Teach in Thailand with Go Thailand!

Immerse yourself in Thailand and make an impact in local Thai communities!

If you are interested in experiencing the legendary destination that is Thailand, whilst also supporting local students in their English learning, this is the program for you!

All schools are carefully screened to ensure you of a fantastic experience. You can enjoy lots of in country support with full orientation on arrival.

This program offers you a great chance to meet new friends, share memorable experiences and provide valuable language exchange to Thai communities.

Celebrate this truly amazing country and join Go Thailand!

Teach in Thailand Package Includes

Guaranteed teaching job in Thailand
Up to 37,000 Baht p / month salary (depending qualifications / experience) *
Full guidance through application process
One semester program (with option to extend)
Visa and work permit assistance
Full orientation in Bangkok including accommodation and teaching workshop
Full curriculum and access to teaching mentors
Your school will be carefully screened by program managers
Support finding accommodation
24 / 7 local support network
Lonely Planet E Guide to Thailand
3,000 Baht monthly accommodation allowance
3,000 Baht visa reimbursement on contract completion

* Living costs in Thailand are low compared to Western countries and so the salary allows for a comfortable lifestyle within the country.

Dates and deadlines

We are looking for participants who can arrive in Thailand in June or late October.

Orientation in Bangkok

Tuk tuks, monks, malls, temples, elephants and everything in between jostle for position on the streets of Thailand’s steamy capital. Get to know the city during your 3 day orientation here.

How it works

Take part in a full 3 day orientation in Bangkok
Gain valuable training, learn the ropes and meet new friends
Transfer to your host town or city and teach English in Thailand!

Many schools in Thailand prefer candidates to have a TEFL certificate.

Get a special discount on your TEFL course here

Requirements

Passport of UK, USA, CAN, IRE, NZ, SA, EU or AUS (due to visa requirements)
Bachelor’s degree (any subject)
Culturally adaptable
Under 55 years old (due to school requirements)

For me it was the thrill of the unknown as well as wanting to experience the white beaches of Samui, the bustle of Bangkok and the opportunity to experience a completely different culture.

Oliver Amos

Locations for teaching in Thailand

Placements are with schools who pass the program selection criteria.

Schools are throughout Thailand. You can state a preference for location however, due to logistics and the needs of various school no guarantees can be made.

Location options include (but are not limited to) the following:

Chaiyaphum, Khon kean, Korat, Buriram, Marasarakham, Udon Thani, Ubon Rachathani, Roiet, Sisaket, Sakon Nakhon, Nong khai, Mukdahan. Yashotorn. Kalasin, Amnat chareon, Phayao, Lampang, Phae, Sukothai, Uttraditt, Khampeng phet, Nakon nayok, Chonburi, Chumpon, Lopburi, Nakon prathom, Prachinburi, Samut Prakarn.

Special Feature: Ben, Reid, Lea, Oliver & Jack talk to ESLstarter about their experiences teaching English in Thailand.

Why this program?

High level of teacher support ensuring you can have complete peace of mind about your life in Thailand
Place on teaching program is 100% guaranteed before you go
Couples and friends can apply and live together
Full visa guidance pre-departure
Orientation includes Thai language and culture tips
Teach 18 – 25 classes per week
Lead classes of 6 - 18 year olds
Expert local team will work with you to discuss your placement preferences*

*Note - while every effort is made to ensure you are placed at a school that matches your preferences, applicants should also be aware that the final hiring decision is made by the school.

