Special THAI Project - Thailand
Expectations - TEFL Teachers
120 hrs Internationally Accredited TEFL Certification
Smoking
Teachers are strictly prohibited from smoking within the school premises. Respectable females in Thai society do not indulge in smoking and the act also creates a negative impression of the individual, especially for a teaching professional who is a lady. This might also have an adverse effect on the prospective teacher’s career in Thailand. However, it is not a taboo to smoke in public, if the smoker is ready to face the consequences.
Alcohol
Intake of alcohol has to be beyond school hours unless there are parties or activities sponsored by the school in the school premises. Teachers are subject to dismissal if found intoxicated/under the influence of alcohol within the periphery of the school. However, consumption of alcohol outside of the schools is allowed though it does not speak highly of the person who is revered and elevated in Thai community for his/her profession. The same stigma is attached to females who drink excessively as is for smoking.
Drugs
Consumption of narcotics and use of illegal drugs not only promises to damage the career of an ESL teacher in Thailand, but also is a prosecutable activity under the Thai law. The laws are strict and penalties are crushing for use and trafficking of illegal drugs in the country. The ESL teacher certified by ATI and teaching in Thailand by choice is expected to be responsible and sensible enough to comprehend and accordingly respect Thai laws and regulations.
Thai Culture
Thailand known for the preservation and extension of its archaic culture. Thais are quite passionate about their cultural heritage and expect similar conduct from the foreign teachers. Therefore, assimilating one’s self to Thai culture and customs, respecting rites and beliefs, at least superficially is considered to be a healthy effort that can augment one’s teaching career in Thailand. Sound understanding and accepting of Thai culture will also help the foreign ESL teacher to better explore the beautiful country, after acquiring the TESOL certificate and completing the teaching assignment.
Public expression of anger or agitation and indulgence in violence and confrontation is bound to earn aversion for a foreigner in Thailand. Such a behavior is considered negative and degrading amongst the Thais and results in ‘loss of face’. Aggressive and abrasive modes of communication are detested in Thailand. It is advised that all native English speakers try to temporarily mould their conduct towards politeness while in Thailand. It is always wise to discuss individual problems and dissatisfactions with ATI, rather than exploding in public. A calm, friendly, understanding, patient and smiling person will achieve far greater things in Thailand than someone who is hot-headed or quick-tempered. Expressing anger will only be aggravating the worse.
Health / Illness
Getting adjusted to a new climate, culture, food habit and way of life is always strenuous for a foreign body. Thus, it is not unusual to bear the brunt by falling ill, initially. Understandably, travellers/health insurance for at least 3 months is a must-buy for those teachers traveling to Thailand to do the TESOL program. Nonetheless, healthcare is cheap and of high standards in Thailand. Providers of Health Insurance in Thailand are companies like BUPA or AIA.
ESL teachers are eligible for sick leaves. However, salary is deducted if a teacher takes sick leave beyond the allotted number of days. A doctor’s note can act as proof of an illness. In case of uncharted absences, monthly salary is deducted at a rate of 2000baht/month. *Excessive illness without doctor’s certificate can cause a loss of job for the ESL teacher.
Some schools lack substitute teachers, wherein other teachers are often required to adjust their free periods in compensating the absence of an individual teacher. A foreign ESL teacher might have to substitute their free periods to stand in for absent teachers. However, teaching, under no circumstances should continue for more than 5 periods at a stretch. Certain contracts often hold the clause of paying for overtime. This system of substitution is applicable for all teachers in time of emergency.
Extra Curricular Activities
Regular school hours and beyond often accommodate extra curricular activities/ parties/ special days and celebrations which are ideal opportunities to mingle with the students and the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school. Such activities would also present a foreign teacher to the community as they attend staff parties, field trips, weddings, dinner invitations etc. It is definitely an affirmative move from the side of the foreign ESL teacher if they participate in some of these activities.
Discrepancies
As many of the schools that ATI work with have never had foreign teachers or have had little exposure to foreign teachers and cultures, there will undoubtedly be some ‘hiccups’ along the way. Any discrepancies that arise between what the school asks and what is expected of the TESOL-trained teacher as written in the contract should be reported to the ATI Coordinator. Often times these discrepancies result from miscommunication. By allowing the school and ATI to discuss the matter, it is hoped, and been proven, that most of these issues can be resolved much easier, faster and with less cultural tensions than if the teacher attempted to resolve the issues alone. Often these schools want their ESL teacher to do many extra little things because they want to take advantage of the fact that they finally have a foreigner working at their school. If you do not mind doing a few extra little things, go ahead! After all, this is the best way to get involved and earn overtime pay. The more involved you are, the more accustomed you will get with the people around you. However, we all need our own time and you will need to know when to say “Sorry, I can’t do that”.
