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Teaching Programs: Bangkok, Thailand - The Land of Smiles
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About Thailand |
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“In Thailand you'll discover the rich and mysterious heart of South-East Asia”
There is more visible historical evidence of past eras in Thailand than in any other South-East Asian country, so if you're interested in ruins, temples and deserted cities, this is the place to go. For pure holiday-making magic, Thailand's islands and beaches are working definitions of heaven (once you get out of the shadows of the evil multinational hotels). And as for urban delights, the huge metropolis of Bangkok, although it can alarm with its chaos and its scale, tends to so charm visitors with its energy and cultural treasures that the steamy soupy diesel mixture that passes for air in this city is more than forgiven.
Thailand is an easy country to travel in, with efficient transport, cheap accommodation and a delicious national cuisine. The Thais are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality to strangers. Although they're often depicted as fun-loving, happy-go-lucky folk (which they often are), they are also very strong-minded and have struggled for centuries to preserve their spirit of independence.
When to Go
The best overall time for visiting most of Thailand vis a vis climate is between November and February - during these months it rains least and is not too hot. The south is best visited when the rest of Thailand is miserably hot (March to May), and the north is best from mid-November to early December or when it starts warming up again in February. If you're spending time in Bangkok, be prepared to roast in April and do some wading in October - probably the worst two months, weather-wise, in the capital. The peak tourist months are December and August, and the least crowded months are May, June and September.
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Events
Many festivals are linked to Buddhist or Brahman rituals and follow a lunar calendar. New Year, Songkran, is celebrated in mid-April by 'bathing' Buddha images, paying respects to monks and elders by sprinkling water over their hands, and generally tossing a lot of the H2O in the air for fun. Expect to be soaked unless you want to party-poop in your room. The sowing and harvesting of rice has given rise to a cycle of festivals. To kick off the official rice-planting season in early May, the king participates in an ancient Brahman ritual in a large field in central Bangkok. A Rocket Festival is held in May in the country's north-east, using a volatile mixture of bamboo and gunpowder to convince the sky to send rain for the new rice season. The rice harvest from September through to May leads to joyous local celebrations throughout Thailand. The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket and Trang, during which devout Chinese Buddhists eat only vegetarian food, runs for nine days from late-September to early-October. Merit-making processions are the most visible expression of this festival, but there are also ceremonies at Chinese temples. The Elephant Roundup in Surin in November is an elephantine festival popular with the kind of people who enjoy watching pachyderms play soccer. During the Loi Krathong Festival, held after the rainy season (usually in November), candle-lit floats are cast into waterways to bring good fortune for the coming year.
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Culture
Monarchy and religion are the two sacred cows in Thailand. Thais are tolerant of most behaviour, as long as it doesn't insult one of these. Buddhism is thedominant religion, and orange-robed monks and gold, marble and stone Buddhas are common sights. The prevalent form of Buddhism practised is the Theravada school,which emphasises the potential of the individual to attain nirvana without the aid of saints or gurus. Make sure you are suitably dressed when visiting a temple - no shorts or singlets.
Thai is a complicated language with its own unique alphabet, but it's fun to try at least a few words. The main complication with Thai is that it is tonal: the same word could be pronounced with a rising, falling, high, low or level tone and could theoretically have five meanings!
Thai cuisine is pungent and spicy, seasoned with heaps of garlic and chillies and a characteristic mix of lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander. Galanga root, basil, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk are other common additions. Fish sauce or shrimp paste are mainstays of Thai dishes, and of course rice is eaten with most meals. Main dishes include hot and sour fish ragout, green and red curries, various soups and noodle dishes. Thai food is served with a variety of condiments and dipping sauces. Snacks and appetisers include fried peanuts, chicken, chopped ginger, peppers and slices of lime. There is an incredible variety of fruit available, either fresh or juiced. Sugar-cane juice and, for something stronger, rice whisky are favourite local tipples.
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Activities
Thailand's two coastlines and countless islands attract schools of water babies. Diving and snorkelling are particularly popular around Phuket, Pattaya, and the Similan and Surin islands. The islands of Chumphon Province, just north of Surat Thani, are less developed and the reefs here are practically undisturbed. Touring the islands and coastal limestone formations around Phuket and Ao Phang-Nga by inflatable canoe has become an increasingly popular activity. The typical sea-canoe tour seeks out half-submerged caves, timing excursions so that they can paddle into the caverns at low tide. Inland raft trips are available down the Mae Klong River in central Thailand in Kanchanaburi Province and on the Pai River in Mae Hong Son Province.
