Teach English in Thailand

Why Teach English in Thailand?

Travel Opportunities Teaching English in Thailand

Our Teach English in Thailand Program is great for travel enthusiasts because Thailand has 16 official public holidays, as well as school holidays and weekends.  You’ll have plenty of time off and many affordable options for weekend and holiday getaways. We’ll provide advice and suggestions for exciting travel experiences in and around Thailand, watch the video below to get an idea!

Costs

What Will I Earn?

As an English teacher in Thailand, you’ll earn 30,000 to 45,000 Thai baht per month ($800 to $1300*). This will comfortably cover your living expenses and weekend adventures.
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

How much does it cost?

The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in Thailand.

OPTION 1

In-class TESOL and Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)

The In-class TEFL/TESOL courses is tailored specifically to teaching English in Thailand and will give you valuable insight into Thai culture and the specifics of teaching in a Thai classroom.

OPTION 2

Online TESOL and Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)

OPTION 3

Already have a TEFL/TESOL Certificate?

Take our Guaranteed Job Placement and Support option

Budgets

What are the other costs involved prior to departing?

The above tables detail costs you’ll need to pay TravelBud in order to join the program. You’ll also need to budget for various other expenses, not payable to TravelBud, which allow you to legally teach abroad plus the cost of travel to your destination and insurance for your trip. Our support team will walk you through everything prior to you departing to ensure you have exactly what you need by when you need to have it. The following is what you’ll need to budget for: You will also need to take over enough spending money to cover living expenses during your Thailand TESOL course and first month of teaching english in Thailand.

What do I need to budget for?

Bear in mind that you will be spending at least 2 months in Thailand before you receive your first paycheck. You will therefore need to budget enough money to see you through the 1 month TESOL course and your first month of teaching. Of course, the amount of money you need depends on your spending habits and Thailand is generally a cheap place to travel to, so you should be able to manage on a relatively low budget if necessary. Take a look through our budget guidelines to see what budget suits your spending habits.

Budget for 1-week orientation or 1-month TESOL course in Hua Hin, Thailand

Budget for first month of teaching

Budget Totals

Chat to us if you have questions about budget and spending. We realise that moving abroad to teach English in Thailand is expensive at first, but remember that with TravelBud your teaching job is guaranteed. Once you start earning a salary, your living costs will be comfortably covered and you will be able to enjoy your time in Teaching and Traveling in Thailand.

When can I start Teaching English in Thailand?

How long is the teaching contract for?

Thailand’s School Calender:

The Thai school calender can change slightly but is typically structured as follows:

Arrival & Orientation

Pre-departure Support

As you prepare for your trip, TravelBud’s support managers will guide you through:

Arriving in Thailand

When you arrive in Bangkok, you can count on: When you arrive in Hua Hin:

Week 1 (Cultural Orientation)

Weeks 2 – 4 (TEFL/TESOL Training)

Teaching Environment

Your teaching job is guaranteed with TravelBud. We discuss your preferences and then carefully select and guarantee your teaching position at reputable schools around Thailand. You’ll head off to your new job as soon as you’ve completed the 120-hour in-class TEFL/TESOL.

Where will I be teaching English in Thailand?

We can place teachers in:

You can teach:

Keep in mind that placements do depend on what jobs are available.

We will always to our best to accommodate your preferences.

Do schools provide lunches?

Some schools do provide lunch, but not all. This will be communicated to you once your placement has been finalised in Thailand.

Can I be placed with my friend or partner?

Yes, we can place you in the same town as your friend or partner. You might be teaching in the same school or in nearby schools, depending on the availability of jobs.

What are the working hours?

Are there sports or activities after school which I will need to attend?

Sports programs after school are not common but you might need to attend concerts or cultural festivals. These should be fun and interesting for you and will give you greater insight into Thai culture.

What type of school will I teach English in Thailand?

Job placements are available in private and government schools.

Thai schools are generally very well-resourced and you will have a Thai teacher to assist you in the classroom.

Your books and teaching resources will be supplied, although you may want to get creative and supplement with your own.

What if I am unhappy with my job? Can I be placed somewhere else?

If you are unhappy and there are clear reasons why the job is not working out for you, TravelBud will place you in a different job.

We have strong relationships with our partner schools and our applicants are generally very happy with their placements.

We are also available 24/7 to chat about how things are going and will check in with you throughout your adventure.

What is the dress code for teaching English in Thailand?

Dress code is smart-casual – collared shirts for men and conservative for women.

Living Environment

How does accommodation work?

Your First Night in Bangkok

When you arrive in Thailand, you’ll be picked up from the airport and will stay a night in a Bangkok hotel.

In-class TESOL Course Shared Accommodation Included

If you opt to do the 120-hour In-class TESOL course which we highly recommend to best prepare you for your adventure, your fee includes shared accommodation for the duration of the course. 

Your Teacher Placement Accommodation – What accommodation can I expect to have?

The school where you are teaching will either organise accommodation for you or provide assistance with finding suitable accommodation.

Accommodation will vary from place to place. One bedroom apartments for single occupants or two bedroom units for sharing are usually comfortable and modern, with everything you need in terms of bedroom and bathroom amenities.

Many Thai homes do not have kitchens, which might be unusual for you. There will generally be a rice cooker and a fryer, but this might be in the lounge rather than in its own room.

How much will rent cost?

Rent will vary depending on where you are living, but it is guaranteed to be affordable based on what you will be earning.

Will I be living with someone?

If you are placed with a friend or partner, you will be able to live together. Otherwise, you might be living alone or sharing with another ESL teacher.

Let us know what your needs are in terms of accommodation and we’ll assist with finding the best living environment for you.

We’re available to talk you through the whole process!

Why Teach English in Thailand with TravelBud?

It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing.

We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.

Safety

Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realise that safety can be a concern.

What do TravelBud staff and teachers say about safety in Thailand?

With a warm, friendly culture and many tourists passing through, Thailand is generally an easy place to live and travel. Our teachers (both men and women) report feeling safe and accommodated during the time they lived in Thailand. Public transport is efficient and safe to use.

How are the authorities?

The police in Thailand are helpful and friendly. However, if you are found with illegal substances, you will feel the severity of the law. Thai policy on drugs is incredibly strict and carries serious consequences.

Safety Tips

Teaching English in Thailand FAQ

How much does it pay to teach English in Thailand?

You’ll earn around $800 – $1300 USD* (30,000 to 45,000 Thai baht) per month.
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility. Living expenses are low in Thailand with meals easily costing you less than $2 and rent below $200 per month allowing you to save for travels around Thailand in the school holidays. Most teachers save a third of their salary which is more than enough to travel internationally.

Is English spoken in Thailand?

In tourist centres and larger cities you’ll find more English spoken but further afield into rural areas and smaller towns English isn’t widely spoken. This is why Thailand hires so many English teachers from abroad, to try and help the local population unlock opportunities only available to English speakers. Thais are a kind and helpful people so even if they can’t speak English they’ll do their best to understand and help you out where you need it.

Do you need a degree to teach English in Thailand?

In most cases you will need a bachelor’s degree to teach English in Thailand. In some cases associate degrees, foundation degrees and diplomas are accepted if that tertiary qualification is in Education. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree there is still a good chance you could get placed in Myanmar, a country which has only recently opened its doors to foreigners. They’re looking to improve the English skills of locals to help in their burgeoning tourism business and to provide further opportunities in business and study.

How much money can you make teaching English in Thailand?

You’ll earn around $1000 per month on average (which works out to about 30,000 Thai Baht). Living expenses are low in Thailand with meals easily costing you less than $2 and rent below $200 per month allowing you to save for travels around Thailand in the school holidays.

How many days off do I get? When are the Thai school holidays?

You’ll get 16 official public holidays, as well as 2 and a half months of school holidays plus weekends off! Our support team will provide you with a detailed breakdown of your days off in a useful calendar so you can plan your epic travels!

Can participants choose part or full time?

Our Placements are for 1 semester (4 to 5 months) or for 1 year and can be renewed if you’d like to stay and continue to teach English in Thailand for more than a year. Placements are flexible so if you’re looking to spend a shorter or longer time, chat with us and we’ll advise all the options.

What is the main religion in Thailand?

In Thailand the dominant religion is Buddhism, specifically the Theravada branch, about 90% of the population adhere to this form of Buddhism. You will also find other Chinese forms of Buddhism, Christians and in the far south, a Muslim minority in Thailand.

Are teachers in high demand in Thailand? Why?

Yes, teachers are in high demand in Thailand. The Thais understand the importance and value of speaking English and know that if they learn how to speak English that it will expand their future opportunities.

Do students have to learn English in Thailand?

English forms part of the Thai schools’ curriculum. The English classes are given by Thai teachers and if the school is able to afford a Native English Speaker they will supplement the Thai English teachers’ classes. The Thai English teachers generally focus on Grammar and the foreign teachers focus on Conversation (Speaking and Listening).

Do schools in Thailand accept Online TEFL/TESOL certificates? If no, Why not?

Yes they do. However, the candidates selected by the school will vary based on the schools’ preferences. Read more about our online TEFL/TESOL course option.

How long does it take to get a TEFL/TESOL in Thailand?

It takes approximately 3 weeks to complete a TEFL/TESOL course in Thailand. This forms part of a 4 week orientation and TEFL/TESOL training program which includes guaranteed job placement to all participants.

