Teaching English in Thailand: A Day in the Life of an English Teacher

Alana’s story offers a first-hand look at what teaching English in Thailand is really like, from busy school days and lesson planning to weekend travel and daily life abroad.

For anyone considering teaching English in Thailand, this post gives a practical and personal insight into the classroom experience, the lifestyle, and the rewards of living overseas.

Like many new college graduates, I was excited and ready to jump into the real world. However, unlike most college graduates, I decided to take a risk and jump overseas to Thailand to participate in an opportunity which has truly impacted my life in ways I will be forever grateful for. Growing up in New Jersey was amazing and will always be home. Nevertheless, after twenty- three years, I was itching for some change but also for something deeply meaningful and maybe even a little challenging. I can certainly say that I found that in coming to Thailand.So, what's a typical day like in the life of an English teacher in Thailand? Fun. Very, very fun. But also very, very hectic! I have always said that I wanted a job where I was doing something different every day and I sure have gotten that with not only working, but living in Thailand.

Although there is a lot of general advice to give about working and living here, keep in mind my opinions about teaching in Thailand are very specific to my location and school. I have friends who have very similar experiences and others whose day to day routine is quite unlike my own. Regardless, there is one thing that I believe all can agree, and it is that they can’t imagine never having had this experience!

Disclaimer - My Day Might be Different to Your Day!

During my TEFL course through TEFL Heaven, we had three trainers who all taught various grades and who were placed in very different towns. While they were great at offering advice and tried to help prepare us for some of the many challenges we would inevitably face, they also made us fully aware that some of these issues were a direct result of their placements and that certain pro's and con's can vary greatly. You can be placed somewhere full of hustle and bustle like Bangkok. Or, you could be placed in a tiny conservative town on the outskirts of the city with very little to do. You may be placed to work with Kindergarten aged kids who know little to nothing about speaking English, or

also have high school aged kids who are at the same level (usually not the whole class but depending on the school it could be a large majority). You can be placed with one grade or be responsible for teaching two, three, or even up to five grades! There are private schools and government schools, each who have their own set of rules. Some with teachers who speak fluently and others with staff can only say "hello" and/or "good morning." The combinations are endless!

I could say 'try and be prepared for anything,' but I don't believe it's possible to consider all of the things that 'anything' implies. The best you can do is be open to not knowing what the heck you're doing and accept that you might flounder for just a little bit as you adjust to your new home and workplace. BUT, know that the flow of teaching does get easier as the weeks go by and that if you do go through a program like TEFL Heaven, you will have access to a full set of resources where can ask for advice anytime.

A Day in the Life of an English Teacher

Getting to School

I wake up for and get ready to be at school by 7:30. I happen to walk to school, but there are certainly other options. In my town you can rent a motorbike, bicycle, take a Tuk-tuk, hop on a motorbike taxi. . . The possibilities are endless. But walking is definitely the cheapest and is convenient for me.

Classes

I teach three grades. A2, P3, and P4. This is the equivalent of kindergarteners and elementary or primary school, ages 4-5, 8-9 and 9-10. My class sizes are pretty big with 40 students per grade section. Class size is something that also varies between schools. I have a total of about 400 students whereas I have some friends who teach less than 100 with class sizes of only 6 students! Some others can have up 1,000! I was also fortunate enough to be able to work with the ages I wanted! Not everyone gets the ages or grades they want or were hoping for but you make the best of what you get! Like I said, I teach between four and six classes per day. On days I have less classes, I have some free periods which allow me to get lesson planning and prep done - a nice perk!

Lesson Planning

If you are planning to become an ESL teacher, although it is a fun and very rewarding job, you will have to be prepared to do quite a bit of lesson planning!

Depending on how many lessons you are teaching per week, you will to have prioritize writing out lessons and doing some prep work. The guidelines for this also vary greatly due to the fact that the amount of classes each teacher has is different and if you are given lesson plans or have to make your own.

I end up putting quite a few hours into lesson planning every week and making them certainly gets easier as you learn what games and activities work with each of your classes. You will find that some classes like to stick to the same games while others get bored easily and need a lot of diverse ways to keep their attention. Getting used to the routines takes some time and lesson planning does get easier the more you do it.

