EDBA

Education Department of Bangkok Archdiocese

Nittayo English Language Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

BE SURE ours is the kind of organization you want to work for before applying for a job. On this page are the questions which are most frequently asked by applicants. You can read them now or later, in any order, but you must do so before you can proceed to the application form. Just click a link or scroll down.

There are many publications and web sites for learning about Thai life and culture, and teaching in the country, and on this page and the rest of our site you will find many useful and interesting links for some essential reading which will help you to make your choice of school or agency and to save anything up to $4,000 or 2,500 pounds and maybe a lot of disappointment too. You will also want to visit this page before you submit an application. Finally, at the end of this page is an external link to a website developed by a teacher which gives a very concise overview of teaching in Thailand from a broader point of view.

NOTE: You can also discuss any of the questions below by clicking on the DISCUSS link.

Cast your vote at the foot of the page to move automatically to the application form.

 
Is NELC is a teacher agency?

No, it isn't. It does not sell anything (except the food in its campus cafeterias).

NELC is the linguistics facility, the foreign teacher recruiting service and Teacher Training Faculty (English) for the 43 schools of the Education Department of Bangkok Archdiocese, it also lends support to dozens more Catholic schools across the country.

It is on the vast campus of Joseph Upatham School, the academic headquarters of the 43 not-for-profit EDBA Catholic schools and colleges. To find out more about agencies and how to recognise ones to avoid, read all about the way Bangkok teacher agencies operate.

Prospective teachers should be cautious about the offers made by organizations who visit their universities or who operate websites demanding high placement fees and offering low salaries - or even expecting unpaid volunteers. Attention is drawn to the disclaimers on the sites of many commercial teacher recruiting agencies. Some provide an excellent service and you may have been referred to us by them.

Discuss

What 1. qualifications / 2. documents do I need?

1. QUALIFICATIONS: - The Thai government insists on a minimum of a bachelor degree (any discipline) for all teachers to work legally in the country or a recognised diploma of equivalent degree level in an education or linguistics related field.

The EDBA and most other non-government schools schools generally also require an internationally recognised TESOL certificate, but in some cases this may not be neccessary. Depending on the quality of teacher they require, schools demand different TEFL qualifications, some none at all. Please note that not all courses offer the same quality and content. There is no international accrediting body for TESOL course. The NELC accepts certificates from all recognised, established institutes.

As teaching is an activity based occupation which requires practice before qualifying, fewer schools are now accepting 'on-line' certificaes of less than 120 hours and without at least 6 hours observed practical teaching (minimum requirements for UK government ACCREDITED course providers). Check that your course met these requirements (in some cases, NELC can make exceptions). Among the most widely known and accepted qualifications are the University Of Cambridge (UCLES) 'CELTA' and the Trinity College TESOL . Their courses are offered worldwide by accredited language institutes, and their content serves as a reference for other course providers.

2. DOCUMENTS: Originals, plus legally certified translations if not in English, of academic degrees must be available to be viewed by the different government departments. They will however only keep photocopies of these. Your originals will never leave your hands. Documents, copies and/or translations can usually be certified at your embassy.

A police clearance certificate for males is now required with visa applications at most embassies and consulates. It is obtainable from the central criminal records office of their state and / or country. They may also be required to present evidence that no complaints exist against them from any other country where they have taught. Previous visas in the passport may be used to insist on clearance from those countries.

For exact details on how to obtain this in your country or from abroad please go here.

NOTE 1: The Bachelor degree or its provable equivalent is mandatory. The government now requires all schools to verify the degree certificates AND the issuing colleges for authenticity. Since the September 2006 coup d'état, the military government has made a point of undertaking new measures to deter unsuitable persons from seeking employment as teachers of chilldren and also checks that the schools are carrying out the required controls. Accredited universities are only those which are featured on the USA State and/or UK and Australian government lists. Diploma Mill degrees will not be accepted. Our application form will automatically check your university's accreditation with the government on-line database if that information is in the public domain.

