While not as exciting as swimming with whale sharks and teaching fat, lazy tourists how to breathe 30 meters below the ocean’s surface, teaching English brings you closer to true Thai culture than a divemaster will ever get.  This is certainly a doable way to make it—and the first question I get whenever someone finds out I speak basic Thai, “You teach English?”.

I always flirted with the idea of teaching English as a foreign language before learning to make money online.  It is truly a fantastic way to travel the world.  But what is the English teacher lifestyle really like?  Does it pay enough to make it worthwhile? 

Well, I’ll be completely honest with you.  An English teacher’s salary is pretty meager.  You won’t be living like a king out here on this package.  Most teachers make around 30,000 baht per month, which is just under 1000 US dollars, but it is definitely plenty enough to live a comfortable lifestyle in this country, especially considering that teaching jobs often take place in rural areas of Thailand where you can live for next to nothing.  Find a gig with paid housing and you’re really sitting pretty.

The better jobs pay up to 60,000 baht, which is a fabulous lifestyle, and to look into this even further, there are some really high paid jobs out there with private schools.  I’ve met experienced, qualified teachers from the States who make 100,000 baht and up.  3000 US?  You’re living like a rock star for that much in Thailand; just don’t bring your rock star habits to the classroom.  These positions do not come along every day.

One thing to realize, however, is that Thailand has increased expectations and now (legally) requires a Bachelor’s Degree for you to be a teacher.  But this is Thailand, and it won’t take too many hours off the plane to realize “legal” is a flexible term.  Most people still work by networking and talking with schools directly.  And you can always find work in the rural areas. 

One more idea too many people ignore is offering private lessons.  With the right clients, you can charge up to 1000 baht per hour for a one on one session—much better than the 200 per hour they’re paying teachers to juggle a whole classroom.  Many people I’ve mentioned this opportunity to say its not possible without the experience and a client list; in my own opinion it would be possible with some proper marketing.  High society Thais in Bangkok spend this kind of money at the cinema.

Not looking for a way to pay your way but still want to teach?  There are plenty of opportunities for volunteering as well, and it is a cheap way to travel while bringing yourself up close to the culture and cuisine.  Many schools will offer a volunteer paid housing, food, and pretty much an open door into their lives.  And Thai generosity is a very valuable thing to have on your side.

If you want to do this for a living, you will need a TEFL certification, which is valid for teaching all over the world.  There are programs scattered across Thailand with amazing packages that combine your certification, Thai language courses, and genuine teaching experience in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.  Just Google your tropical destination of choice with the word “TEFL” and see what happens. 

Otherwise, try going to http://www.eslcafe.com/ to access more information and an international job board for teaching English around the world.  If English is your first language, you should consider yourself lucky.  It’s your ticket to international travel on the cheap and intercultural experiences that will blow your mind.  Take advantage!

Disclaimer: It is illegal to work in Thailand without a work permit, so those without a Bachelor’s may have to skirt around the rule.  People are doing it.  People are looking the other way.  But if you get in trouble, it’s your own problem.