Syner

8th May 2016

Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2010.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

Four years, 2005-09; two years in the South, a year in Bangkok and a year in Ayutthaya.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Greener pastures. The government salary in Thailand is high, but were not followed by the agencies and centers I have worked with as the contracts were changed to their maximum benefit (48k baht monthly, I got only 20-24 of that); the workload does not compensate the salary and the overall package in the schools I worked with is... is... you don't wanna know.

Moreover, there is a common local addiction to white native speakers, professors or backpackers alike (sorry guys, am not against you, but just saying about my experience), and a very slim chance for a Filipino like me to get a job, especially during those times of interviews when a native would just happen to pass by -- he gets the job at first glance.

Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?

The starting salary is average for a Saudi institute, and is higher than a Thai government school. There is a fixed biannual increase; an increase when position moves up aside from the biannual increase; monthly housing and transportation allowance; a yearly bonus that is three times the basic salary, and an annual 30 days paid leave with a two way air ticket. Best, the workload is not as heavy as Thailand schools, with 25 max students in a room, 35 teaching hours weekly classes in September - November and the rest of the year is 15 hours max for a week!

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Saudi, especially Jeddah is a bit expensive and the people have a common challenging attitude. And so I miss the respectfulness of Thai people, the cheap food and the expat and local friends I have come to love there.

I miss the 10 Baht a kilo Rambutan in the south or even 30 Baht in Bangkok (10 Riyals for ten pieces, that is, 100 Baht!); Padthai and authentic Tom Yum, Kaw Pat Thale, cheap clothes in Pratunam or Bayoke Tower, the lovely beaches of Phuket and the simplicity of Songkhla.

Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?

Thailand has good schools too, and one can find if he is not as impatient as me in searching. On the other hand, there are greener pastures outside Thailand which are really competitive and make one think to get serious with, as life doesn't really grow young. In all, it doesn't really matter where we find a job, as long as the package is worth the volume of work, decent, livable and can take care of our families.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

For a short time visit to friends, old schools, locals, church, yes. Or, a long time ministry or a better work pay and contract (learning that many schools are getting more interested with hiring serious teachers with serious pays), it would be wonderful.