Life itself is irony
A teacher's journey - different countries, different jobs.
Believe me I am thankful to be a teacher in Thailand today. Ironically I had to leave Thailand to get the best job I have ever had here.
China or Thailand for a TEFLer?
Postbox letter from Jack
My personal experience was I usually made more money in China, but I also experienced some significant health issues while there and generally enjoy my life in Thailand (or Vietnam) more. Which is better? I can’t say.
An amazing TEFL journey
From Saudi to Thailand to China (and a bit of America in-between)
China is definitely on the upswing as far as English teaching goes. Thailand is a place I love but professionally dead to me. Saudi was challenging, interesting and of course lucrative.
Age - the TEFL killer disease sweeping Thailand
I'm confused as to the type of teacher that schools want.
Perhaps it’s not a teacher that schools are looking for, but clowns masquerading as entertainers? Any school choosing a 22-year old party animal will produce disappointed.
Powerball TEFL
Sometimes we have to do what is ridiculous
As I lament the last 20 years of my life in and out of the TEFL industry, I can't help but wonder how I haven't completely lost my mind. Have things in the Powerball TEFL industry changed over the last 15-20 years? It depends on who you ask, who you believe, and what you believe, or choose to believe.
Three reasons to use a recruiter
Not all the stories are bad
Recruiters aren't for everyone but they can play an invaluable part in your next ESL job search whether this is your first time teaching abroad or you're just looking to simplify the job search.
The real heroes of the TEFL industry
I raise a glass to those teachers that simply keep on going
There is an old joke in the TEFL industry: "What's the difference between a school administrator and a brain surgeon? A brain surgeon doesn't walk around thinking he's a school administrator!"
Classroom management experiences
Experiences from both Thailand and China.
The Thai teachers at my school, especially the veterans, are uncomfortable with the excitement and commotion during the lessons by the foreign teachers. They view it as an inability to control our students.
Can you teach science?
A simple question that led to a most unbelievable runaround
I got an interview for a science teacher position here in Thailand. The owner of the education employment agency started by asking me how long I plan to stay in Thailand. I said, "A long time because I like Thailand." He asked me what I like about Thailand. I said, "What's to not like about Thailand?"
A permanent 'yes' relationship to the world
What it means to be poor
My family means a lot to me. In fact, they are all I have left. We are very close and I communicate regularly with my father and two sisters through Skype, email, and Facebook. I know how fortunate I am to have the family I do. Unfortunately, not too many others can say the same.
