Teach in Thailand with CIEE | Guaranteed Placement Before Departure

Name: Teach in Thailand with CIEE | Guaranteed Placement Before Departure
Brand: CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL
SKU: 29440
Rating: 4.83 (115 reviews)

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4.83 Rating

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Location

Thailand
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Khon Kaen
- Chiang Rai

Length

12 - 52 weeks

Classroom Audience

Early Childhood Elementary Middle School High School University Students

Financial Support

Payment plans

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Program Details

Qualifications

Native-level English fluency
Bachelor’s degree in any field
Citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom
Must be 50 years of age or younger

Classroom Audience

Early Childhood Elementary Middle School High School University Students

Housing

Apartment

Age Min.

Age Max

Pricing

Salary / Benefits

Participants earn at least 30,000 baht and up to 43,000 baht per month and receive free, furnished accommodation. Teaching experience required for the highest salaries.

Starting Price

1700

Price Details

Our program includes:

Guaranteed Job Placement - Receive full details about city, school, and housing well before arrival
Hands-on Guidance with document and visa prep
Community - Meet new friends at orientation in Thailand and online before arrival
Practical and Cultural Advice - Feel prepared with our extensive resources on topics like banking, cell phones, and Thai workplace norms
Four-Day Orientation in Bangkok - enjoy cultural activities, intro language lessons, delicious food, and hotel stay
Local Transport from orientation to your school
Experienced Advisors - Before you go, CIEE staff are available by phone, text, and email to provide clear instructions and individual attention
Schools Provide Rent-Free Housing

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Some Meals Travel Insurance

What's Included (Extra)

Multi-day Orientation in Bangkok

What's Not Included

Airfare Visa

Last Updated: Feb 02, 2024

Last Reviewed: Jan 25, 2024

Wish List

87 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

CIEE's Teach in Thailand program places teachers in paid positions teaching English at public and private schools in locations all across this beautiful country for 6 or 12 month contracts.

With CIEE, you're guaranteed to receive your teaching placement and work visa BEFORE departure. This means you don't have to stress about finding a job or applying for a visa after arriving in Thailand. You'll know exactly where you are going to be teaching before confirming your participation on the program.

You'll connect with other CIEE teachers at orientation in Bangkok so you can build a network of new friends. Orientation includes hotel accommodation, meals, cultural activities, and intro Thai language lessons to ensure you'll be set up for success while teaching in Thailand!

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Video and Photos

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Program Highlights

Guaranteed job placement and work visa prior to departure give you peace of mind!
Connect with other CIEE teachers and build a network of new friends
Hands-on Visa Guidance from CIEE experts
Orientation in Bangkok – including excursions, meals, and accommodation
Rent-free housing and competitive salary so you have money to travel

Program Reviews

4.83 Rating

based on 115 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Teach

5 rating 83.48%
4 rating 15.65%
3 rating 0.87%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Benefits 4.65
Support 4.85
Fun 4.45
Facilities 4.3
Safety 4.9

Good for Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers, Building your resume

Showing 9 - 16 of 115 reviews

I recently graduated from Louisiana Tech University in March 2021 and began teaching science and English to secondary students (7th through 12th grade) in Thailand in October of 2021. I was lucky enough to be placed in Phuket. CIEE is a little pricey but totally worth every penny. They help with all of the paper work and over seas communication. They helped me feel safe and secure traveling alone to live in a new place. I always knew I had the correct documents when traveling and to work as a foreigner. I would have been lost if I'd tried to move to a new country alone for the first time. They also follow up with you and make sure your doing well once you are settled in to your new position. The transition is of course challenging but CIEE helps ease that. The work load you have a teacher varies greatly depending on the subject and age you are teaching, but that has nothing to do with CIEE.

What would you improve about this program?

It'd be great if teachers were able to receive the classes they'll be teaching before the arrive in Thailand so that they can begin preparing early.

I came across CIEE through a simple Google search knowing little about it. After exploring the website I decided to apply for their Teach in Thailand program. I didn’t know much about traveling abroad or what that process would look like, but I decided to apply. After submitting my application I anxiously awaited to hear back about my acceptance. When I heard back from CIEE, they were quick to send me a timeline of steps I needed to take to begin my journey in Thailand. The process of traveling and teaching abroad is not an easy one, and it was much harder than expected. Everything is time sensitive and going through this process alone would've been very stressful. I am so thankful that CIEE was there every step of the way. My coordinator, Shanice, was available by phone and email whenever needed and was quick to respond back. With the amount of questions I was constantly asking I was so thankful I found such a supportive organization that was so willing to help. Even after I had arrived in Thailand and started my teaching, CIEE checked back in with me to make sure all was well. I couldn’t be more happy with my decision!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My best advice, as cliche as it sounds, is to always say yes and be willing to get out of your comfort zone. I have been teaching abroad for a little over a month, and I’ve already done so many things I never thought I’d do. Teaching in a foreign country is all about trying new things, and to get the most out of your experience you need to say yes to things that might seem scary at first.

