Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 at
5:11 pm
Why Would I Consider Teaching in Thailand?
Thailand draws teachers from all over the World, from all sorts of backgrounds, nations and cultures. As an older person, you might have a few years of teaching or TEFL work under your belt, but even if you don’t Thailand holds many opportunities and can allow you to have a great lifestyle at very little cost. Here are 5 simple reasons to work in Thailand as you get older.
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Retirement Laws In Thailand Sit Well With Older Teachers
In Thailand, if you don’t have money or someone to look after you then you don’t eat. This means it isn’t uncommon to see ancient Thais working in the markets, restaurants or in shops and as an older TEFL teacher you are in luck. Employment laws (and the law in general) is pretty lax and you should have no problem working well into your 60s as a TEFL teacher. Remember that you will need to present yourself as fit, healthy and professional so dress smartly and cover any tattoos you might have (if possible).
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Obtaining Your Work-Permit/Business Visa To Teach Legally Is Just As Difficult
Although that might not sound like a reason to teach in Thailand, getting your work-permit and business visa to work and teach legally is no more difficult at 65 than it is at 25. You’ll still have to jump through a series of ridiculous bureaucratic hoops but so will everyone else. You’ll have to spend a couple of trips getting your papers in order and leaving the country to renew or upgrade your visa but you’ll meet some interesting folks and see the country on the way.
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Thais Revere & Respect Age
Older teachers are actually at more of an advantage over their younger counterparts. Age is respected and revered in Thailand and you will be looked upon as mature and experienced (even though you might be the complete opposite). Younger teachers must present themselves as mature, educated and experience wheras Thais will make the assumption that you are…just remember to live up to it!
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Thai People Are Generous, Friendly & Welcoming
The Thai people are some of the nicest and friendliest people on the planet. This behaviour is cultural and Thais are trained from a young age to smile and be polite, even when they don’t feel it. It can mean that foreignors get a little frustrated with them at times because they aren’t always straightforward with their emotions. However, if you respect them and take them as they are, Thai people are a pleasure to be with and their children are both respectful and enjoyable to work with.
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Thailand Offers Culture, History, Good Weather & Plenty Of Work
Thailand itself is host to amazing food, a great climate and superb beaches, and if these things don’t appeal to you then you don’t have to look too far to find what does. There are amazing historical sites dating back thousands of years, sprawling national parks, great international transport links and not forgetting, cheap beer and plenty of bars.
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