Be prepared that although you can spend a lot of time preparing, lessons don't always go as planned. There are certainly lots of days where I question my capabilities but this is normal. Kids are kids and sometimes you can walk into a classroom with high hopes and leave disappointed with how a lesson turned out. Other days, a class can exceed even your highest expectations. One thing I can say for certain is that it is the most rewarding job I have ever done.

Leisure Time

You will also certainly have tons of time in your evening for recreational things whether it’s meeting up with friends for dinner, getting a workout in, or just sitting around and lounging after a long day! Depending on the town, socializing can either be vast or virtually nonexistent. Your placement will most likely fall between the two of these extremes.

Weekends

As a teacher, you will have your weekends to do as you please! Thailand has tons of public transportation so getting around, although it may take a while, will almost always take you where you need to go. Day trips are also very fun if you want to save some money.

Renting a motorbike is inexpensive and there are tons of worthwhile sights to see. I definitely was under the impression that I would travel tons more on weekends, but living in Thailand is a marathon-not a sprint. I plan on living here for a year so I personally prefer to spend some of my weekends in town, relaxing. Others want to get the most out of a shorter stay and that's totally understandable! Everyone has different goals for their time here. Just know that traveling is certainly do-able. Also, note that taking lots of trips will add up. So, if you're planning on getting up to something every weekend - budget, budget, budget!

In just the few months I’ve been working I’ve visited the lovely beach town of Hua Hin, rode motorbikes to see the biggest buddha in Thailand in Ang Thong, and played with some monkeys in Lop Buri! I have an upcoming camping trip and plan to visit Chiang Mai in some of the upcoming weekends as well. Regardless of how want to spend your time, you can easily find a balance in your routine as a teacher. Here are some pictures of past weekend adventures!

Salary

A typical English teacher in Thailand earns around 30-35,000 THB (800-1,000 USD) during their first term of teaching. Salary typically does increase for continuing to teach more terms. This should certainly sustain you for the month even if your are splurging every now and again! Just keep in mind that expenses do vary! Rent can be anywhere from 3,500 THB or upwards. I pay 5,000 THB plus utilities per month. I keep to a pretty simple diet and don't spend too much on food as I like to get my dinners at the night market where I can eat like a queen for just 2 USD! 4 USD if I’m treating myself

If you're not planning on saving money whilst living abroad, you can live extremely well in Thailand off of a teacher's income. However, if you’re planning on saving every month, with rent, food, and traveling - saving up a decent amount of money can become a little challenging. As long you can budget yourself and be reasonable with how you’re living, there should be little to no financial issues.

General Advice

Before my first day of school, and despite my training, I was so anxious to be in front of a classroom. One of my worst fears and deepest insecurities is public speaking. Regardless of the audience. Now, with no anxiety at all, I teach between four and six classes per day. I will not say they are all easy, breezy, or beautiful - but they are each a growing experience to see what works and what doesn’t.

Regardless, you get out of this job what you put into it. Everyone has different situations and factors which can change the experience but if you try to have fun with your students, you should certainly enjoy your time teaching. I walk out of classes each day with little notes, candy, or hugs and high fives. These are little things but the affection and genuine excitement these children possess makes my heart happier each and every day.

I love all of my students and I mean that wholeheartedly. Yes, there are many classes that I leave and feel frustrated when a lesson doesn't go as planned or if I have a class whose last priority is to do work. However, they are always eager to interact and always up for some games.

I have not regretted my decision to come to Thailand or to teach here at any point during my travels so far. If you are thinking about moving to another country to teach english, be prepared for a lot of transition but also so much fun and more personal growth than you ever thought possible! It is an extraordinary opportunity to take advantage of. The best moments in life come when you push yourself past your comfort zones. I’d like to think that everyone could gain something priceless from this experience.

Trust me, there is never a dull moment!

Alana Ortiz 

Alana is a fresh graduate from College who took the risk and flew to Thailand to teach English. It has been a hectic but fun experience for Alana to be teaching English abroad. Not to mention the fun weekends that she spent with her new found friends.

Teaching English in Thailand gives you the chance to build a meaningful routine abroad while enjoying travel, growth, and unforgettable classroom moments.

Alana’s experience shows that life as an English teacher in Thailand can be hectic, rewarding, and full of adventure both in school and beyond it.