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TEFL Teach In Thailand Project
- Exceptions
Smoking
Alcohol
Drugs
Thai culture
Health / Illness
Extra Curricular Activities
Discrepancies
Smoking
Smoking is not accepted at any time on school grounds and/or during
school hours. You are free to smoke in your own time outside of the
school. *It is very uncommon for professional females to smoke in Thai
society. Basically, in Thai society, “respectable” females do not smoke
in Thailand. This does not mean that you cannot smoke, but you should be
prepared for even more than the usual stares and subsequent
repercussions (E.g. not getting a tutoring job because someone saw you
smoking - they (Thai’s) wont tell you this directly, but it may be the
case)*
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Alcohol
The use of alcohol is not accepted during school hours. Only during
school sponsored activities/parties is the use of alcohol acceptable on
school grounds. Use of alcohol or being found under the influence of
alcohol on school grounds other than specified and arranged times, is
grounds for immediate dismissal. Alcohol consumption outside of the
school is under the discretion of the teacher with the reminder that
being a teacher carries responsibilities and expectations from the
community. Excessive alcohol abuse is not considered acceptable behavior
for a teacher in any country. *Again, the same stigma is attached to
females who drink excessively as is for smoking
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Drugs
The use of illegal drugs at any time is grounds for immediate dismissal
and possible prosecution under Thai laws. Thailand has extremely strict
regulations and subsequent penalties regarding the use and trafficking
of illegal drugs. * It is the foreigner’s responsibility to understand
the laws and regulations of the country that they choose to visit or
live and work in
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Thai culture
Thai people are extremely proud of their culture and are generally
passionate about sharing it with foreign teachers. It is expected that
foreign teachers make an effort to learn about Thai culture. While this
is not a requirement, it is a healthy suggestion that will improve your
standing as a teacher and person within a Thai government school and
community. Also, a greater level of understanding and/or acceptance (at
the very least knowledge) of Thai culture will make your time in
Thailand that much more enjoyable. All teachers are expected to respect
all aspects of Thai culture and act accordingly.
Expressing anger or having confrontations (which results in a “loss of
face”) are avoided at all costs and are not considered acceptable
behavior in Thai society. By expressing anger towards someone,
especially to someone in a higher position than you and particularly in
public, you cause not only yourself but the other person to “lose face”.
This is extremely negative in Thai society. It is strongly suggested
that you will express and discuss problems that you may encounter with
us in a similar fashion. NO Thai person responds positively to anger,
insistence, and yelling
Teachers are expected to understand this element of Thai society or at
the very least respect and accept it. While this and many other elements
of Thai society may seem “ridiculous” or even “stupid” to some
foreigners, it is a part of the culture in which you choose to live and
therefore must be accepted.
A calm, friendly, understanding, patient and smiling person will achieve
far greater things in Thailand than someone who is hot-headed or
quick-tempered. Expressing anger will only be taking steps backwards in
any situation.
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Health / Illness
It is not uncommon for people who choose to live in a foreign country to
have difficulties regarding health in the initial stages while their
bodies are adapting to a new climate, diet, and way of life. It is
therefore strongly recommended that all teachers purchase
travelers/health insurance for a minimum of 3 months to cover
emergencies. Health care is extremely cheap in Thailand relative to most
Western countries. Health care in Thailand also meets a relatively high
standard. Basic services such as medication and doctor visits are very
inexpensive. Basic Thai Health insurance is obtainable through various
organizations such as BUPA or AIA.
Teachers are allowed paid sick days for the semester. Sick days
exceeding this limit: teacher’s monthly salary will be reduced at a rate
per day. Teachers may be required to provide a doctor’s note proving
illness in the case of any discrepancies (E.g. frequent illness on
Mondays/Fridays/before or after long weekends). For any unexplained
absences, the teacher’s monthly salary will be reduced at a rate of 2000
baht/month. *Excessive illness without doctor’s certificate may be
grounds for dismissal.
Teachers must notify both the school and the company before 8:00 am on
the day that they will be absent. It is highly appreciated if teachers
phone the evening before so that preparations can be arranged to cover
your classes. Failure to notify both the company and the school before
8:00 am of the day of absence will be considered unexplained
There are no substitute teachers in some schools. Standard procedure is
for other teachers, when they have a free period, to teach in place of
the absent teacher. If a teacher is absent, foreign or Thai, you may be
asked to substitute in your free periods (no teacher should teach more
than 5 periods without a break). In the case of an extended absence,
overtime will be paid (see contract) Keep in mind that the same courtesy
will be extended to you and your classes when you are absent. In some
cases, a spare teacher will be arranged by us.
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Extra
Curricular Activities
There are often many school activities/parties/special days that may or
may not fall during regular school hours. You may be asked to join in
these activities. It is strongly recommended that you join at least SOME
of these activities or it will be thought that you don’t like the school
or the teachers in the school. Often these are great fun and a way to
meet important people in the community. Activities may include staff
parties, field trips to other areas of Thailand, weddings, dinner
invitations, after hours work (paid), etc.
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Discrepancies
As many of the schools we work with have never had foreign teachers or
have had little exposure to foreign teachers and cultures, there will
undoubtedly be some ‘hiccups’ along the way. Any discrepancies that
arise between what the school asks you to do and the contract you have
with us should be reported to our Coordinator. Often times these
discrepancies result from a communication error. By allowing the school
and us to discuss the matter, it is hoped, and been proven, that most of
these issues can be resolved much easier, faster and with less cultural
tensions than if you attempt to resolve them alone. Often these schools
want you to do many extra little things because they want to take
advantage of the fact that they finally have a foreigner working at
their school. It can be easy to get frustrated and angry, but this will
get you nowhere in Thailand. *If you don’t mind doing a few extra little
things… great, AND this is the best way to get involved and score extra
PAID work after school hours. The more involved you are, the more liked
you will be and the more people you will meet, thus more opportunities
will arise. However, we all need our own time and you will need to know
when to say “Sorry, I can’t do that”.
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It is a very compact experience. Extensive learning but
fun. A great experience with TEFL International and very
helpful to find placement
