THAILAND
Have you ever dreamt of living and working in a fast metropolis? Or perhaps you would like to live close to the beach where you can chill out after work? If you have, Thailand can offer all this and much, much more!
The Kingdom of Thailand is in South East Asia bordered by Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Cambodia. A fairly long, thin country, it has distinct geographical regions such as the mountains and forest in the North, the vast open spaces of the central plains complete with rice fields, and the tropical islands which Thailand is so famous for, along the southern peninsula. Bangkok (meaning “city of angels”) is the capital city and is home to around 7 million people. It is fast-paced and it is said that anything you want can be found or purchased in Bangkok!
As for the language, spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the visitor. However, English is quite widespread throughout the country and is rapidly becoming the language of business and trade. The Thai people are known for their hospitality, friendliness and general good-natured, happy dispositions even in the face of hardship. Thailand has a very rich culture and celebrates diverse traditions. This tropical country is rarely a disappointment! Best of all, Thai food is loved all around the world! Enjoy spicy curries, lots of fish and vegetables with yummy dipping sauces and my personal favourite: chicken laksa, yum!
The teaching market is very strong in Thailand. Many, many teachers are needed here as more and more schools open to cope with the demand. This is not a country in which to make lots of money; you should be able to save enough to travel around but normally not enough to send money home on a regular basis. Of course, how much you spend will depend on how budget-conscious you are. Teachers who are there tell us that they live incredibly comfortably on their teaching salaries and are able to take regular trips to neighbouring countries. A TESOL certificate is a must-have, with jobs available for degree holders. Salaries vary between 25,000-50,000 Baht (AU$906 - AU$1813) per month and accommodation is usually included. Lots of private tutoring is also available.
So, can you see yourself enjoying the lifestyle and culture of Thailand? If yes, get your TESOL certificate and head on over to the land of smiles!
