Find out what you need to legally teach in Thailand. ESL and EFL teachers are attracted to Thailand for 2 very important reasons among many. Thailand is a tropical paradise and offers a great living standards sometimes even better value than most western countries. The low bar set to become an English teacher attracts backpackers and anyone who wants to be a teacher to the Kingdom. One can live off of less than $1000 a month comfortably.
How to become a teacher in Thailand?
To become a teacher in Thailand, a bachelor’s degree is a legal requirement. This is a regulation set by TCT (Teacher’s council of Thailand). TEFL is not a requirement to start teaching in Thailand. You must be familiar with basic teaching methods, have prior teaching experience or you could pay to observe classes at a Thai school (you’ll need to seek permission). Requirements / Qualifications: 1. Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. 2. Be a native or near native speaker of English 3. Have a valid passport and a Non-B Visa (employment) 4. Have a valid work permit 5. Police clearance certificate or clean criminal background check from your home country 6. Be between 21 – 60 years of age and in good health (medical certificate from a government hospital is required) 7. Good behavior and a polite demeanor
Can you teach without a bachelor’s degree?
No, you can’t teach without a bachelor’s degree in Thailand. It is a legal requirement. Just like how you cannot teach in your home country without a degree. Teaching is not a casual job in Thailand. It is regulated. Teaching in different types of schools have slightly different requirements. Public schools hire teachers and apply for a temporary teaching permit valid for 2 years. New teachers can have this permit three times. Teachers at public schools must study towards a graduate level qualification in the field of “education” within 6 years of starting teaching in Thailand. When they have a graduate diploma/degree in education (like QTS) they can then apply for the 5 year teaching license.
Should you be a native speaker of English? What does a native speaker of English mean?
Thai schools attach great importance to native speakers of English. NES is defined as anyone from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. However, anyone from any other country can also teach in Thailand, if they can prove that they are near native speakers of English. Non-native speakers of English must take a standard English language test such as IELTS, TOEIC and TOEFL. Most schools prefer a native speaker of English, some schools hire non-native speakers as well. A lot of Thai schools have both native and non-native English speakers.