We want to move to thailand/tesol

[stephydove]

Hello everyone!

Last night my husband and I were laying in bed and he said "What do you think about selling everything we have and moving to Thailand?" I couldn't believe he said that. I was freaked out at first but now that I think about it and I've investigated a little I'm really excited about the idea.

The reason I'm posting is because I'm considering getting a TESOL certificate (teaching english as a second language) and I'm curious to know if there is a need for English teachers in Thailand and if you have to have a degree. Or if experience is enough with the certificate.

I am facinated by Thailand and it's people. Any info you could post would be great! Thank you!

Stephanie
www.geocities.com/stephydove

[MrBradUSA]

Stephanie,

Are you wanting to teach English or Christianity? I see by your webpage that you are a "born-again" Christian.

As you no doubt know, Thailand is some 90+% Buddhist. From my years of experience in Thailand, the Thai people are happy and doing very well with Buddhism, though, being the tolerant and accepting people they are, they do not discriminate against other faiths.

Here in the United States I've never heard of any Buddhist person (neither monks nor lay) proselytizing in their neighborhoods. I would hope that you would refrain from proseltyzing while you are in Thailand.

Brad.

[Sawatdee]

Quote[/b] (stephydove @ Mar. 20 2004,02:44)]The reason I'm posting is because I'm considering getting a TESOL certificate (teaching english as a second language) and I'm curious to know if there is a need for English teachers in Thailand and if you have to have a degree. Or if experience is enough with the certificate.

I think I should add you need to do more homework before making such a serious step as this. For starters, a TESOL certificate is worthless in Thailand as English is not a second language. You would need a TEFL or equivalent. The government are making it stricter now and you need a degree in order to apply for a work permit. Experience of course counts for a lot. Do you have any background in teaching?

Good luck with your new adventure!

[amos361]

Hey sawatdee do you know what it takes to get an TEFL certificate?
I'm currently living in Australia but i'm contemplating moving to Thailand for a year in in the near future.
I don't have any teaching experience however. I'm currently studying to be a computer systems administrator.

[Sawatdee]

Well, it takes money. Sometimes a lot! Visit ajarn.com.

However, at our school, we prefer experienced teachers over people who only have TEFL.

[stephydove]

Yes I am Christian and I will share my faith if the opportunity arrises...as I'm sure their faith will be shared with me.

I am glad that sawatdee indicated the difference between TESOL and TEFL--I definately have a lot to learn. I do have experience teaching but I don't know if it will be enough. I don't have a degree. I have about 30 college hours and a diploma in Network Engineering and Management.

I have taught at a vocational school here in Sherman for about 6 months and I teach youth on Wednesday nights. I don't know if they will consider that work experience since neither were teaching in a public school...or college.



I love to teach and I can think of nothing more exciting than to come to Thailand and teach the language I love. Any information anyone can give me or consideration I should take would be greatly appreciated. From what I've read it sounds so simple...but I've learned in life...things usually aren't as simple as it seems.

I look forward to your responses!

Thanks!

[StevenRay]

Dear Stephydove,
Good for you. Don't cmpromise your Christian believers. A soul is worth more than offending someone. As far as teaching goes, you should look into it a little more. I think coming to Thailand and checking it out first would be a good idea, even though it would be expensive for the flight and taking the time. But if you are going to move here. It would be worth it.

[Redbird_Lefty]

Stephy, while I'm fully supportive of your wanting to teach English in Thailand (and the spirit of adventure of being there), I'm with MrBradUSA. I would hope you would refrain from proselytizing to the Thai people since, at the very least, I would think that would be considered rude. I get no indication that that is your desire but, as an Amercian, I resent it when it is done to me here (as if I asked to have my choice of belief system re-examined).

By the way Stephy, when you write about Sherman, would that be Sherman, Illinois by any chance?

Good luck to you and your husband.

[stephydove]

Nope--not in Illinois - I'm in Texas. I do want to teach English and experience Thailand and possibly make it my home for the rest of our lives....but I'm not going to go over there and change just because Buddism is the majority religion. In America...if the opportunity arises...I share my faith-with all my heart...and if I go to Thailand it will be the same.

My faith is my faith and I believe what I believe because I believe it is the truth. I don't want to get into a religious debate because that is not what I came here for. I simply believe that it would be wrong for me to go to Thailand and not do what I would do in America.

I will share my faith if the opportunity arrises...and as I stated before - I'm sure they will share theirs. And if they don't share it...I am going to be engulfed in it anyway.

I appreciate your concerns for the Thai people and I plan on treating them with the utmost respect. Beyond all this...I'm very interested in knowing more about teaching in Thailand and living there. Does anyone have any imput about the fact that we will be bringing our 2 year old with us? Any concerns or things to look forward to regarding a child?

Thank you for your feedback!
Stephanie

[visionchaser45]

Quote[/b] ]I'm sure they will share theirs.

Although Buddhism is an integral part of the Thai culture, I doubt that any Thai person would "share" the details of his/her religion with you. If you ask, a Thai person would most likely proudly provide you with an answer, but only if you ask first.