I was considering possibly attending the UNI overseas recruiting fair, but was wondering what my chances are of obtaining employment if I were to just apply directly and possibly interview via Skype. I would love to teach in Thailand specifically as this is where I worked for several years as a TEFL teacher, it is where my wife is from, and we have friends and family there as well. If I am unable to obtain employment in Thailand, then I am content with my current job at a public school here in the US. I have noticed that there are just two international schools in Thailand registered for the job fair and was not sure if it was worth the time and money to attend if I could simply apply directly to the schools. Any thoughts on this?

The name of the school tells me that it may not be as "international" as a tier 1 international school, given that it has a Thai name. One of my Thai friends here in the US mentioned the school and refers to it as an international school; however, I don't see it mentioned specifically as such on the website. It is instead referred to as an English program school with a student body composed of 50% international students. According to the website, it uses a mix of Thai, British and American curriculum and is based on both Thai and Western philosophies. Perhaps to those with more background in this field than myself, this school doesn't even rank as being "international".

If anyone knows about Somtawin Witead Suksa in Hua Hin Thailand could you please post a school review in the member area. Thanks.

I first want to say that I appreciate the questions and responses I’ve read on the forum, especially the school reviews. I am hoping to get some feedback on the possibility of finding a teaching position in Thailand considering my specific circumstances.

My teaching career actually began in Thailand after studying abroad one summer at Thammasat University. I later graduated with a BA in political science and decided to move to Thailand and take a 6-week TEFL course through the TEFL Institute. I worked for two years at a secondary school in Bangkok, including part-time at a private language school, and two years at a secondary school in south Thailand. My wife is Thai and we had our first son in Thailand.

The pay for foreigners at most Thai public schools never runs more than 40,000 baht per month (about $1200) and although side work can bring in another $500, it was difficult to have a decent quality of life while supporting a family and trying to save money. We moved back home to the US in 2010 and I spent about two years working on my master of arts in teaching (MAT) and Kansas teachers license in 7-12 ELA – during this time I worked as a substitute teacher and paraeducator. Since completing my MAT I have been teaching 9th and 10th grade English language arts for two years at the same school where I student-taught. I am considering working on an ESL endorsement to broaden my employment opportunities.

My wife and I would like to move back to Thailand next school year (2016-2017) and I’m planning to start applying for jobs in the fall at international schools in Thailand. We have two children, a 7 and 1-year old, and my wife would be considered a non-teaching spouse, though she is a Thai citizen and would have no difficulties finding employment. I have a subscription to TIE online and am planning to attend the job fair at UNI in the spring. I am considering registering with Search or ISS, though from what I’ve read on this forum, Search does not seem to be as helpful to teachers with children and non-teaching spouses.

Based on my qualifications and circumstances, how likely am I to obtain a position teaching ELA at an international school in Thailand?
If necessary, I would be willing to expand my search to other nearby Asian countries in order to gain some experience at international schools, though Thailand would be my first choice.

Some of my requirements would of course be free or reduced tuition for dependants, possibly airfare, health insurance, and at least 80,000 baht per month. Is this reasonable given my education and experience?

Does my previous experience teaching at Thai secondary schools count for anything when applying to international schools or is it just my two years teaching in a US public school?

Are international school teaching positions in Thailand more or less competitive than other countries? Is it true that ELA teachers are in less demand than other subject areas? Would having my ESL endorsement increase hiring prospects?