Trip go Pattaya Beach! We had to climb a fence to get back to our Airbnb

For me, the best part about this program has been the application process and the support from CIEE. It is very hard to apply for jobs abroad - there are so many uncertainties and questions. You don’t know who to trust, you can’t be sure if there will be transparency. It is always best to go to teach abroad through a reputable organization like CIEE. For me, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are in safe hands and that things will be taken care of, can’t be overstated. CIEE was upfront with me about every aspect of living and working in Thailand. Their organization helped answer all my questions and their partners in Thailand, OEG, prepared us for working in Thai schools. I feel safe knowing I can reach out to CIEE anytime, with any questions. I am hopeful, that after my job in Thailand comes to an end, I can work in other programs in other countries that CIEE offers.

I was lucky because all of my teach abroad preferences were able to have been met (placement/student age/etc.) and the support from many of the teachers at my school has been very helpful while trying to acclimate. I didn't go to school for teaching and hadn't really planned to teach, but the nature of Thai schools and my workload have both helped build lots of confidence in that area. As far as pre-departure preparation, CIEE was extremely helpful and I don't think I could have navigated this on my own

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

I heard lots of stories about teachers starting their first day with no experience in Thai schools and being given a full schedule, but no amount of reading will fully prepare anyone for what that was like (especially having to teach content on the first day without the ability to prepare). But the students are really special and helpful, which I hadn't fully taken into account before I came. And time is/was the most important factor in trying to overcome that type of stress- I am still in the trial-and-error period, but I'm starting to feel more comfortable in my progress.

CIEE was such an awesome program that provided a significant amount of support throughout the whole process. I was really overwhelmed by the visa process and they made it as simple as possible and walked me through every step I needed! They also connected me with such an awesome school in Thailand! I wish the program was a little less expensive but I don't feel like the price hasn't been worth it. I would recommend this program for people feeling overwhelmed by visas and finding schools because CIEE did a great job helping me with all of that!

Samut Prakan! About an hour away from where I live in Thailand!

CIEE have been absolutely exceptional in every way!

Before I applied with CIEE to Teach in Thailand, the staff (namely Shanice and Stephen) were very friendly and responsive! Both happy to answer an onslaught of questions with clarity and reassurance.

The pre-departure process was made seamless and the orientation in country was loads of fun! I could not have felt more prepared to live and teach here! I'm having a great time now and feel I can always contact CIEE for help if needed. :)

10/10

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Expect a busy and challenging first month- getting used to the language, the food, the time difference, the weather, the new curriculum you'll be teaching etc.! After you've adjusted however, you'll have lots of time to explore and adventure! There's lots to do here, so try everything!!

I have been here a month and love it! Both CIEE and OEG helped me so much with the difficult transition that comes with moving across the world. My coworkers are amazing and so welcoming! I also got to meet lots of people from my OEG program and get to travel and explore with them on weekends. There can be challenging days but I know that’s what makes me stronger. The food is absolutely delicious and the views are gorgeous! This is definitely the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m so glad I’m here!

OEG orientation with traditional Thai dancers

I'm having a great time. I live in my own house. My neighbors are fellow teachers. Everyday we have a shirt walk to school to teach the most polite and well mannered high school students that I have ever met.

Outside the school the locals that I meet are all super polite and helpful towards me. The food that I get to eat like nothing I ever had before. It's all very exotic and tastes incredibly good, but sometimes the level of spice prevents me from really enjoying some of it.

I would highly recommend someone to coming to teach in Thailand. I have zero regrets.

What was your funniest moment?

I thought my Filipino teacher was Thai for a few days. He was speaking Thai to the locals.

Questions & Answers

Would you recommend the Teach in Thailand Plus program, or is the visa process simple enough to do on your own?

We currently provide the same level of visa support to all Teach in Thailand participants and only offer one program.

By CIEE Teach Abroad and CIEE TEFL on May 12, 2020

See all 2 answers

It says that housing is included in the program. Can you describe what type of housing is provided?

It varies depending on where your school placement is. Many teachers are in studio apartments in the same apartment complex as other foreign teachers. I've also heard of shared houses or apartments, always with your own room though!

By Madeline Rogers on March 3, 2020

See all 4 answers

Can I apply while in the last semester of earning my bachelors degree?

Answer this question

Can I stay there for two weeks ?

Unfortunately due to the nature of this particular program you must sign up for either 6 months or a year. But there are plenty of other volunteer organizations that would be happy to have you come volunteer for two weeks!

