just going to have a vacation and never mention your intentions in applying as a teacher or else you will be offloaded or denied in boarding the aircraft and your trip will be canceled.
If you are going to apply as a walk-in you need to be ready with your requirements such as:
- A diploma or certificate degree preferably in Education.
- Certificate in TOEIC/ TEFL OR IELTS with scores of 600 + and 5.5 + respectively.
- Passport Photos
- Other important documents you obtain in the Philippines such as TOR (Transcript of Records, certified criminal background check ) and the like.
If you need more time in applying as a walk-in in Thailand then you need to exit the Country first and go back to Thailand for another extension as a tourist and continue applying again in different schools.
Online Application
This is considered safe as you do not have to leave your country and risk your money and time to apply as a teacher in Thailand but your chances of getting hired are low and there is also some minimal risk.
You may apply online through legit websites such as:
In applying online there are requirements listed on the webpage and if you have all the requirements then you are good to go. However many of the recruiters would prefer those who are currently residing in Thailand so there is a 50/50 chance of you getting hired especially if you are currently living outside Thailand.
Some employers will help you in processing your working visa to enter and work as a teacher in Thailand and you will be lucky if you found one. You also have to be careful about fake websites and be cautious especially if they are requiring you to provide money for your application. Always make sure that you are transacting with a legit website and recruiter or human resource personnel from the school.
Apply Through Agencies
This is the safest of all ways of applying as a teacher in Thailand. See the list below for the top and legit agencies who process applications of Filipinos who want to work as a teacher in Thailand.
1. Essential Educational Staffing
- Address: 21 Lat Phrao Rd, Khwaeng Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
- Website: Essential Educational Staffing
2. Ajarn.com
- Website: Ajarn Jobs
- Specialization: Teaching job vacancies
3. Global Education Consultancy
- Address: 2217 Lad Phrao Road, Saphansong, Wangthonglang, Bangkok. 10310
- Phone: 088-088-0320
- Website: Global Education
4. Bright Future International Training and services
- Address: SSP Tower, 11th floor 555/16-19, Soi 63 Sukhumvit (Ekamai) Sukhumvit Road, Klongton-Nua Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand 10110
- Phone: +66 (2) 711-4684
- Website: Bright Future
5. Coaching English
- e-mail: [email protected]
- Phone: 02-454-6722, 02-454-6733
- Website: Coaching English
6. I-LIT Bangkok
- Address: 700/2 Phatthanakan Rd, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250
- Phone: 02 717 9138
7. Media Kids Academy
- Address: 40/471 Prueksa B Village, Khlongsam, Khlongluang, Pathum Thani 12120
- Phone: 02 834 0905
- Website: Media Kids
8. TeachinThailand
- Address: Rama 2 Bang Khun Thian Bangkok Thailand
- e-mail: [email protected]
9. Sine Education Service Co., Ltd…
- Address: 555 SSP Tower, 11th Floor Sukhumvit 63 (Ekkamai), Klongton, Vadhana, Bangkok 10110
- Website: Sine Education
- Email: [email protected]
10. Siam Language School
- Address: 471/19 Ratwhithee Rd., Phayathai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400
- Website: Siam Language School
- e-mail: [email protected]
The salaries and opportunities in Thailand are very attractive for many aspiring teachers and for those who are already practicing the profession in the Philippines. This is also open for non-teaching professions but will require more documents. Not only that they offer higher salaries but the cost of living is cheaper than in the Philippines. For those who would love to try their luck in Thailand you may refer to the above-mentioned steps to apply. – Karie | Helpline PH
