A culture that values teachers
In Thailand, teachers are called "ajarn", a title of respect. Students greet you with a wai, parents are grateful, and every year schools celebrate Teachers' Day (Wan Kru) in your honour.
Why Thailand
The Land of Smiles is calling
Thailand blends a relaxed lifestyle, rich culture and stunning scenery with a real, ongoing need for English teachers.
Food you'll dream about
From fiery som tam and fragrant green curry to khao soi in the north, Thai food is reason enough to move. A delicious street-food meal often costs less than a coffee back home.
Beaches, islands and mountains
Weekends can mean snorkelling off Koh Phi Phi, kayaking through Phang Nga Bay or watching the sunrise over misty mountains in Chiang Rai.
Modern comforts
Fast internet, modern malls, excellent hospitals and easy transport. Thailand is adventurous without being difficult.
A safe, welcoming base
Thailand has welcomed foreigners for decades. Large expat communities make it easy to settle in and make friends quickly.
Room to grow
Start in a government school, move into bilingual or international schools, or branch into teacher training and management. Many teachers stay for years.
What does life cost?
Typical monthly costs for a teacher living comfortably outside central Bangkok.
When to go
The Thai school year has two semesters: mid-May to September and November to March. Schools recruit most heavily in April–May and October–November, so it's best to finish your TEFL course just before one of these windows.
- Modern studio or 1-bed apartment฿6,000–15,000
- Eating out (street food and local restaurants)฿6,000–10,000
- Transport (scooter or BTS/MRT)฿1,500–3,000
- Utilities, phone and internet฿1,500–2,500
- Gym, social life and weekend trips฿4,000–8,000
- Comfortable total: around ฿20,000–35,000 a month
Figures are indicative and vary by school, city and experience.
Your classroom in Thailand is waiting
Get certified in four weeks, step into a job you'll love and swap your commute for temples, beaches and street food.