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By Alex Smith

English is the official language of ASEAN - The Association of South East Asian Nations. It is the language of international business and now it is the main language of the internet. This means that in Thailand there is a big demand for native English speakers to teach all age groups how to speak, read and write the English language. Coupled with that is the ever growing tourism industry and the need for language skills amongst those who service it.

Although in the past the regulation of the teaching industry has been relaxed, the only real qualification being that you are a native speaker. This has now changed not only in Thailand but elsewhere. Employers will insist on a bachelor’s degree. Oddly this is more important than either a specialized TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate. The subject of the BA is not important but it must be genuine. Anyone caught using forged qualifications are now subject to law and employers will run checks with issuing colleges and universities from which the qualifications were awarded. If you are qualified then teaching can be a great way to get really involved with Thai society. ‘Sanuk’ or the importance having fun is a defining factor in social interaction. It may not always be easy, but teaching can be a rewarding and interesting experience.

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When looking for work you have to decide whether you prefer to teach adults or children and what sector of the industry you want to cater to. International schools follow the curriculum of the country to which they are affiliated whether that is the UK, US or France. Teachers there would be qualified in the same way as they would in their country of origin so these jobs are in high demand since the pay is very good and employers can be very choosy.

All over Thailand there are private schools some being part of a chain whilst others are totally independent commercial enterprises. They range vastly in quality, the better ones having the pick of those they want to employ. This is another reason why being properly qualified is important. You will be paid more. There is also a great need for teachers at high schools. The pay can be quite low but generally it is a less stressful job since class times are shorter.

Often considered the most prestigious places to teach are universities. The pay is not always as high as the prestige might suggest since rates are set by the government but there is plenty of opportunity for specialization if you already have an academic background.

Private one to one teaching is a market in itself. Some teachers hate it finding it very demanding, others prefer the freedom in hours and the more intense nature of the work. It can also be a bit more lucrative than teaching a class. People will want value for their money though from the one to one experience, so professionalism and preparation are vital.

Some teachers prefer dealing with adult students and some prefer children. It’s just a question of preference. With adults many experienced teachers specialize in one area whether that is business English, medical English, tourist industry English and so on. Thailand is a country where appearance, respect and face matter. The profession of teacher or ‘kru’ or ‘ajarn’ is highly respected and certain levels of presentation are required. From men a shirt and tie at least and for women fairly formal clothing.

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Teaching jobs are advertised in the Bangkok Post and increasingly on the internet.

Whatever your training and however long you plan to make a life in teaching Thailand can be an enjoyable place to do it. Teaching those keen to learn who also want to have fun is a rewarding experience.

About the Author

Alex Smith manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website http://www.cheapthaitravel.com and occasionally contributes to http://www.golf-in-thailand.com and has lived in Thailand for the last 3 years.

By Amy Nutt

Learning English is something that you really have to do if you want to make it big in today’s world. Between the type of English common in the United States and the type of English common in the United Kingdom, most of the world’s population is represented in terms of people that know how to speak English. All of the major business is transacted in that language and everyone that happens to be rich, successful or otherwise powerful in the world today learned English at some point in their life.

Now that it has been established that learning English is essential, it is time to think about the different times in a person’s life that learning English can be ideal. While there is no one particular ideal age at which to learn English, there are times when it can be better to do so and those times are discussed at length below.

From Birth

The absolutely most ideal age at which learning English can happen is at birth. When a baby speaks their first words, if those words are in English, then English will be the first language that they learn. This also makes it the easiest language for them to learn as many babies never end up learning another language after they have learned their initial one. Some people just have a mental block when it comes to learning languages, which is why English as their first language is absolutely the best way to go.

During Primary Schooling

If a child has not learned English as their first language, then the next best time to get them to learn it would be during the time in their life when they are thinking about doing primary schooling. Primary schooling is extremely important and allows children to expand their knowledge and grow on multiple fronts during the second group of formative years in their life (the first being their pre-school years). Because of the rapid rate at which children tend to learn at this age, English language training is definitely a good idea.

During Secondary Schooling

If a child has gone through the initial and primary school years of their life without learning English, then you will want to make sure that you start them on an English language learning course right away. While secondary school students are still learning a lot, the information that high school gives them is largely specialized information. This is quite different from the formative study they undertake in primary school which in turn means that teaching them something as basic as a new way of speaking is a lot harder to do.

During Post-Secondary Schooling

While a large argument is currently raging across academic circles at which time is better to learn English between secondary and post-secondary schooling, most people tend to believe that post-secondary schooling provides an environment that makes learning a new language a lot easier to do. People are exposed to new ideas and concepts that might completely change the way they look at and think about life in post-secondary school and that makes taking on big new challenges like learning English easier to do than it would be in secondary school.

As an Adult

It is possible for an out of school adult to learn English, but it is at the same time a lot harder to do. The thing that makes it easier for adults to learn English sometimes is the fact that adults that are out of school tend to have a far more disciplined approach to things like this and for that reason have the ability to grasp information pertinent to their life at a relatively quick pace.

About the Author

Speaking more that one language is very common these days. Learn English online as a second language at your own pace and in your own environment. Online English school dedicated to helping students learn English and achieve their goals.

By Paul Selibio

It was a year ago when we moved to Korea. A thousand miles away from our hometown in Texas, and everything seemed very strange. The cold Korean breeze rushed to meet us at the airport. Although basked with the delightful winter seasons from the United States, I was expecting a warmer welcome during our arrival in Korea. But that too, like everything else, is part of my illusions of Asia. We were foreigners, in a wonderful new land, and we knew, the moment we arrived that we were in for quite an adventure.