NOTE 2: Holders of degrees in Education or Linguistics or teachers with extensive verifiable EFL experience are NOT required to be TESOL certified, and it would be of no special advantage to qualified and experienced teachers to take part in any training schemes.

DISCUSS

How much will I earn?
NELC salary scales are commensurate with qualifications and experience and range from 30,000 to 40,000 Baht. Other EDBA schools and colleges may practise slightly different pay scales. Teachers should arrive with sufficient funds untill their first salary payment. Salaries are paid in cash in the last full working week of the month. EDBA schools are NOT able to make any advances on salary, so staff are asked to save the Thai department head the embarrassment of refusing. Taxation is imposed according to Thai law but is very low. Use our currency converter and remember that your pound or your dollar goes up to four times further in Thailand.
DISCUSS
Can I earn some overtime?
Yes. Overtime is optional; at Joseph Upatham there is usually enough for all full time staff and significant extra remuneration can be gained from teaching Saturday morning classes. Substitute teaching for absent staff during normal working hours is also paid as overtime. Suitably qualified and experienced teachers may be invited to instruct on training courses for Thai teachers. There may also be optional camps and workshops during the holidays which could be a bonus for those staying around. NELC does not allow its contract staff to engage in any part time employment with other organisations or to solicit private tutoring.

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What else is in the package?
  • There's a COMPLETE list on our benefits page.
  • Free accommodation at Where can I live . Teachers can move in up to up to 14 days before the semester starts.
  • NELC pays for Thai visas, teacher licenses and work permits. No pay is lost for administative visits such as visa runs and official transport is provided for visits to the immigration and labour offices.
  • Paid sick leave (limited).
  • Accident insurance is free.
  • Subsidized full medical care scheme (optional). Employees can join the school's excellent full medical cover scheme provided by the famous BUPA from as little as $5 per month saving hundreds of $s on private membership.
  • All new arrivals from abroad are greeted personally at the airport by the Director of Studies with official transport.
  • Full pay throughout the 3 or 4-week vacation in October (2-semester contract).
  • Salary increment for renewal of contract.
  • Option of extra work for extra pay during the unpaid vacations.
  • Air fares refunded at the end of satisfactory service as follows:
  • Two complete semesters):
    • return (round trip) economy air fare.
  • One complete semester:
    • 50% of the cost of a return (round trip) economy air fare.
  • Option to change to a two-semester contract until 45 days before termination - this will obtain the benefits of the longer contract.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Lowest fare available flights (which are probably not direct) from the nearest INTERNATIONAL hub - connecting domestic flights are not covered. Canada: a connecting leg to a USA airport can no longer be refunded
DISCUSS

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What about teacher training?
A TESOL certificate is not mandatory, but will certainly enhance the employment prospects and the application for a Work Permit. There is now a great choice of TESOL colleges in Thailand and abroad, and the need for NELC to provide in-house training is no longer required. NELC is happy to provide details of course providers.To complete a TEFL training course before starting teaching, NELC has partnerships with selected top TEFL colleges in the UK, Ireland and Thailand which guarantee subsequent employment at NELC (depending on vacancies). DISCUSS

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Do I have to be a Catholic to teach for an EDBA school?

No, you don't. The education is secular and our English teachers are not expected to include any religious content in their lessons. They can of course explain what Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving are all about. Our foreign teachers are not expected to attend any forms of worship or religious functions, and proselytizing is discouraged.

The schools obviously uphold Christian values, but membership of the faith is by no means obligatory neither for the students nor for the Thai staff amongst whom a surprising number of different religions are represented. Although the principals and some administrators are priests, nuns or members of a Catholic order, Christianity is far less evident in our schools than Buddhism is in the government schools. The principals are also highly qualified educators, often with a degree in teaching or school administration from a Western university. In fact, most of the Thai teachers and students are Buddhist. Buddhism tolerates the practice of several religions simultaneously by one person in so far as they adhere to humanitarian principles and do not conflict in their teachings. DISCUSS

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What does the school expect from me workwise?

