Teaching English as a Language Teacher in Thailand can be financially rewarding, but there are limits to how much you can charge. There are also many different variables that you need to take into consideration. This article will advise you of what you should know and consider before setting your fees.
The Cost Of Living
One of the first things you need to take into consideration when setting your fees is the cost of living in Thailand. You will not enjoy living in a country with high inflation, so be sure to factor that into your cost-benefit analysis. Although the money will come in useful, it is always best to save rather than spend.
The Demand For Your Services
Another important thing to consider is the demand for your services. Not all countries or regions will be keen on employing English teachers, so be sure to research the market beforehand.
Thailand As A Destination
Thailand is a popular choice for tourists, and more and more people are discovering the delights of an English-taught holiday. Be sure to take this factor into consideration when deciding how much you should charge. You will not enjoy your job if you are not welcome in your chosen destination, so be mindful of where you travel to and how long you are there for.
The National Language
Thailand is well-known for its unique and beautiful blend of Asian and Western cultures, as well as its love of animals and nature. If you are an English teacher, you will most likely encounter many students who are studying English as a Second Language, so consider how much you should charge for your EFL (English as a Foreign Language) qualifications. Many English teachers in Thailand hold an MA Degree in TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) and many other universities offer a similar course. Consider gaining these qualifications to improve your job prospects and to enjoy your role as an English teacher in Thailand.
The Type Of Student You Dare To Tackle
A student with challenging preconceptions is a good thing, but you have to be prepared for the opposite too. You will encounter many ignorant students who lack any interest or respect for the subject matter you teach, so be sure to include enough challenging material in your course to keep your students engaged.
Your Own Professional Development
As well as considering your students, you should also be thinking about your own professional development. Everyone needs to update their skills and knowledge to keep their jobs, so be sure to invest in these as you would for any other learning requirement.
Think Long-Term
It is important to bear in mind that this is a long-term position, so be sure to set your fees accordingly. Many English teachers in Thailand secure tenure, which means they can apply for a permanent position should they meet the criteria. Ensure that you consider this when deciding how much you should charge. The last thing you want is to be scrambling for your next paycheque while on holiday. This will make learning English in Thailand a much less attractive option for future teachers. Tenure is relatively easy to attain in Thailand, so much so that it is almost expected of new teachers. However, getting a permanent position without tenure is much more difficult, especially with the current trend for employers to go for freelancers and contractors for short-term needs. Be sure to put in the work to ensure that you are never short of job offers when you return from your holidays.
Consider The Teaching Load
One important factor to consider when setting your fees is the teaching load. Many English teachers in Thailand teach Standard English Classes (SELC), which involve an hour of class per day, five days a week. If you teach a morning class and an afternoon class, you will have two teaching loads per week. It is important to remember that even though you have fewer students per week than an English teacher in a school, you still have to prepare engaging materials and maintain high standards of teaching. Remember: the students’ parents and the principal have paid for this English education, so you have a lot to live up to.
How To Market Your Services
As well as considering how much you should charge, you should also be thinking about how to market your services to students and their parents. Many English teachers in Thailand use social media to spread the word about their classes, so be sure to have accounts set up on the major platforms – especially Teacher Laravel (Teacher Laravel), which connects English teachers to students and their parents, as well as other educational platforms – such as Hi Teacher (Hi Teacher), Hello Teacher (Hello Teacher) and Babbel (Babbel). These platforms can be extremely useful for marketing your services, as long as you are presenting yourself in the correct manner.
License And Registration
Another point to make is that every year, you have to renew your teaching license in Thailand. You can do this online before the 30th of June, so be sure to register with the Thai Ministry of Education (MOE) before this date. You are required to have a working email address as part of the registration process, so be sure to have this ready. You will also need to provide at least three reference letters, which can be from teaching colleagues or other English teachers. Make sure to keep all of these documents in a safe place, as you will need to provide them should you be questioned about your qualification or registration.
Where To Stay In Thailand
If you are coming to Thailand for a short while, but want to make the most of your trip, be sure to look for accommodations that fit your budget. One place to stay that is suitable for both budget and location is Bangkok. There are countless 5-star hotels in Bangkok, so you will be spoilt for choice. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, consider staying at a hostel. Hostels in Bangkok often provide a social atmosphere, as well as the added bonus of being located close to the city’s attractions. It would also be wise to rent a car, so that you can explore the many gems that this beautiful country has to offer.
Thailand Is An International Destination
Thailand is truly an international destination. Travellers from all over the world visit this country every year, and for good reason. It is a place where people from all walks of life can mingle, enjoy each others’ company, and establish lifelong friendships. You will not be restricted to teaching English in Thailand, as there are so many international positions available. If you are a qualified English teacher, you will most likely have no problem securing work in a number of destinations worldwide.