By Gabriela Perez-Dietz on November 9, 2017

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program based on several recommendations from close friends who also applied through the CIEE Teach in Thailand program. I did a lot of research on my own and determined that this program would give me the opportunity to travel, experience new culture, meet new people, try new food, as well as the unique opportunity to connect with and inspire a wide range of Thai students. I hope that they have learned as much from me as I have learned from each of them.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

CIEE did an outstanding job assisting me throughout the entire process leading up to my departure. Their interactive and user friendly website made the application process as simple and easy as possible. Once I was accepted into the program, I was in constant contact with my coordinator (Kerry Plath) via email and by phone conversations through the processes of completing important tasks such as filing for Travel Visa, finding a school/region that met my requests, living accommodations, and preparing for teaching abroad through CIEE's online pre-departure course. I truly felt like she was my personal liaison as any questions or concerns I had would be addressed in a timely and effective manner.

View Entire Interview

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

One piece of advice I would give to someone going on this program would be to allow themselves to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Not every little thing will work out in the exact way you thought it might, but that's okay. If you are a person who can go with the flow and adapt to a new setting and environment, this program will give you the opportunity to experience a beautiful and unique part of the world as well as a brand new culture that can only positively impact your life.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average school day for me starts at 7 AM when I take a 10-minute motorbike ride to my school. I teach multiple classes throughout the day to multiple matthayom's (grade levels) with about two periods off for class planning/preparation and lunch. The school day winds down at 4:30 PM. After school is let out, I head back to my apartment and meet up with friends and fellow teachers for dinner and to hang out.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was not being able to speak Thai. How would I be able to communicate with my students? How would I be able to communicate with the school administrators and faculty? I quickly understood that although not everyone around the school (or community) speaks fluent English, communication is formed by much more than just words. By using a combination of body language, hand gestures, and some of my newly learned Thai from orientation, I have had very little issue with communication.

What has been the most difficult adjustment teaching in a Thai school system?

Overall, there have been two glaring differences between teaching in a US school system vs teaching in a Thai school system. The first is "Thai time". Thai time is a cultural difference from the States that does not place any emphasis on punctuality. The first few weeks I was teaching, I would be shocked to arrive at my class that starts at 8 AM only to have students start to trickle in around 8:05 AM through as late as 8:25 AM. It is very easy to take this the wrong way and assume students are purposely arriving to your class late, or are being disrespectful, but they aren't. This is simply the result of long walks from one class to another across campus as well as "Thai time".

The second glaring difference is in the way that class curriculum and planning is handled from an administrative standpoint. The week before I started teaching classes, I was handed a binder with each class’ curriculum attached with subjects simply reading "Agriculture" or "Business", and that’s it for the most part. It is essentially 90% up to the teachers to determine what materials they think are most important and what materials they feel strongly enough about to teach their students. As far as lesson planning, homework assignments, quizzes, and tests are concerned, it is 100% on the teacher.

Oliver Clark

Amber Adams-Kuebler

2018 Alum

Caroline Forsey

2016 Alum

Gabriela Perez-Dietz

2016 Alum

Amy Sininger

2016 Alum

Alyssa Bolt

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory is from studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I spent a week backpacking through Patagonia with friends. I went ice trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier, explored Los Glaciares National Park, and hiked for the first time in El Chaltén. This trip really cemented my love for travel and adventure.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

In the time that I have worked here, I’ve become more knowledgeable on how to provide solutions and offer support for teachers. It’s important to take the time to listen and respond to requests in a timely manner. I really enjoy being able to share my own experiences teaching abroad and hope it encourages other teachers as well.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I enjoy hearing stories about CIEE Alum who choose to continue teaching abroad; whether renewing their contract or teaching abroad with us in another country. Having taught abroad in Spain and South Korea, I understand the excitement of wanting more time abroad. I also enjoy hearing about teachers who have met their partners while teaching abroad!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I could go on any program, I would choose CIEE's Teach in Thailand program. I have always wanted to travel to Thailand and learn more about Thai culture. I like that the program has a one-semester option and includes housing. Also, I’d love the chance to take Thai language lessons and meet other teachers at orientation.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

One aspect that makes our team unique is first-hand experience teaching abroad. I think it’s important to offer teachers an authentic perspective on what it’s truly like to live and work abroad. For me, I participated in our CIEE Spain Volunteer program a few years ago. My experience in this program led me to continue teaching abroad for the next few years.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe the biggest factors of success for a company are directly attributed to its values, leadership, and culture. Encouraging collaboration and responding with integrity creates a healthy work environment. I am glad to be a part of the CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL team and to work with individuals who truly enjoy what they do.

Ashley Lozon

Senior Coordinator

Stephen Bush

Teach Abroad Director

About CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL

CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL will support you through every step of your English teaching adventure, empowering you to explore new cultures, meet amazing people, and make a lasting impact on the lives of your students! CIEE TEFL's online courses will teach you everything you need to know to be a successful English teacher, from how to plan and deliver...

Program Details

Pricing

Program Highlights

Alumni Interviews

Ryan Bunyon

Why did you choose this program?

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

What has been the most difficult adjustment teaching in a Thai school system?

Staff Interviews

Alissa Malbrough

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?