Staff are not required to carry out non-educational functions (cleaning classrooms, repairing things, tidying up storerooms, sortiing library books, supervising students at meal times, etc.). Neither are they expected to be present at functions outside normal working hours or on weekends, nor are they required to attend any morning flag-raising ceremonies or prayers. So who is your boss? See the question What about promotion and authority? below.

Generally in EDBA schools, teachers administer 22 to 24 50-minute periods from Monday to Friday. Working hours are 07:45 to 16:15 and permission must be requested to leave the campus during the day. Official public holidays are paid, as well as many extra Catholic and Buddhist holidays. Some teachers may be expected to carry out occasional teaching off-campus in nearby associated schools and colleges; this could constitute overtime or be part of the agreed weekly schedule, and transport is provided.

There is a probationary period of one month for teachers recruited locally by interview and who have taught in a Thai school at some time during the preceeding 12 months. Probation is 90 days for people recruited by telephone interview. During these periods the legal requirements (visa, teachers licence, work permit) are applied for at the school's cost.

Before committing themselves irrevocably, teachers are sent a contract to review describing the exact terms and conditions in detail which have already been broadly outlined in these FAQs. If they feel they do not wish to be bound by the simple rules (there are a lot of them because they cover every eventuality) they can of course withdraw from the offer of employment.

A pdf copy of the 2007 edition of the HANDBOOK for EDBA teachers can be downloaded here. (3 second download, select 'save to disk' and read it offline). It becomes part of the contract. DISCUSS

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Who will I work with?

At Joseph Upatham, the many foreign teachers are of mixed origins and backgrounds. Ages range from 21 to 70 of both genders, and qualifications range from TEFL/TESOL trainee to Ph.D. The hierarchy within the group is decidedly flat, irrespective of pay scales, qualifications, and length of service. Experience is shared and no one should be too proud to seek advice from their peers. So who is in charge? See the question What about promotion and authority? below.

Thai classroom assistants or home-room teachers accompany the pupils to the classrooms and stay with them most of the time and are responsible for the behaviour and discipline of their students. Genuine academic support is provided by a team of expert Thai academic staff.

Many of our native or bilingual foreign staff members are featured on the meet the teachers page.

In other EDBA schools, particularly those in more rural areas, the Thai staff are particularly caring and hospitable. They will often compete amongst each other to make the foreign teacher part of his/her family!

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What's the school like?

General education, particularly high school, is fairly recent in Thailand and all Thai schools which can afford foreign teachers are of modern design and most are less than forty years old. Joseph Upatham is a very modern school, the earliest building, the seminary, dates from 1964. Some buildings constructed more recently are already being demolished to be replaced by even more functional architecture. The brand new, state-of-the-art all girls' section was opened in May 2006.

The Joseph Upatham Catholic schools, together with the purpose built Nittayo English Language Centre (2001) are on a modern 50 acre campus which also accommodates an impressive international Catholic convention centre, a high school seminary for the training of future priests, a swimming pool, cafeterias, an aviary, a zoo, several adventure playgrounds and many sports fields and tennis courts.

The school is part of the Education Department of the Catholic Archdiocese of Bangkok (EDBA). It is the main institution of the 43 schools which are administered by the board and as such is responsible for the design and development of curricula, syllabuses, teacher training, teaching materials and the publication of textbooks. The school is a non-profit organisation and its status is similar to that of a UK registered charity. The Catholic Education Department is the largest single provider of non-governmental education in Thailand and works in very close collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

The EDBA schools follow the national curriculum, and textbooks produced by the EDBA are used in over 100 Catholic schools in the country.

At Joseph, the pupils all wear uniforms, which are the same for all school children throughout the country. Uniforms are standard in Asia and even university students have to wear them. Thai children are very smartly dressed but not as well behaved as in the West. DISCUSS

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Where can I live?