Wilderness walking is northern Thailand's biggest draw. Chiang Mai is the main centre for treks into mountainous areas inhabited by hill tribes, but there are also trekking areas around Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. Cyclists favour the flat terrain and lush river scenery of the Mekong River area in the north and north-east of Thailand.
Meditation study is a decidedly less sweaty 'activity' popular with many visitors to Thailand. There are dozens of temples and meditation centres dotted throughout the country which welcome sincere guests. Instruction and accommodation are free of charge, though donations are expected. There are centres which provide instruction in English in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, amongst others. If you'd prefer to direct your energies outward, tuition in Thai boxing is available in Bangkok and in Naklua, north of Pattaya. Be warned that the training is gruelling and involves full-contact sparring. Chiang Mai has also become a centre for classes in Thai cooking and traditional massage.
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About Bangkok |
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"Bangkok is known variously as the “City of Angels”, a paradise of earthly pleasures, the crossroads of east and west, a modern metropolis and yet a nemesis of town-planners, a traffic nightmare, the capital of a nation of smiling people, and so on. Bangkok is all of these things and more - it is excitingly unique, it is vibrant and it is charming."
Bangkok is probably one of the most interesting cities in the world. It’s an intoxicating mixture of aromas, sights and visual delights. A city of infinite layers - get beneath one and you'll reveal another - but that could take years. There are many great things about living in Bangkok, the combination of the exotic east with many of the comforts of home. Here you can spend the day visiting beautiful famous temples, eating spicy hot soup in a noodle stand in a back Soi (lane), or shopping at the local market for exotic fresh food. Then in the evening go out for a beer, see the latest Hollywood blockbuster, in English, at the local theatre or maybe go ice-skating or bowling. There is never a reason to be bored in Bangkok, with its world famous nightlife districts, five star gourmet restaurants, concerts, endless shopping arcades, delicious noodle stands, movie theatres, friendly people, sporting events, etc, Bangkok truly offers something for everyone."
Bangkok proper seethes on the east side of the Chao Phraya River, drawing rural Thai folk into its cluttered fold daily. The city is reportedly sinking at a rate of 90cm (36in) every year, but there's too much happening in this vibrant city for anyone to get that sinking feeling for too long. Stand still for a while and the sanook will soon take over.
When to Go
While there's really no bad time to visit Thailand's capital, rain and extreme heat are less frequent between November and February. In Bangkok, April is only recommended to those with portable air conditioners, while October brings the heaviest rains - these are probably the best times to be out of Thailand. The tourists flock to Bangkok in December and August, while the least crowded months tend to be May, June and September.
Getting Around
Bangkok international airport is 25km (15mi) north of the city; the Don Muang domestic airport is only a short walk south of the international terminals. Buses run at regular intervals from Bangkok international to three major drop-off points in the city and cost around US$2, while trains leave from the nearby Don Muang station and zip into the main Bangkok station every 15 to 30 minutes.
Negotiating public transport around Bangkok can be bewildering at first but once you've nailed it, you'll find that most places in the city are easily accessible. The easiest and most novel way of getting around is via the river or canals (khlongs), although many of the waterways have been replaced with roads. The cheapest form of public transport is the bus system and it's probably worth the extra couple of baht for vehicles of the air-con variety, but you should be wary of being 'razored' (ie having your bag quietly slashed, and wallet removed, by dexterous thieves). The brand-spanking-new Bangkok Transit System (BTS) is a light elevated-rail system that crisscrosses the city, with all lines converging at Central Station.
The new light rail and underground systems are an overdue and desperate attempt to alleviate Bangkok's nightmarish traffic problem: the city is famous for its motorised jams and sheer volume of traffic. If the congestion doesn't faze you, you can hire cars and motorbikes, but you'd probably be better off hiring a taxi or tuk-tuk. If you're particularly desperate or have nerves of steel, hiring a motorcycle taxi is a possibility but the trip can often take on a Kamikaze quality.
Pattaya
Pattaya is Thailand's capital of fun.
Just ninety minutes by car from Bangkok, Pattaya allows you to shed your suit or the city stress and let your hair down. In fact it has been attracting visitors to its lovely sweeping bay for more than forty years, making it the most established and one of the most popular of Thailand's resort centres. Although Pattaya is most famous for its legendary nightlife, there is something for everyone here and families and good value travel packages both enjoy the fun and excitement of Jomtien beach, which is removed from the bright neon lights of Pattaya beach. The city offers some superb accommodation, including excellent hotels and exclusive condos and many foreigners now have second homes here, particularly clustered around the small exclusive beaches of the North.
