Instructing ESL In Thailand – A Brand New Teachers Guide – ESLjobfair.com
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The truth of the matter is, many people simply toy with the idea of teaching English in Thailand and numerous individuals are left dreaming of white sandy beaches, cheap food and warm weather for months or even years on end.
This does not necessarily mean that these particular individuals lack the courage to take such a big step, but often the information that we find online, and especially in published books on our local bookstore shelves is often outdated and even inaccurate. With this guide you will be presented with the most up-to-date information to help you take the necessary steps for a comfortable and easy transition into the world of ESL teaching in Thailand. Many people, and even the embassy websites, will actually tell you that before you are issued with anything other than a tourist visa for Thailand you must have proof of enrolment onto an ESL training course or even evidence of a job offer; this is not always necessarily true. Often, all you need to do is just be honest and tell them that you are planning to find a job once you have arrived.
There are literally thousands of people who enter the country every year without ever knowing who they are going to work for and in which province so you are certainly not going to be the first person without sufficient evidence of a job.
Whilst many people think that is plenty of time to find a job and get a new visa, things are not always so simply. To be issued a work permit and 1 year visa needed to legally work, you will need at least 21 days remaining on your current visa and you cannot transfer from a tourist visa directly to a work visa.
So, if you choose not to arrange a visa before you leave, be prepared for a 10-12 hour bus journey up to Laos or one of the borders to Cambodia. Due to the often inexperienced employers within Thailand who do not provide sufficient paperwork, many people arrive at the border only to come all the way back as the border officials denies the application for the work visa. I am sure you will agree that whilst Thailand is a wonderful country, this is the kind of travelling that you should avoid at all costs. Visa Obtained, What now?
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From: (teaching english abroad) http://esljobfair.com/teaching-esl-in-thailand-a-new-teachers-manual/06/01/