Problems with the system
Postbox letter from Mike
After 12 years and four different schools, I have come to the conclusion that the "quality of Thai students' English skills" did not improve within the last 12 years. But how is that even possible when more and more NES teachers with experience and degrees in education teach Thai students, even at smaller schools?
Who should take the TOEIC test?
Postbox letter from Jason Carmichael
There has been a lot of talk about the newly introduced TOEIC-requirement lately. Many teachers are angry because the MOE demands that Irish and South African nationals, who are considered NES teachers, are required to sit that test too.
We've found paradise at last
Ignore the sob stories and the doom merchants - Thailand rocks!
We've both been here about six months, have only done two visa runs, had both our employers apply for our work permits for us, have started saving money as we actually make a little more collectively than we did in South Korea - and are both loving life again. Life really couldn't be much better.
NES or Non-NES?
Postbox letter from Keith
I've heard that the Ministry of Lack of Education in Thailand is now demanding that South Africans and wait for it, Irish nationals have to sit a TOEIC examination.
Asian features seal my fate
Postbox letter from Multi racial American
Schools can technically hire whoever they want. If they want white faces, there is nothing that can be done about it.
Let's not kid ourselves
Postbox letter from Anonymous
The bottom line is that Thailand does not adhere to non-discriminatory hiring practices: height, age, attractiveness, overall appearance, and especially skin tone are typically and explicitly considered for any job that requires working with the public
Don't judge a book by its cover
Postbox letter from Kulveen Thakral
It's really irritating you know when your experience is ignored because of the fact that you are not a native speaker.
The South African viewpoint
Postbox letter from Marguerite Huson
Four major issues that one particular ajarn reader is concerned about
