Embark On A New Life By Teaching English Abroad In Chiang Mai
16th June 2023Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is a vibrant and culturally rich city that has become a popular destination for individuals interested in teaching English. Considered one of the friendliest cities in the world, the low-key attitude and relaxed environment made Chiang Mai a TEFL hotspot.
With its abundance of language schools, international schools, and universities, there are numerous job opportunities in Chiang Mai for English teachers to immerse themselves in a unique teaching experience. Read on to get started on your teaching journey with some vital tips and information.
What Qualifications Are Required To Teach English In Chiang Mai
To teach English in Chiang Mai, most employers require candidates to
- Graduate from a recognized board or university with at least a bachelor’s degree
- Hold a citizenship of a native English-speaking country or have near-native proficiency for ESL jobs
- Have completed 120 hours of TEFL course from a globally recognized institution (for English teaching)
- TOEIC score above 600 or the IELTS band of 5.5 and above
- Have teaching licenses in English like B.Ed, M.Ed, or equivalent
- Teaching experience of 1-2 years (preferred)
- Under the age of 60 (government institutions)
What Visa To Obtain To Teach English In Chiang Mai
In order to legally teach English in Thailand, foreign teachers must obtain an appropriate visa. The most common visa for English teachers is the Non-Immigrant B visa, which is initially valid for 90 days and can be extended for up to one year. To qualify for this visa, you will need to secure a job offer from an employer in Chiang Mai and provide the necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of qualifications, and a letter of employment.
Once in Thailand, you will also need to apply for a work permit, which allows you to legally work in the country. Your employer will assist you in obtaining the work permit, which requires additional documentation such as a medical certificate, a criminal background check, and educational certificates. Once you have received your work permit, you will now require to apply for a teaching license. But, don't be scared because unless you already have acquired a degree in education, you will need to apply for a temporary teaching license in Thailand.
Types of Jobs Available For Aspirants
Chiang Mai offers a range of English teaching opportunities, catering to different preferences and skill levels. Here are some of the common types of English teaching jobs available:
- Language Academies
Language schools in Chiang Mai provide English language courses to both children and adults. These schools often offer positions for both full-time and part-time teachers, allowing flexibility in scheduling.
Language schools may focus on conversational English, exam preparation, or specialized courses like business English. Since these academies do not have any fixed working hours you can expect to work around 20 hours per week and earn around $20 per hour.
- International Schools
Chiang Mai is home to several international schools that follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British curriculum.
These schools typically require certified teachers with experience in delivering a comprehensive education to students from various backgrounds. You can expect to earn anywhere around $3,000-$5,500 per month.
- University Positions
Chiang Mai hosts several universities and colleges that offer English language programs. University positions often require higher qualifications, such as a master's degree or a Ph.D., and prior teaching experience.
These roles involve teaching undergraduate or graduate-level courses and conducting research. Working in a college or university comes with fewer working hours as you are expected to work around 10-1 hours a week. The salary is compared to public schools depending on your experience and qualifications you can expect to earn THB 1,002,943 annually.
- Public Schools
Most aspirants looking for a teaching job in Chiang Mai find themselves in public schools. This is because in these schools teachers are trained by the Thai Ministry of Education before assigning them job roles.
Thus, if you do not have a degree in education, you can sign up for these schools. An educator at a public school earns around 30,000 TBH every month which is around $910/month.
- Private Tutoring
Many individuals in Chiang Mai seek private English tutoring to improve their language skills. Private tutoring can be conducted one-on-one or in small groups, allowing teachers to personalize lessons according to the student's needs and goals.
This can offer a scope to earn more and once you earn enough experience in this field, you can take this up as a full-time gig thus allowing you to work as per your own flexibility and convenience. You can expect to earn anywhere around 300-500 TBH which is approximately $9-$15 per hour.
Adjust To A New Home In Chiang Mai
Teaching English in Chiang Mai provides a rewarding experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in Thai culture while sharing their language skills. There are tons of opportunities available for expats looking to live and teach in Chiang Mai and people are generally welcoming especially towards foreigners. On top of that, the cost of living is also low, so if you looking to save that extra buck, this is it. Set your foot in Chiang Mai and experience some of the most authentic people and be a part of one of the friendliest communities in the world.
Find the right course for you and try out the course. WhatsApp us at +66-81-262-8832. You can also mail us at act@asiancollegeofteachers.com.