Can anyone help me see through the fog?? -TEFL in Thailand

[tommy]

Hi everyone.

Can anyone help please?

My dream is to teach English in Thailand.

The concern I have is that I do not have a degree. Therefore do you think I would be better to complete a recognised CELTA/DELTA/TESOL course in Thailand as opposed to an "equivalent" TEFL course in order to increase my job prospects?

There is so much "hype" on the net, especially from many of the TEFL Schools, stating that their "equivalent" course is "all you need to start a career"

Many thanks in anticipation if anyone has any advice?

Tom

[ICAL_Pete]

Have you checked the Teaching in Thailand forum on THAIVISA.COM? The site is for and by people actually in thailand and covers all sorts of issues, from visa regulations to teaching qualifications to Farang pubs! I think it could help you get a clearer picture of what you can and cannot expect.

The Teaching in Thailand forum is at http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showforum=46

Hope this helps

[systematic]

Thailand is a major world destination for TEFFLers. The Thai Visa board is but just one source. Far more informative but just as commercial is the dedicated TEFL board at http://www.ajarnforum.net
where a lot of the info is inacurate and needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. It often serves in fact to put many people off the idea of teaching in the country. Good articles on teaching in Thailand can be found here:
http://www.ajarn.com but again you'll have to pick your way through masses of advertising.

An excellent objective view seen from the aspect of the EFL teachers of one school can be found on this hugely informative site (which also links back to tefl.net) here:
http://nittayo.org
Not all the info is linked from the nav bar though, you'll have to read the FAQ page to find the links to some of the most important core information, particularly this:
http://www.nittayo.org/ten_tips.html
While on that site, take a peek here:
http://www.nittayo.org/tesol_discussions
And if after all that you still don't find what you need to know about teaching in Thailand just send me a PM with your questions