The point of view of a non native speaker

Ratings
Overall
5
Benefits: 4
Support: 4
Fun: 3
Facilities: 4
Safety: 4
Review

Yes, it is possible to go with this program and then find a teaching job even if you are not a native speaker of English.

Is it easy?

No, it is not.

Is the program helpful when you are trying to do it?

Yes, up to certain point.

It has been a whole year since I first took the program and moved from Spain to Camboya and then Thailand, aiming to teach and to enjoy a truly special experience.

The initial contact from Spain with Language Corps was satisfactory, they assessed my English and advised on the possible options. Red tape and the rest worked smoothly.

The arrival to Camboya was shocking, coming from Europe and being everything in South East Asia so different as traveling to Mars might be as well. Still, it was a good start, great memories.

If you like a healthy cultural shock and to collect very nice stories to tell your friends in the future, plus making a solid contribution matters to you, then this part of the world is for you. If you expect the rest of the world to be some sort of American town only with different people and exotic fruits, then you may want to think twice before you come here.

People here can be really nice and surprising, but they don't see things the same way you do. And that include students and Thai teachers wherever you end up working.

Sorry, digressing...

Although the location of the HQ of Language Corps in Phnom Penh can certainly be improved, I wouldn't qualify that as big deal, being the most important part (teachers and staff) rather satisfactory.

Needless to say, the visits to Angkor Wat and the beach were awesome and a must for anyone in the country. Very well done.

After 2 weeks everybody moved to their country of choice, in my case, Thailand, to the city of Pattaya for the second part of the training.

Pattaya is not exactly a centre of study and concentration, but neither is the rest of Thailand, anyway.

Accomodation there was perfect and the staff helpful, although the training focused a lot on the job that is supposed to be done in private schools and not in the government schools where many teachers have to go...and where life and expectations are wildly different. This is in my opinion the biggest but of the course, although nothing that can not be amended just as easily.

As far as finding a job is concerned, LC in Thailand provides some help, but not a lot. I was diverted to a local agency who was the one who actually landed me a job, and a second one later on, both of them in Bangkok.

When I tried to get some help from LC between the first job and the second their response was rather evasive. However, the life of the non native is always hard and that is not LC fault, so I'm not gonna blame them. You have to understand, there is only so much they can do with the job market.

Truth be told, after a year teaching here I believe the course helped in a practical way (some teaching techniques). From the resume point of view, it provided a kick start in the country and the staff in short, was supportive without promising the moon, which I am thankful for.

Still, a more realistic approach to education in Thailand and its job market could help to boost the chances of everybody, including NES.

Overall, I would recommend the LC program in Thailand to my mates without hesitation, but I would polish some aspects of it and advice to whoever may be thinking in this adventure to be very sure about their teaching goals and understand that teaching in Siam is not like teaching in your own country. It takes patiente, determination and an open mind.

If you are a professional educator as myself, though, you will also enjoy the experience and grow as a teacher immensely.

About Thailand...I am not going to explain that. You have to experience it. Some love it, some hate it, just don't expect any winters neither a highly structured context. As they say, go with the flow...

Finally, is the course expensive?

As everything, it could sure be cheaper, but unlike so many other things, it does what it says in the tin.

Any questions...just ask!

Best of luck

Raúl

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would