What are the benefits of completing the 120-hour In-class TEFL/TESOL Course?

Thai culture and Thai lessons, Network of friends, Closer teacher / trainer relationship, and practical training gives the applicant an opportunity to get to know how to work with Thai students and provides the best skill set required to teach English in Thailand.

I have already completed a TEFL/TESOL course elsewhere. Do I still need to complete TravelBud’s course in Thailand?

This is possible for degree holders. With many courses out there not being accredited and providing the necessary training, our placement team will first need to review your certificate before accepting you for placement only.

Can you guarantee me a job once the TEFL/TESOL Course course has ended?

Granted we have confirmed that you are eligible to teach English in Thailand after looking through your CV and photograph, you have a bachelor’s degree, meet the other minimal requirements, and you pass the in-class TEFL/TESOL course, we can guarantee you a job placement once the course is over.

What are the expected tax deductions from your paycheck? Does is differ from school to school?

Tax deductions range from 3-5% generally, depending on salary. Only those with work permits will be expected to pay tax, however, depending on how much they earn overall, they may not be required to pay any tax at all.

Do schools pay you a fee/portion of my salary?

No, TravelBud and our partners DO NOT receive a portion of the teacher’s monthly salary.

What is the big difference between language schools, private schools, government schools and varsity?

Language schools – These are not as common in Thailand and we seldom place teachers at them. Language schools normally have different work days and hours to normal schools as they provide extra lessons, which students attend after hours. Teachers can expect to work on weekends and evenings. For example a teacher can expect to work Wednesday to Sunday from Noon to 8 pm. This does however vary between language schools. The essential difference between Public and Private schools in Thailand would most likely be resources available. That being said there are many public schools with many resources for their students. The standard of the school would depend on the area or location within which the school is located. In order to be accepted in public schools the students have to pass tests and if they cannot pass the test the children will attend private schools. (This seems to contrast the ways of the West) On the other hand there are also private schools that require these tests. There is seldom a difference in what the public and private schools pay their teachers. University – We very rarely place teachers into University positions. In the few that we have had the age range of students would be from 18 and above and could cover a variety of topics related to certain qualifications, such as business or technical studies. The teacher hired in this position would have to have a bachelor’s degree and even better a qualification in the specified subject.

Can my friend or partner come with me to Teach English in Thailand?

Yes! We provide friends and couples with placements in the same towns and sometimes at the same schools.

What are traveling costs like in Thailand?

Taxi’s are generally the most expensive and can range from 60-150 Baht for a 15-30 minute trip, but you might also have to pay toll fares depending on where you are going. A motorbike taxi is roughly 50 baht. A van is often the cheapest transport for medium length trips from anything from 20 baht for a half hour trip to 150 TBH for a three hour trip. For longer trips a sleeper bus across the country from Bangkok to Chaing Mai for instance would cost around 500TBH. Songtaews go through common main roads and can cost as little as 10 TBH per ride. Refer to our blog post about Transport in Thailand to learn more.

How safe is it in Thailand?

It is extremely safe. Like anywhere else it is recommended that you remain alert, however, Thailand is a relatively safe place for both men and women to be alone.

What about Medical services and insurance?

Yes, some schools do provide this. But with our starter pack, the applicants have the option to sign up for a year’s accident insurance for an extra 700 Baht. This covers them for up to 5000 Baht per visit. Most medications and anti-biotics can be bought over the counter at pharmacies for a fraction of what you’d pay back home and visits to a doctor at a private local hospital are also very affordable.

What does the average meal cost?

It’s best to plan on 100 Baht a meal and that includes drink; however, local Thai food can range from 30-60 baht. Beware of gravitating to western food as this will on average cost you about 5 times more than local food. Don’t be scared to try new things.

Where am I going to stay and how much will the accommodation cost me?

Shared accommodation during the course is included in your fee. You will stay at the accommodation provided in Hua Hin (where the TEFL/TESOL course takes place). You will also have to pay a 6,500 deposit which you will get back at the end of your stay minus a fee of about 1,000 to 2,000 Baht for electricity. During your time teaching you will stay at accommodation either arranged by the school, our partners in Thailand or by you personally. Rent will vary between 4000 Baht and 10 000 Baht per month, depending on your location and preference.

Is airport pick-up provided?

Yes, airport pick-up is provided as long as you land within 4 days prior to the start of your TEFL/TESOL course.

Do Thai schools provide lunch?

Yes, some do but not all. This will depend on each individual employer and their policy. You’ll be guided through all of this during your placement consultation.

What islands job placements are there in Thailand?

Phuket and Koh Samui. However these positions are hard to get as availability is limited. View our post on Teaching Placements in Thailand to learn more about this.

