Is Thailand A Good Place To Teach? 9 Reasons Why It Is!

Among the many destinations to obtain a TEFL certification, Thailand stands out as an ideal choice. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and growing demand for English education, Thailand offers a myriad of compelling reasons to embark on a TEFL journey. Read on to explore a few reasons why Thailand is an excellent destination to pursue your TEFL certification.

1. Cultural Immersion

Thailand boasts a vibrant and diverse culture, attracting millions of tourists each year. By obtaining your TEFL certification in Thailand, you can immerse yourself in this fascinating culture, gaining firsthand experience and deepening your understanding of Thai customs, traditions, and language.

The opportunity to live and work in such a culturally rich environment will enhance your teaching skills and broaden your horizons.

2. High Demand for English Teachers

With Thailand's increasing focus on globalization and the importance of English in the global marketplace, there is a significant demand for qualified English teachers. And with so many options available out there, teachers have the freedom to choose the type of jobs and the location they want to reside in.

Obtaining a TEFL certification in Thailand provides you with a competitive edge in the job market, opening doors to a wide range of teaching opportunities throughout the country. From ESL to business English, you name it, Thailand has it.

3. Low Cost of Living

Thailand offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western countries. Most beginner expats in Thailand make roughly around 30,000 Thai Baht and experienced teachers can earn twice as much as the high-paying jobs.

Accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses are affordable, allowing you to live comfortably on a teacher's salary. This makes Thailand an attractive destination for those looking to gain valuable teaching experience while enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle without financial strain.

4. Thai Hospitality

Known as the "Land of Smiles," Thailand is famous for its warm and welcoming people. Thai locals are generally friendly, hospitable, and respectful towards foreigners. The relaxed vibe is perhaps from the fact that the majority of the people practice Buddhism.

Regardless of the reasons Thailand’s quality of life ranks second as per the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). As a TEFL teacher, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and locals, immersing yourself in the Thai way of life.

5. Supportive Expat Community

Thailand has a large and supportive community of expatriate English teachers. There is a large network of expatriates living in Thailand which makes it easy to search for apartments and get suggestions to find all things local.

Connecting with fellow teachers can provide a valuable support network, helping you navigate the challenges of living and teaching in a foreign country. The expat community often organizes social events, workshops, and networking opportunities, enabling you to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections.

6. Adventurous Travel Opportunities

Thailand's strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it an excellent base for exploring neighboring countries. With its affordable flights and excellent transportation infrastructure, you can easily embark on adventures to countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, or Malaysia during holidays or long weekends.

The affordability and ease of transportation make it super easy to travel both within and outside the nation. You can explore destinations like tropical jungles, ancient forests, waterfalls, national parks, exquisite beaches, sublime ruins, and incredible cities. Teaching in Thailand allows you to satiate your wanderlust and discover the diverse cultures of the region.

7. Delicious Cuisine

If the above reasons did not intrigue you enough, this definitely will. Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients. As a TEFL teacher in Thailand, you will have the chance to indulge in the country's delectable dishes after a hard day in class.

If you enjoy spicy, you have a myriad of options in front of you including Pad Thai noodles, traditional coconut chicken, sweet and spicy shrimp soup, and a lot more. Adding to this there are several cuisines that are entirely foreign to most expats like oyster omelets, exotic fruits, and of course fried grasshoppers. While it’s good to be adventurous, you should also be aware to stay away from the warning signs of food poisoning.

Don’t Pack Your Bags Just Yet!

Now that you are aware of all the reasons why Thailand is your last resort, there are still a few items on your checklist that needs to be completed. The first and foremost thing is to get a TEFL certificate to be able to teach English in Thailand, next you need to decide where to go, plan your finances, and voila! You are in Thailand. Happy job hunting, and happy teaching!