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[natalie.hood]

Hi all.
Am considering going to teach conversational english in Thailand next year and would like any advice from anyone doing this in Asia - particularly Thailand. If you have done this or know anyone who has and can offer me a little guidance I would really appreciate it. Also, if anyone has heard of Teach Travel Asia and can give me a little background I would be very grateful.
Thanks!

[ScottWoz]

Hi Natalie,

Welcome to the TP forums.. Who's Teach Travel Asia?

[natalie.hood]

Hi Natalie,

Welcome to the TP forums.. Who's Teach Travel Asia?

Hi Scott,
Thanks for the quick reply. Teach Travel Asia is a company that places people in Thailand (also Korea, China and Taiwan) to teach english. Its run/owned by a guy called Kevin Maldau and he is based in Thailand. I'm from South Africa and they work in conjunction with a SA based company who does all sorts of placements for young people wanting to travel and/or work overseas (I am taking a bit of a career break - am 25). I would just like to find out whether they are credible/reliable. I don't know anyone else who has done this and I obviously have a few reservations after all the horrific stories you hear in the news. Are you in Thailand? Do you know what routes I can go through to find out about the company?

[robjstaples]

Hi Natalie,

I don't know Thailand, but you're certainly right about checking the company out carefully. I've seen several operators like this in China and usually they don't organise people that good a deal. I'm not saying these guys are like that but sifting through the range of TEFL and TESOL website forums is well worth your while.

[ScottWoz]

Hi Natalie,

I tend to agree with Rob. I'd be careful too. You have to remember that these organisations are 'generally' in it for them not you. Why not try sifting through a few ESL teaching forums where you'll be able to seek and share first-hand experience. That should at least start you off on the right track.

Personally, I wouldn't use a company (and I don't) as I want my efforts to benefit the people directly. Simple formula.

Good luck anyway, and let us know how you get on..

[malgesig]

Hi all.
Am considering going to teach conversational english in Thailand next year and would like any advice from anyone doing this in Asia - particularly Thailand. If you have done this or know anyone who has and can offer me a little guidance I would really appreciate it. Also, if anyone has heard of Teach Travel Asia and can give me a little background I would be very grateful.
Thanks!

OVC and Teach Travel Asia will be cost you alot of money. If you have a degree you will be fairly safe with them, if not, then be careful. On OVC's website they openly offer a non degree program and job guarantee for basically anyboby who is willing to pay. You will get accepted quite easily regardless your race, experience, or qualifications. They send people here to teach who can't even speak English properly and people who don't even have matric.

What they don't tell you is that

1) Racism is very real in Thailand, if you are not white then finding a job will be more difficult. Qualification does not matter but the image. In Thailand image and appearance plays a key role in getting a job as a teacher

2) You need a degree. No school will look at your CV if you don't have least a bachelors of some kind. It is possible to teach without one, but you still have to "lie" and say you have one, unless you have loads of teaching experience, otherwise you will find it difficult to get interviews etc. The agency that OVC and TTA will put you in contact with, will try to get you an "online degree" Do not trust that! Be careful.

3) The TEFL course that OVC recommend you do there at that agency is not recognized! It is a joke actually. It's one of those...

4) You will probably work "illegal" since you can't really get a work permit without a degree, but it is possible depending on you circumstances. You will probably work on a tourist visa, and will have to run around in & out the country and to immigration etc, every few months to extend it.

If you do enough research, and own a legitimate TEFL certificate you can do everything yourself.

-Do a TEFL course
-Do some research
-Make contact with some agencies there
-Get a Visa
-Buy a plain ticket
-Organize insurance/medical etc or whatever you need
-Schedule interviews
-Prepare CV and documents
-Buy a fancy suit
-Be creative, confident and positive

[koonel]

Hi all.
Am considering going to teach conversational english in Thailand next year and would like any advice from anyone doing this in Asia - particularly Thailand. If you have done this or know anyone who has and can offer me a little guidance I would really appreciate it. Also, if anyone has heard of Teach Travel Asia and can give me a little background I would be very grateful.
Thanks!

Here are a few links to look over:
http://www.ajarn.com/
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/46-tea...thailand-forum/
http://teakdoor.com/teaching-in-thailand/

Good luck.