Joseph Upatham and most EDBA schools provide FREE accommodation for single and married teachers. Although not considered part of the remuneration package, it is nevertheless available for those who choose it. It is rare that schools have vacancies for both members of a couple. In Thailand it is not particularly culturally desired. Also, in total contrast to what is generally believed, it is a very conservative country, unmarried couples are generally not socially accepted, and at teacher level, particularly in a Catholic organisation, it would be tantamount to a scandal. Occasionally the EDBA may be able to offer posts in different schools in the same area.

Unmaried couples can find plenty of alternative accommodation. Typical rents for such self-contained modern furnished studio apartments with air-conditioning and telephone would be about 3,500+ baht, or 5,500+ baht (2006) in Bangkok. Many teachers have met their Thai wife, often a teacher, and settled in the country permanently.

Although some married teachers live with their children in the apartments, most of our teachers, particularly those living with partners, prefer to rent town houses in the nearby sois (lanes), or a little nearer the night life. Some have bought or built their own houses. Click this link for complete information on the extraordinary low costs of buying or building a house in Thailand and if you want to ask those who have done it on a teacher's salary, go to house construction in Thailand.

The NELC's apartment building for its foreign teachers is situated well away (600m) from any main roads in its own gardens at about 1 Km from the school, a 10 minute walk or three minutes on a 15 baht motorcycle taxi.

Accommodation often includes a TV lounge for the foreign teachers with several free-to-air cable programmes. An optional individual cable TV with dozens of programmes in English including action movies, sports, documentaries and news from the US, UK and Australia, with TV set can be provided in the apartment at a very low cost. Fully equipped cooking facilities are provided for teachers who prefer to do their own catering.

The NELC condo includes an air conditioned cafeteria that offers Thai meals from as little as 25 Baht, and there is also a convenience store, and a well equipped gym .

Washing machines and ironing facilities are provided for free use although there is an inexpensive 24 hour in-house laundry service (shirt washed and ironed, 12 baht).

Bottled drinking water is supplied free for all NELC residents.

Pizza can be ordered by phone and delivered from the nearby western style pizza shops.

Residents are expected to pay for their tap water and electricity; a typical month's consumption for both together would be 350 - 450 Baht, but higher if residents are heavy on the air-conditioning.

A small deposit (currently 2,000 baht) is required which is refunded when residents move out or renew their first contract.

Please note that the type of accommodation may differ at other EDBA schools. Some accomodation may be locally hired villa style houses, town houses, or teacher accommodation on the campus, but they do contain Western style comforts. Some schools may offer a housing subsidy.

A pdf copy of the 2007 edition of the HANDBOOK for EDBA teachers can be downloaded here. (3 second download, select 'save to disk' and read it offline). It becomes part of the contract.

DISCUSS

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What can I do in my spare time?

Joseph Upatham and associated schools in Sampran: Those who prefer the relative calm of the area will enjoy an ideal situation to continue with some private study, making use of the campus facilities and enjoying a lifestyle which is much closer to Thai tradition than the dense, cosmopolitan sprawl of the capital.

There is of course ample opportunity to get away for the weekend to Bangkok.

In Om Yai city (1.5 km), there are numerous markets and dozens of shops of every kind and plenty of activities, including shopping western style which is a breeze; there is a Big C mall with Cineplex in the area, which makes a meal and a movie possible in a midweek evening . For (slow) fast-food , MacDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut abound. For more detailed information about the area, check out this Wikipedia entry.

There are all kinds of Thai eateries in the area from streetside food carts to expensive restaurants and bars with animation.

The region is home to many of Thailand's important monuments, tourist attractions and floating markets. The entrance to the famous Sampran Elephant Ground and Crocodile Show is directly opposite the school's main gate - the NELC supervisor can organise FREE entry for foreign teachers.

Several holiday locations such as Hua Hin (seaside), Kanchanaburi (jungle, rafting, bridge over the River Kwai), Ayuthaya (vast temple ruins), Chonburi (beach), Pattaya (well enough known!) and even some of the islands (Ko Samet, Ko Chang) are within weekend reach.