FAQs

Do I have assistance with finding accommodation?: Your school will assist you to find accommodation but the rent is not paid by the program. However, renting an apartment in Thailand is very cheap and you can usually find a nice, furnished studio apartment for around £60 - £80 per month.
How much are utilities in Thailand?: Expect to pay around £30 monthly for your utilities.
How big is the expat community in Thailand?: Thailand is a really popular destination for expats and teaching English in Thailand is a popular choice of career for many of the local expat population. So, most towns and cities have sizeable foreign communities.
When is my teaching job in Thailand finalized?: This is usually confirmed during the first week after arrival in Thailand. A member of the placement team will negotiate on your behalf with local schools to find a position for you. The placement success rate for this program is 100%.
Is there an application deadline for teaching in Thailand?: The Go Thailand program hires teachers who can arrive in either May or October.
Do ESLstarter help with the visa process?: We are on hand to assist through the visa process and provide the latest advice regarding obtaining a visa for Thailand. Our team have been working with teachers through the Thai visa process for over 8 years now and so can offer you plenty of advice and help.
Can I extend my placement if I want to stay longer?: Yes, this is possible provided the school agree. We can assist with extending your stay in Thailand as you get towards your contract completion date.
Are any vaccinations necessary to teach English in Thailand?: We recommend checking with your physician for the latest advice on vaccinations for Thailand. As a general rule, Hep A, B and Typhoid are strongly advised.
What happens when I arrive?: You will transfer to the orientation venue to complete the orientation session. From here, you will be given information about your school and how to get to your host town city.
Do the schools have a curriculum?: Thai schools are generally not well resourced in comparison to some countries. However, most of the schools have teaching materials such as text books, CDs and flashcards ready for teachers to use. Go Thailand works together with partner schools to update and improve existing curriculum.
Will I have a co-teacher?: It’s best to work on the assumption that you will be the only teacher in the class. Sometimes the younger classes have a co-teacher but this is not always the case.
Is there a dress code for teaching in Thailand?: Thailand expects its’ teachers to lead by example and dress smartly! So, for men shirt, tie and trousers. For ladies, blouse, skirt below the knee and formal shoes.
Are meals expensive in Thailand?: Eating out is one of the great delights of living in Thailand! You can get delicious food for a very low cost. For example, a bowl of noodles or a spicy mango salad is around THB 30. Expect to pay around THB 40 for a chicken or fish dish with rice.
How safe is Thailand?: On the whole, Thailand is a very safe country. Thai people are gentle and welcoming to foreigners. They are also non-confrontational and will go out of their way to make you feel at ease. The main thing to remember is to exercise common sense. Watch your belongings in crowded stations, don’t use unmetered taxis etc. However, it’s nothing to be too paranoid about so go with the flow and enjoy Thailand!
Will my phone work in Thailand?: You can get help at the orientation for setting up a Thai phone. Alternatively, we recommend getting your phone unlocked prior to travelling so you can use a new SIM which will work in Thailand.
Do I pay tax as an English teacher in Thailand?: Income tax / health / accident insurance is fixed at 3%, which will be automatically deducted from your salary.
How do I open a Thai bank account?: A team member will help you with this and then you will be paid into your Thai bank account in local salary each month.

Practicalities

Health Care

The standard of health care in Bangkok is excellent and in the provincial capitals it is very good. From the rural areas it's probably best to head to a provincial capital to get the best treatment. Most doctors speak English and pharmacies are plentiful even throughout the smaller towns and cities.

Food

Dive in and try it! Thai food is simply world-class! From fiery red curries to stuffed pork omelet, from mouth-melting mango salad to tangy chicken soup, Thai cuisine is hot, bursting with flavor and utterly addictive. Street vendors with an ardent following of local diners are always a great bet for a cheap and tasty fill! If you long for some home comfort food, Western restaurants serving up European and American food are never far away.

Travelling in Thailand

The best (and cheapest!) way to see Thailand is to do as the locals do and hop on a bus. The country is well-served by a bus network that reaches into even the most remote of spots, far from the tourist crowds. Fares are extremely competitive with a two hour air-con bus journey costing around THB120. Trains are also an economic way to travel around Thailand. Tickets can be booked on-line or in person and 3rd, 2nd or 1st class carriages are available on the sleeper trains that head north toward Chiang Mai and Nong Khai or south toward Hat Yai, Trang and the Malaysian border.

What to bring

Save on baggage allowance by leaving your winter wardrobe at home. The temperature in Thailand rarely gets below 28 degrees so sweaters and jackets are not necessary!

Here's a quick check-list of what we'd recommend bringing with you:

Smart, conservative clothes for work
Summer clothes
Umbrella (for rainy season)
Beachy stuff like flip-flops and swim-wear
Sun-tan lotion
Shades
Hat
Mosquito repellent

BUT, if you forget any of the above, don't worry as it's all readily available in Thailand in many cases at a fraction of the price!

Fast Facts Thailand

63,050,510 - current population of Thailand
95% - percentage of Thai population that are Buddhist
146,000 - population of Thailand's elegant northern capital Chiang Mai
64 years - the number of years Thailand's Head of State King Bhumibol has reigned.
30 degrees C - the average annual temperature in Bangkok
August, September & October - the peak rainy season months with an average of 213mm's worth of tropical downpours per month!
1 -average rainy days in December, January and February
168cms - the height of an average Thai male
2,585 meters - the highest point in Thailand which is Mount Ithanon, located in Doi Ithanon National Park near Chiang Mai
Farang - the word that Thai's use to refer to foreigners. Farang is also the Thai name for Guava fruit!
Siam - the name that Thailand went by before 1949
15.5 million - the number of foreign tourists the Tourism Authority of Thailand hopes to attract in 2015

How much in Thailand?

Thailand is an inexpensive country to live in by Western standards. Here's a guide to how much bang you can get for your Baht...

Item	Cost (THB)
Furnished apartment in modern residential block	3,000 - 4,000 monthly
Bowl of noodle soup from a street vendor	30
Big Mac set	120
Espresso	30
Food court meal	30
Dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant	400
Pint of beer	100
6 pack of Thai lager	120
Glass of wine	150
10 minute taxi journey	70
Beach bungalow accommodation	200
Tube of toothpaste	50
1 litre bottle of water	10
English language newspaper	30
1 month gym membership	800
Overnight sleeper train ticket from BKK to Surat Thani	900
Tray of fresh fruit	20