What are the age groups you will be teaching?

Anything from primary school to high school. During your TEFL/TESOL course you can request a preferred age group, but it is not possible to ensure the request is met.

Are there sports after school that you have to attend or teach?

No, but they do have concerts, cultural festivals and after school activities every now and again.

After contract can you still travel in the country or do you need to be out?

You can stay as long as you like as long as you have a job and you maintain a legal Visa status. This will depend on your employer and when they cancel your work permit. It is important to be aware of this so you do not overstay your visa. You might need to leave the country soon after your contract ends and come back in on a tourist visa if you’d like to travel.

How long is the working visa valid for in Thailand?

Start off on a tourist visa, and then convert to a Non Immigrant B. You can view our page on Visas here to learn more information.

Where are the best and worst places to work in Thailand?

There are no bad places to work as every person has their own preferences; however, we find that there are tremendous benefits to working in both rural and urban areas. Have a look through our Thailand blog post archives to read stories from our alumni.

What is the possibility of acquiring a second job to make more money?

Very possible, making a double salary is very common when getting extra work on the side. This can be negotiated through your employer or done privately and usually for English tuition.

How are the authorities?

The authorities are genuinely helpful and professional. They should be treated with respect as in your own home country.

What is phone and Internet connectivity like in Thailand?

Really good and cheap and there are many places to assist you with this process. You will be provided with a Thai SIM card upon arrival and will be up and running within the first two days of the course.

What if you are unhappy in a job? Can you get a new one?

Yes, but we don’t often find this to be a problem. If the applicant really dislikes the job and they have a good reason, then we can move them. But they need to understand that this can take time.

What is the Dress code for teaching English in Thailand?

Casual-smart. Typically collar shirts for men and conservative dress for women. The most important thing is to make sure you are respectful by covering your knees and shoulders and wearing close toed shoes when at school. But also remember Thailand is hot that you need to be comfortable. We recommend bringing 2 or 3 good outfits as you can purchase a lot of great teacher clothes for relatively cheap when you arrive.

Must the teachers have CV’s?

Yes, it is vital for the job placement process for people wanting to teach English in Thailand. You will need to provide a resume with your application but don’t worry too much as we will help you format and edit it once you are enrolled.

Packing essentials? Sleeping bag, towels?

People can get everything in Thailand, and it’s very cheap. Some of the accommodation at your placement does not include bedding, but this can be bought in Thailand. All participants are provided with a detailed packing list before departing for Thailand.

Any serious laws they are very strict on in Thailand?

Thailand has a zero tolerance on drug possession and speaking about the Royal Family. It is strongly advised not to speak about either.

What is the level of English and general behaviour of students?

This will vary city to city; however, there is typically beginner knowledge of English throughout the country. Thai students are generally well behaved.

What curriculum will they follow at school?

There is no set curriculum; each school will have their own procedures which will be communicated to you.

Do your colleagues speak English?

This will greatly depend on which area in Thailand you are working. In the more urban areas such as Bangkok, many teaches will speak good English. In the more rural areas fewer teachers will speak English. You will always have a contact person at your school that can speak decent English and will often act as your translator.

Will you work with any special needs children?

No

What are the chances of schools deducting security money? And how does this work?

This does not occur.

What are the chances of teaching English in neighbouring countries?

Very good, TravelBud can arrange this for you. We offer teaching programs in Myanmar, Vietnam, South Korea and China.

Are all paperwork and books supplied by the school?

Yes, most of the time. You will also have access to a database of lessons plans, printable graphics, warmers and flash cards.

Is religion a big issue?

No, most schools are buddhist. And they will often celebrate buddhist holidays and festivals.

What happens if you lose your job? Can you get a new one?

If you are fired, TravelBud and our partners will no longer help with job placement.

Are teachers expected to work during school holidays?

Not normally, this will depend on the school. Some schools will run holiday camps during the school holidays where you can work if you’d like to earn extra money, but you are still given the option to take leave.

Can you drink tap water?

It is recommended not to drink the tap water, as there can be bacteria our bodies are unfamiliar with in the West. Bottle water is cheap and it’s safer to go buy a bottle. There are also refill stations all over the country and near most accommodations, where you can refill big bottles for 1 TBH/ litre. But if you happen to get a mouth full brushing your teeth, etc., no need for concern.

What if I don’t have a degree, will I be sponsored for a work permit?

For participants that do not have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, it is very difficult to be sponsored for a work permit. The requirement in Thailand is that all teachers possess a degree. Because of this, non-degree participants will need to do quarterly or bi-annual visa trips. In some instances a school can apply for a work permit for a non-degree holder through a special exemption process with the Thai government, but this is not the normal case for non-degree holders who choose to teach English in Thailand.

Reviews from our Teachers