With its murky sea, streets packed with highrise hotels, and touts on every corner, Pattaya is the epitome of exploitative tourism gone mad. The town swarms with male and female prostitutes, and plane-loads of Western men flock here to enjoy their services in the rash of go-go bars for which Pattaya is notorious. Yet despite all this Pattaya remains relatively safe. The amazing cuisine, activities, shopping opportunities and friendly locals will soon help you get over the initial culture shock.
Watersports facilities here are among the best in the country, and it's not a bad place to learn to dive, though the reefs off the Andaman Coast are more spectacular. Just offshore there are several lovely islands and sailing excursions are popular along with all sorts of fun watersports. But if you prefer to stay on land there are several excellent golf courses in the area as well as a whole host of cultural and family attractions.
Further reading in the Lonely Planet
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Program Package
You Are Going To Get:
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Airport pick-up and welcome tour of Bangkok, including accommodations, plus transportation to our Training Centre in Pattaya
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TESOL certification: a four-week course combining 90 hours of classroom-based work with 30 hours of Teaching Practice at a local community resource (hospital, police station, city hall, orphanage, immigration office, etc.) so your teaching time directly benefits the community
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Thai Language and Cultural Awareness Training: 40 hours
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Guaranteed teaching placement at a school in Bangkok for 12 months
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Job Placement
Following TESOL training, we offer three job placement options:
1. The first features guaranteed job placement at a select school within our primary focus area of the Eastern Seaboard (Greater Bangkok, Chonburi and Rayong Provinces). Assistance included as needed and requested: resume development, scheduling interviews, transportation to interviews, job selection, school contracts, and housing.
2. Job-placement assistance in other, specific areas. Local staff/alumni living in popular areas such as Chiang Mai and Koh Chang are often available to assist you in finding a job. If you fell in love with a certain area during the “country exploration” trips, your coordinator will work to help you find a job there.
3. Explore a new region of Thailand, using the skills you learned in training. Create your own, unique experience – trusting that local advice and support are just a phone call away.
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All fees for your initial visa, as well as visa document preparation assistance, and letters of introduction as needed
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Excursions: During your TESOL training, your coordinator will escort you on four different excursions:
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Comprehensive health insurance and medical-emergency evacuation coverage for a full year
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Accommodations during the four weeks of training, and until you have secured a job or for one week following training should you choose job-placement options 2 or 3 (see above) |
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Airport meet and greet |
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24-hour emergency support
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Group social events throughout the year
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"Stay In Touch” package that includes a personal, international cell phone with paid initial phone time, pre-programmed with the Corps Advocate’s number, as well as internet access at the Training Centre or a local cafe |
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Pre-departure Information Package including a guide book, country facts, packing suggestions, vaccination information, etc., and personal assistance with pre-departure details and questions |
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Career-oriented re-entry package to help market your international teaching experience and enhance your resume |
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NOT Included:
* Round-trip airfare to host country is not included
* Personal expenses (meals, entertainment, local transport, living expenses, and personal shopping)
* “Upfront” costs following the training period, such as apartment security deposits and first month’s rent
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Prices & Dates |
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The Thailand program start dates are:
| Start Dates for 2006 |
Start Dates for 2007 |
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8th July |
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13th January |
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2nd September |
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1st September |
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28th October |
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27th October |
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Please select your preferred start date on the application form and we will reply within 24 hours to confirm your acceptance:
Once your application has been accepted we will require a non-refundable deposit of GBP £280 or USD $500 to secure your placement. The remaining balance will then be due 8 weeks prior to the program start date
All Inclusive Program Package = USD $4395.00 or GBP £2495.00
*£GBP fee may vary due to Exchange Rates
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Job Placement |
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We guarantee participants a job placement in the primary focus area in and around Pattaya, Rayong, Chonburi, Bangkok, and other cities in South-Central Thailand. While we do not guarantee job placement if you choose to go outside the primary focus area, our teachers, with our assistance, have been very successful finding multiple opportunities. However, this process may take longer, and may require additional out of pocket expenses on your part.
An average working week is usually 30-35 hours, including class time and preparation. Schools usually open at 8:30am and generally close at 3:00pm. A typical teaching day consists of two or three lessons and then planning time.
