Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. There are always job opportunities to teach English in Thailand. To legally work in the country you will need a bachelor’s degree, a valid passport, the correct visa, and in most cases a police clearance from your home country. You will typically need to attend an interview and be prepared to give a demonstration lesson before being offered a position.

Essential TEFL will assist you in drafting your CV, preparing for interviews, and making your job search as straightforward as possible. We are directly connected to Essential Educational Staffing, Thailand’s largest English teacher recruitment agency. Find out more about job placement.

You will be able to find positions in public, private, bilingual, and international schools. There are also opportunities at language centres, in corporate English training, and through online teaching platforms. With a TEFL certification you can teach in Thailand and use your qualification to work in English teaching markets anywhere in the world.

Thailand is a wonderful place to live and work, as long as you are open to new experiences. Bangkok provides enormous opportunities to grow personally and professionally, and people from across the world call Thailand home. It is easy to make friends and connect with people who share your interests. Bangkok is also a great base for exploring Thailand and the wider Southeast Asia region. Read our Bangkok living guide.

We suggest bringing between 100,000 and 150,000 THB. This covers a two-month apartment deposit, daily living costs during the course, and a financial buffer before your first salary arrives — most schools pay at the end of the month, so you could be working for several weeks before your first paycheque. Having a small emergency reserve on top of this is always sensible.

Salaries depend on the school type and location. Most teachers in Bangkok earn between 35,000 and 60,000 THB per month. Private and international school positions typically pay at the higher end. Many graduates also take on private tutoring or online teaching, which can add an additional 10,000 to 20,000 THB per month on top of their regular salary.

Rooms and apartments start from around 5,000 THB per month, with most condos and apartments ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 THB per month. Most landlords require a two-month deposit and a minimum stay of six months, so short-term options are worth considering while you find out where you will be working.

We recommend finding accommodation near a BTS or MRT line to make commuting easy both during the course and after. See our accommodation guide.

Yes. Thai people, especially in Bangkok, have a basic level of English. More detailed conversations can take some patience but that is part of the experience. Thai people are generally accommodating and helpful, and any language barrier is rarely a serious obstacle. As part of the course, we introduce participants to key Thai words and phrases for everyday life.

Yes. Bangkok has one of the largest expat communities in Southeast Asia, attracting people from all over the world. Part of the Essential TEFL programme involves connecting participants with working teachers and people who already live in Bangkok, so you begin building your network from the moment you arrive.

Yes. Essential TEFL has Wi-Fi at our training centre. Most schools also provide internet access. Accommodation varies — some include Wi-Fi, others do not. Affordable mobile data SIM cards are widely available in Bangkok and provide reliable internet access wherever you are.

No. The course fee covers training, certification, and course outings. Flights and personal travel costs are the responsibility of the participant. Note that some schools offer airfare reimbursement as part of their employment package — our job placement team can advise on this when matching you with positions.

Like anywhere, it depends on your preferences. A casual evening out with friends including a western meal and a few drinks will typically cost between 1,000 and 1,500 THB (around $30–$45 USD). Street food, local bars, and Thai restaurants are considerably cheaper.

Very easy. Bangkok is a major regional transport hub. A bus to a nearby beach town costs under 200 THB, and a domestic flight to Chiang Mai or the southern islands typically costs under 2,000 THB. Budget guesthouses start from around 300 THB per night. Our staff have lived in Thailand for many years and are happy to give travel advice on getting the most out of the country and region.

Bangkok has an expanding BTS Skytrain and MRT subway network that covers most of the city, plus a comprehensive bus system and affordable rideshare apps. The majority of teachers commute entirely by public transport. Our training centre is a five-minute walk from Lat Phrao MRT Station. Read our Bangkok living guide for more on getting around.

A meal at a Thai street food stall or local restaurant costs between 40 and 80 THB. The food court near our training centre offers a full meal for under 100 THB. Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city with a huge range of international cuisine available — prices vary widely, from affordable street food to higher-end restaurants.