Thailand - Paid Teaching and TEFL Certification Program

Location

The training camp is located on the riverside in the village of Tha-kan, near the small cities of Singburi and Tha-chang. There are several temples in the area, some of which are quite well known. You can find banks and Internet access in either of the neighboring cities, which are both about 15 minutes away by car. The office is located in our center and this gives the opportunity for each person to arrange personal needs quickly and easily.

Singburi is an interesting town of 142 km north of Bangkok and was probably founded in pre-historical period.  In the reign of King Rama V through consolidation of 3 small towns located on the bank of The Chao Phraya River north of Ang Thong. The three small towns, Sing Buri, In Buri and Phrom Buri, were then established as a new town on the west of the Chao Phraya River named as Sing buri.

Singburi currently occupies an area of 841.40 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 6 districts, Muang Sing Buri, In Buri, Bang Rachan, Khai Bang Rachan, Phrom Buri and Tha Chang.

About the Project

The paid teaching English program is a fantastic way to experience real Thailand, to immerse in Thai culture and get the chance to make friends with Thai people.

This program provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to get paid to work in Thailand as an English teacher. During the 2 week introduction course, volunteers will get Teacher training and the TEFL certificate, which will arm them not only with all the necessary teaching theories, techniques, and practice in an intercultural context, but also basic Thai language and essential Thai culture.

After orientation and teacher training, volunteers will start with their teaching placement in locations all over Thailand.

The minimum duration of the program is 2 weeks training & at least 6 months teaching.

Introduction & Teacher Training

In order to help volunteers become  committed and confident teachers, we provide them with a weekend trip in Bangkok + 2 week Introduction and training period in Singburi. This will involve some teacher training; but additionally the chance to learn about the culture, customs, an introduction to the Thai language. The training will be focused on how to manage a class, what to teach and how to conduct themselves in a Thai classroom.

Part 1 - Bangkok Weekend

This is the volunteers chance to experience the capital of Thailand. The Cycle & boat tour takes volunteers through both intense metropolitan areas and beautiful green gardens. Volunteers will also have some free time to experience the shopping and nightlife.  

Part 2 - The General Introduction in Singburi

Volunteers will gain more understanding of the Thai customs and culture and will also have ‘survival' Thai lessons. These Thai lessons will help volunteers get by during their time in Thailand! Volunteers will also get to meet students and visit nearby schools.

Part 3 - Learning How to Teach

Volunteers will learn more about how to teach the students, and will observe lessons from Thai teachers and also from other foreign teachers.

Part 4 - The Teaching Practice

Volunteers will practice teaching to their peers and also in the local schools in the area. This is to make sure they are confident in the classroom before beginning their teaching placement.

*** Note: Thailand is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change.

Accomodation & Facilities during Training

The volunteers new home during the 2 weeks course will be one of our 3 ‘Eco Houses' in Singburi in central Thailand - the Lemon House, the Twin House and the Brown House.  

This camp is situated about 10 km from the town of Singburi and takes about 15 minutes from the eco- houses volunteers will be staying in.  In Singburi, volunteers will find all the amenities they could need i.e. internet, shops, swimming pool, hospital, pharmacy, banks and restaurants.

The houses sleep from 20 to 50 people. All houses have single gender shared dorm rooms with the number of beds ranging from 3 to 12. All houses have western style toilets and one even as an Asian toilet! Each bathroom has a shower and the water is always cool - nice and refreshing in the heat. All houses have a communal area where volunteers can eat, relax, meet and are within walking distance of a local shop and a make shift bar provided by the friendly locals.

The doors and windows are screened (to protect  from mosquitoes). There are fans in the room. For valuables, we have lockers available. We strongly encourage volunteers to use them, even if our centres are generally very safe. There are limited laundry facilities so expect to wash clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. Volunteers will be expected to clean up after themselves, and to play their part to keep the accommodation neat and organised. All food is included during the stay. The meals will be typical Thai fare, including plenty of rice dishes.

Teaching Placements

Volunteers will be advised of their placement during the training period. The individual schools determine the placements through selection based on volunteer's application. Placement is guaranteed upon the completion of the Introduction & Training. The schools are located around Thailand. The schools in Thailand will vary greatly as they do in all education systems and are a mixture of private schools and government schools.

• Schools offer many after school activities for students
• Class sizes will vary and may be up to 50 students
• Schools generally have good equipment and resources, even though English resources are limited
• Recreation facilities are generally of a high standard
• Foreign teachers are not always common in schools 

Teaching Salary

The average salary for a regular foreign teacher with the training is between 200 and 400 Euro per month with a minimum teaching time of 20 hours per week.

Proffesional Responsibilities

Within the school, volunteers will be expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. These details are covered in the training program. In particular,  dress standard and professionalism with regard to attendance and duties will be very important in this new role. Volunteers will be assigned with a contact person who will guide and provide support to them. Please ensure to follow the advice of the contact person at all times. The key elements to success in the schools are communication, flexibility and patience.

What to Expect

• Participants are expected to cover their own living expenses after the course, but there will be a possibility to stay in a host family after the course (depending on availability). Expect to teach conversational English when staying with a host family. However, our experience is that most participants in Thailand prefer to live on their own
• Assistance in obtaining visa to Thailand
• Work permit (to be provided by school)
• Services and support of field staff
• Placement guaranteed for participants passing the course and obtaining the certificate

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor Degree or TEFL Certified
• Native speaker or equivalent English ability 
• Minimum period of participation is 6 months
• Hold a 3-month visa when you come to Thailand
• The participant is psychologically fit
• Able to teach a of minimum 20 hours of English per week
• Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Important Notes

To travel to Thailand for 6 months, volunteers will need a specific type of visa which they must apply for in advance. GoEco will provide volunteers with the application form and details they need in order to do so.