SEE TEFL Job Guarantee

Follow our step-by-step guide to finding work in Thailand and you will be offered teaching work within two months of finishing training. Most SEE graduates find work within two weeks.

Types of TEFL teaching jobs in Thailand

There are three types of paid TEFL teaching work:

First is teaching full-time at a formal government or private Thai school, college or university. Teaching hours are normally 7:30am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday. This work is salaried, includes paid holiday and contracts normally run for 12 months or until the end of the academic semester or year.
Second is teaching part-time at a language school. Teaching hours are normally weekday evenings and at weekends. This work is hourly paid. This type of work allows shorter commitments and more flexible working schedules.
Third is freelance teaching. Teaching hours are arranged between the teacher and student.

Appearance and Behavior in the Hiring Process

Thais place great value in appearance and behavior. Teachers are expected to dress smartly and be well-groomed. Teachers should also understand and respect the hierarchy within their school. Thais expect teachers to be polite and respectful to their seniors, all religions and the monarchy. SEE’s cultural awareness training addresses these points in far more detail.

Finding TEFL teaching jobs in Thailand

Step 1: Pre-arrival

Pack light-weight formal interview and teaching clothes. Alternatively, it is cheap and easy to buy these clothes from one of the large international supermarkets that are located in every major town and city in Thailand.

Bring originals of all relevant qualifications. Some employers may also request to view university transcripts if applicable and/or references.

Step 2: Prepare a resume/CV

Include all relevant personal information including visa status. A non-immigrant B visa gives a distinct advantage as this is a prerequisite for work permit applications.

Attach a small passport-sized color photo to the top of the resume/CV. This helps potential employers remember applicants more easily. Dress formally for the photo but look relaxed and friendly. There are numerous photographic shops in every city offering a dozen photos for just a few dollars.

The schools we visit for teaching practices can be added to resumes/CVs as relevant experience. This is very important as it shows real Thailand teaching experience.

How to write a CV/Resume for the EFL teaching world is covered during training.

Step 3: Purchase a Mobile Phone and/or local SIM card

It is essential to leave a contact phone number when contacting potential employers. Mobile phones are cheap to purchase and easy to use. SIM cards can be bought from mobile phone shops. Credits can be bought from any branch of 7-11.

Step 4: View job listings on the following sites each day

Many schools do not advertise their teaching positions as they rely on local connections and walk-ins. However, these websites list the jobs that are advertised.

Step 5: Post your resume/CV on all these sites

School recruiters regularly scan these listings.

Step 6: Forward your resume/CV to these large chains of language schools

Step 7: Forward your resume/CV to these teacher employment agencies

Step 8: Personally visit schools in Chiang Mai

On the last day of training exhaustive lists of contact information for Chiang Mai schools will be distributed and discussed. The lists include 24 private schools, 25 government schools, 5 universities, 6 vocational colleges, 7 international schools and 24 language schools.

Step 9: Hand a copy of your resume/CV to our staff

Our sister school, EFL Learning Centre, employs around 40 teachers in full-time positions in 13 schools, kindergartens and colleges in Chiang Mai. SEE graduates are always first choice for these jobs.

Employment in other Asian countries

For employment beyond Thailand, see the following resources: