Should I consider the rural areas in my search for work?

If the hustle and bustle and pollution of Bangkok is not for you - head for the sticks! But just remember - you could be miles from civilization and that is not a lot of fun once classes are over and darkness falls. I know three teachers who went to work for Mahasarakham University in the north east. After 6pm, you couldn't get transport into the local town and you couldn't even buy food in the area. They were literally stranded. After three months of cycling and fresh air, they yearned for movie theatres and bookshops - and scurried back to the big city.

It depends on your motivation for coming here and your own personality. If you want to live with the people, be one with the people, learn the lingo & culture and are happy being the only Westerner in a 50 km radius, then go for it. If you enjoy a McDonalds & a pint of decent beer and chatting with fellow farangs once in a while, think again.

Back to the Newbie Guide



Featured Jobs

Science and Mathematics Teacher

฿42,000+ / month

Nonthaburi


English Conversation Teachers

฿35,000+ / month

Thailand


Filipina Assistant Teacher

฿22,000+ / month

Chiang Rai


Computer Teacher

฿22,000+ / month

Chiang Mai


NES Math Teachers

฿60,000+ / month

Bangkok


Full-time Literacy / EFL Teachers

฿48,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Altheia


    Filipino, 24 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Jamie


    British, 38 years old. Currently living in Bahrain

  • Artem


    Russian, 35 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Melgelyn


    Filipino, 27 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Arlene


    Filipino, 53 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Nigel


    British, 68 years old. Currently living in Thailand

The Hot Spot


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.


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.


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!


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


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?


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.