Why do a TEFL in Thailand?

I read an article similar to this on a great site called Ajarn.com, this website is a useful guide for all teachers of TEFL in Thailand. It got me thinking why am I going all the way to Thailand to do a TEFL when I know I could do it for a third of the price here in the UK. Here’s why!

Online Vs Classroom learning – In the UK most courses offered are online TEFL courses with little if any at all, actual classroom time. I personally prefer a hands on approach to all learning I do so would prefer to go to a class room everyday not have to organise my time myself to complete the necessary learning. When going for an interview for a job most employers will look for experience teaching in a classroom. Most courses in the UK do not offer this as part of the leaning experience.

Treat it as part of a holiday – The weather, the sites, the people, the nightlife, I’ll treat the whole experience as part of my holiday. I’d much rather learn in sunny Thailand than miserable raining England and spend a little extra money on a real nice hotel for the first month as a holiday treat!

Experience the culture – Completing the course in Thailand gives me a great opportunity to learn about the Thai culture before I look for a job. Part of the course I’m doing involves classroom teaching in a Thai elementary school which will provide valuable experience working with children and understand the difficulties the children experience learning English before I work in the classroom as a qualified teacher.

Meet other people - Moving to a new city is always exciting and involves meeting new people and creating new friendships. Being part of a class, mostly populated by other ‘Farangs’ in Thailand will be a great way to meet people and be involved in a social circle almost immediately.

I loved Chiang Mai – I found a TEFL course in Chiang Mai that has had great reviews and after email discussions with the owner I have decided to attend this school. In 2005 I went to Chiang Mai in April during Songkran, the Thailand New Year celebration, in honor of Buddha’s birthday. This was one of the greatest moments of my travels and really introduced me to the land of smiles. I loved it and can’t wait to go back.

Best place to get a job – By doing my training in Thailand I will have better opportunities to find work after completed the TEFL. I will have experience with Thai children and better knowledge of Thai culture, I would not have got this training in the UK. Being able to visit the school to apply person will also increase the odds of me getting a job and not get my e-mails put in the spam folder!