My mother was on assignment from WorknPlay.co.kr , South Korea’s job placement agency for ESL teachers. Two months ago I was debating with my mother, about ESL jobs. I was new to the whole “English as a Second Language”teaching field. I knew there were better benefits for her in the local schools in Texas. And I never fully grasped the gravity of her reasons to teach in Korea.

One night, my mother spoke to me. Teaching, she said, is more than just about fees or benefits. It is a noble calling,where the need to teach, to instruct, and to mold young people to become what they can be is the ultimate reason for the profession to thrive. The moment you start counting the fees, or the working hours, the benefits, or criticizing the place where you are teaching, or who you are teaching - it would be wise for you to start looking for another profession. Her lectures would often end with her famous lines, “The message and the knowledge I give to those who listen are far more precious than what they pay me. And someday, when these kids turn to grown up mean and women, and become great help to society, I, then would have received ten times my reward.”

My mother and I braved Korea. Armed with just her TESOL certificate, she brazenly faced her new employers at WorknPlay.co.kr . And a few days later, she met her class. Seeing my mother teach, gave me a great sense of pride. I could see myself in the students she teaches everyday. I realized then how important her job is.

She was a teacher by profession, as well as by heart. Teaching English was a worthwhile activity for her and she loved every moment of it. She was a teacher for as long as I can remember.

And I followed at her footsteps.

About the Author

I am an SEO expert, and I love blogging and posting articles online. If you need any help with SEO, reach me at [email protected]

By Clint Johnson

If you are planning to become a teacher abroad, you are likely to need the internationally recognized tesol certificate; this acknowledged diploma course may actually provide you with all the necessary knowledge in order to become a good English teacher to people who do not have English as their native language.

The tesol course was mainly designed in order to teach you about the basic approaches when it comes to teaching English abroad; the prime teaching methods will also be learned and even the learning techniques will be emphasized by every course that is interested in providing people with the necessary knowledge.

The course is to be attended in order for you to become able to teach this language in an effective manner when in front of a foreign class. The foreign pupils are going to be quite challenging to your English knowledge; therefore, you will have to rely only on the most effective techniques in order to make sure you manage to be a good teacher.

By accessing tesolonline.com, you will become fully aware that teaching can be very challenging especially when it comes to different pupil profiles. Every future student will come with a different profile in front of you and you will have to deal with dissimilar requirements; therefore, the tesol course is to be attended in order to make sure you are going to deal with these challenges in a successful manner without making mistakes or failing.

The entire tesol course is designed in order to teach you how to deal with pupils who are not English and who spoke this language as their second one. By attending this course and managing to get your final certificate, you will add some extra value to your current worth and you will be regarded in a whole different manner when applying for a teacher job abroad.

This certification is highly needed when it comes to teaching English abroad and many countries require its existence in order to allow you to teach there. The certification is also to be regarded as a genuine method to secure your present or future job because the training program that you have attended is highly effective.

For instance, you will be bale to learn more about the necessary and systematic lesson plans. You will learn everything about the effective management of every type of classroom; you will be trained in order to apply the most efficient teaching techniques in order to become a successful teacher abroad.

The tesol certificate will ensure your future teaching jobs because you will be provided with all the necessary and fundamental knowledge. The grammar and language skills will thus be strengthened and you will achieve all the necessary teaching skills before facing a real class of pupils.

About the Author

The tesol certificate is the main tool in order to secure your teacher position because the tesol course guarantees for your proficiency in English.

By Manuel Kupka

TESOL is the condensed form of Teaching English to the Speaker of Other Languages, a globally acknowledged qualification. This course teaches you the fundamental approaches of instruction and learning in English. After finishing your course you will become a professional educator who can teach English to people who speak a foreign language as mother tongue. You will be able to understand and teach students with profiles which are poles apart while catering to their various needs.

TEFL and TESOL

The acronyms TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) can often be confusing. Both terms are used interchangeably and effectively mean the same thing. In both cases, the aim is teaching English to those whose first language is not English, worldwide.

A TESOL Qualification adds to your worth

Most countries consider a TESOL certification a pre-requisite to securing a job as a teacher in the English language. The TESOL training program familiarizes you with systematic lesson plans, effective classroom management and efficient teaching techniques. Your fundamental knowledge of the language and grammar skills is further strengthened before facing a classroom of learners. The program brings out your best teaching skills, and the training imparted gives you hands on teaching experience. There is a great demand worldwide for TESOL teachers and this opens a whole new vista of career opportunities.

Teaching Prospects after TESOL

Many primary schools, high schools, colleges and universities require qualified English language instructors. Having a TESOL certificate can brighten up your prospects as an English teacher around the globe.

The best career option for a new TESOL pass out is in the domain of the private school where you can teach both grown ups and kids, usually through conversation.

You may even get lucky as a teacher in a business house. Here you only have to toil for one to two hours each week.

Private tuition is another option if you can set up a group of students. Here you have to interact with your students directly.

The icing on the cake is that you can travel and see the world while you earn. The countries that you can visit and teach English with your TESOL qualification include Japan, Vietnam, South Korea , China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan in Asia; Turkey, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Poland in Europe; and Chile, Peru, Brazil and Argentina in South America, amongst others.

Other TESOL Advantages

The vital reward is your right to use the available information, seek aid and assistance even after finishing your graduation long ago. You are admitted to enter the worldwide job databases, seek information about recruitments, and look for guides to different countries and more. You can benefit from discussion forums, can share concepts and ideas or seek help through Internet chat rooms. You can make your classes better by downloading an array of resources and ideas for ensuing lessons.

About the Author

If you’re thinking of a teaching English career, you’ll find many more interesting TESOL, TEFL and TESL related articles at www.TeachingEnglishTips.com