Typical wages for teachers range from US$500-$900/month. Benefits vary greatly from school to school. (Salaries are always paid in baht and are usually paid at the end of the month.) Quite often, if a Teacher stays for one year, the school will pay for the airfare to another destination or will give a bonus. As you would expect, the larger cities have higher living costs, but pay rates are also higher.
Most Teachers take jobs in public schools. Jobs are available in the private sector as well, however, and these are often salaried at a higher level than the public schools. Local living expenses are low: about US$300-500/month. Most teachers can earn enough to live very comfortably, enjoy local entertainment and restaurants and travel to local attractions.
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General |
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Housing/Accommodation:
During the five week training program, housing will be provided for participants at a local hotel or in the School apartments, if available. If necessary, housing will be provided for an additional week following training, after which time you should have secured a job, and you will be responsible for paying for your housing costs. If you have not secured a job in the primary focus area by this time, and are seriously pursuing all job leads, housing may be continued at the local Advocate’s discretion.
Once your job assignment is secured, your coordinator and hiring school will assist you in locating a local apartment nearby the hiring school. Typically, apartments are small, but most are comfortable, stylish, and have air conditioning and Western appliances. Often, a one month security deposit and the first month’s rent are required at the time of rental.
Housing is sometimes provided by your school, though generally Teachers prefer to find their own housing. School accommodations are typically Thai, and rarely meet the standard Westerners are used to.
Communications:
All teachers are provided with a cell phone, including a SIM chip for Thai and international calling, and initial pre-paid phone minutes.
You will be given access to the Internet during training at the training centre. Most of our Partner Schools have internet access available to teachers during school hours. Public internet cafes are also available. They usually charge about 60 baht (US$1.50) per hour
Salary:
You will earn anything up to 30,000 Baht per month. This is a significant local wage-bracket and will be more than sufficient to cover your food, accommodation and other costs. In general, our teachers are able to live comfortably on this salary, recoup the program fee, go on excursions and still add to their savings! Make sure that you bring enough funds to cover your living expenses for the first 4-8 weeks as you won’t be earning during training.
Security Deposit:
Regardless of where you choose to live, you will be required to pay a refundable security deposit (usually 2 months rent) plus your first month's rent in advance. Therefore, please be sure to have at least 3 month's advance rent available when you arrive.
Travel & Health Insurance:
Travel & Health insurance is not so much an optional extra as an integral part of any program. Our Insurance Policies cover the obvious problems, such as a stolen wallet or purse, an accident or an illness. They also provide compensation for delays and cancellation, for damaged or lost luggage, and even a telephone help line for emergencies. The cost of your insurance is included in your program fee. Once we have confirmed your placement we will complete your travel insurance documents and forward them to you before your departure.
What To Wear:
The average climate conditions on Samui are tropical throughout the year, hot and humid during the day with cool, temperate breezes at night. Monsoon season lasts from July through November. During this time, tropical rains fall mainly in the afternoon, with the remainder of the day offering clear skies and stunning sunsets. Daily highs average 30-34C in the hottest months, with a night time low of around 21C.
Light clothing is the order of the day. Pack light when you come to Thailand, not only because of the hot climate but also because of the bargain prices and wide selection of clothing available at a fraction of the price you would pay at home. Take care to wear modest clothing when visiting temples and palaces. If you are dressed inappropriately you will be told about it and not allowed entrance. Casual clothing is acceptable.
Basic Living Costs:
One reason why Thailand is such a popular place with foreigners is that it's really cheap. Basic costs of living here are significantly less than those of Europe or the US. If you're careful and on a shoestring budget, you could manage on around 600 baht a day, including food and accommodation. If you've got money to spend, then of course, the sky's the limit, because resorts and hotels in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, can get as expensive as anywhere else on earth! One can have a very nice Thai meal with a drink for less than 50 baht. Eat western food and you can expect to pay at least 100 baht a dish. A beer in a restaurant will cost between 30 and 70 baht depending on the brand. Staple groceries also come cheap in supermarkets - a dozen eggs: 25 baht, a litre of milk: 30 baht, bottle of beer: 30 baht, loaf of bread: 15 baht, can of soft drink : 15 baht, bar of chocolate: 30 baht. Wine is expensive; Bt 400 will be a cheap bottle. If you're tempted by culinary exotica, a bag of crispy fried grasshoppers goes on the street for around 20 baht, snail curry for a little more!
Alternative Teaching Programs:
http://www.thailandexperience.com
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