Discrimination against Filipinos
Are the Filipinos getting a fair crack?
Straight-talking Australian teacher Ajarn X has written an excellent article on racial discrimination in Thailand, and also what makes the good Filipino teachers very good and the bad ones extremely bad. Not just a good read for Filipinos, but anyone who teaches in Thailand.
It does matter if you're black or white
The blatant discrimination in TEFL job ads
Although it is rarely mentioned in job ads, most if not all Asian recruiters on the lookout for teachers are after whities. And let’s make no mistake about it: the prize specimens are Caucasian white, not some locals having overindulged in skin-whitening products.
Going Home
The difficulties of finding employment when a teacher returns to the USA
The economy is functioning like an alcoholic's ailing liver. This has been headline news for several years, but seeing it in the news and experiencing it first hand was quite different.
It's not the 'Land of Smiles' for us
Facing challenges as a black teacher in Thailand
For the sensitive minded people who live in utter oblivion about skin color, this is probably not the article for you. But this is the cold hard truth.
The joy and pain of teaching in Thailand
A teacher looks back over her ten years in Thailand
I'm celebrating my 10th year in Thailand as an ESL Teacher. Working in a foreign land hasn't been easy. It took me years and a lot of patience and hard work to get settled, not to mention the ocean of tears and heartbreaking homesickness.
Skin colour and entertainment
Postbox letter from Dave Watson
Filipinos or other teachers who were not born white can, however, also be great teachers. Maybe given more time Thais will start acknowledging this
Don't get lost in your role
Postbox letter from Brian
Those who are in Asia teaching English need to understand this simple reality: English teaching is a superficial industry. English language aptitude is simply social and economic capital in Asia. Is this not stating the obvious?
Patience is a virtue
Postbox letter from Jeff
The way I finally started to see it, one may have all the qualifications they believe to get the job, but there's one 'qualification' Thais truly desire that they don't always mention.
The darker the skin, the smaller the wage?
Postbox letter from Lyndsay Anne Cabildo
I know for a fact that since the native English speakers have spoken English since the time they were born, they think they will do better as an English teacher.
Give Thailand more time
Postbox letter from Del
Please remember that Thailand is still a developing country. Give the Thais time to develop their own social conscience instead of trying to impose your own values on them.