FAQs - Thailand

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

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

Is English spoken in Thailand?

In tourist centers 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 are a non-degree holder please see our Teach English in Cambodia, Teach English in Myanmar or Teach English in Japan (Non-Degree) programs.

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 options.

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 an In-Class TEFL/TESOL & Placement training program which includes a 1 week cultural orientation, guaranteed job placement and 24/7 support.

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?

You may eligible for our Placement Only option. We will first need to review your TEFL certification 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 including previous TEFL certification, and you pass the in-class TEFL/TESOL course if you do not hold a TEFL certificate, we can guarantee you a job placement.

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. 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?

Please review the Job Placement section for comprehensive information.

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.

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 behavior 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.

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, and it transpires upon review that you violated your contract, TravelBud and our partners will no longer assist you 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/ liter. But if you happen to get a mouth full brushing your teeth, etc., no need for concern.