Submit your own Great Escape


Tristan

Q1. Where did you move to and when?

Back to the UK fairly recently.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

Two years in several top universities, teaching art and literature, and academic English to post graduates.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

I have a great respect for the academy. I like what I do. I love art and literature. There is zero academic integrity in any of the institutions I encountered in Thailand. Particularly the so called, "best universities in the country." I taught academic English to graduates who knew nothing about their own field. Computer engineers who knew nothing about computers, and civil engineers who knew nothing about engineering. It became clear why the infrastructure in Thailand is such a shambles. It's such a shame.

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

I get paid a lot more. I don't have to beg for my pay cheque. I don't have to be the only person in the staffroom properly qualified, and I don't have to explain the concept of gravity to graduates from the best university in the country (seriously)

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Fresh coconut, Chang mai and my secretary.

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

It's a good experience in Thailand - but if you value your work, move on.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Holidays :-)

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Take it for what it is. Teaching in Thailand is a good excuse to try out new techniques. However, like I said, if you're serious about academic work, then Thailand isn't for you. Live the life you love.

Read more Great Escapes

Submit your own Great Escape



Featured Jobs

Computer Science Teacher

฿37,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES English Teacher

฿60,000+ / month

Bangkok


Early Years and Primary English Teachers

฿75,000+ / month

Myanmar


NES Kindergarten Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


English Conversation Teachers

฿35,000+ / month

Thailand


Full-time Literacy / EFL Teachers

฿48,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Jasmin


    Filipino, 34 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Earl


    Filipino, 28 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Nu


    Myanmarese, 35 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Jully


    Filipino, 33 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Shard


    Indian, 40 years old. Currently living in India

  • Anna


    Filipino, 28 years old. Currently living in Philippines

The Hot Spot


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


The region guides

The region guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to live in Thailand? We survey various teachers earning different salaries and with different lifestyles.