The school calendar also provides for several long weekends during which destinations further afield can be reached - even in neighbouring Laos, Cambodia, Burma and Malaysia.

For location descriptions of other EDBA schools currently recruiting, please visit their respective pages which are published on this web site from time to time according to requirements.

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What is working in an EDBA school really like?

At Joseph Upatham all 6,900 pupils receive two periods a week of English with their native speaker teacher. The foreign teachers usually have their own permanent air-conditioned classrooms to which the students are brought in groups of 20 - 25 by their class teachers or classroom assistants who usually stay with them throughout much of the lesson. Joseph Upatham also has a Bilingual School and a government authorised EP.

Lesson planning takes up very little time and teachers can spend their free periods anywhere on the campus, surfing the net in the staff rooms or working in their own classroom.

There are of course penalties for being late, awol, failing to report sick or not complying with other regulations. These are clearly explained in the teachers' handbook and full details are on the contract.

Teachers work to a clearly defined syllabus and are given a dossier for the semester which includes the outline requirements for every lesson they teach which is concurrent with the standard textbook in use by the Thai teachers.

At NELC the teaching materials and resources are second to none, almost every ELT resource book ever published is available, together with a host of pro-active flash cards, language games, pedagogic toys, videos, CD and DVD and CAL programmes. Many classrooms are equipped with state-of-the art technology including computers, CCTV, sound recording and LCD projection. In May 2006 a brand new resources center was inaugurated where all the available materials can be researched on a library style database.

There should be no need for teachers to provide their own realia, and stationery is of course free and unlimited, with free photocopying, scanning, printing (in colour) and laminating. (Resources which a teacher makes with free facilities, become property of the school and are listed in the database).

For the exclusive use of the foreign teachers there are superbly equipped air-conditioned staff and computer rooms with scanners and printers. There is approximately one computer per two teachers.

NELC teachers take a pride in the decoration of their classrooms.

A number of English language newspapers and periodicals including the Bangkok Post are provided for the teachers.

NOTE: In contrast to many schools in Asia, at NELC we listen to our foreign teachers. In fact many of the innovations and materials in use today have been the ideas and suggestions of past and present members of the foreign staff.

So what happens if something goes wrong? It shouldn't, of course, but if there is a problem, see the question What about promotion and authority? below.

Most other EDBA schools are significantly smaller and due to the lower number of foreign teachers on their staffs, (often only two) the facilities may not be quite so extensive as at Joseph Upatham. The working conditions and environment are nevertheless very similar, and just as supportive. The NELC Director of Studies is always available, by telephone, internet, or visit, to lend a hand. DISCUSS

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Where is Joseph Upatham School?

Ben (9 years old when this web site was first designed in early 2004) has drawn a nice little map to go with a very detailed description of all the different ways of getting to Joseph Upatham. Maybe one day we will replace it with something more professional.

The district of Samprahn is on the very border of Nakhon Pathom province and the metropolitan province of Bangkok, directly east of the capital, putting the campus equidistant from the capitals of both provinces - about 40 Km from each. This represents in real terms a 45 minute car or minibus ride, or up to one and a half hours in a city bus to the centre of downtown (Siam Square/ Sukhumwit / Silom) Bangkok.

Takham and Om Yai, the sub districts of Samprahn around the campus, are practically far-flung suburbs of Bangkok. As a ribbon development along one of the capital's major tentacular access routes it therefore constitutes a fairly built up area - at least along the roadside.

Some of our teachers who have decided to make the Land of Smiles their permanent home live in the cities and commute daily. They either own their own cars or live on one of the fast minibus routes.

For more detailed information about the area, check out this Wikipedia entry.

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Where is NELC and how do I get there?

See above: Where is Joseph Upatham School? The NELC is a major complex on the Joseph Upatham campus.

What will it cost me to live?

Our best answer to this is to go HERE first, then return to this page. It's an external site, but it's accurate, up to date, and says it all.

It is important to note that the cost of living in Samprahn is significantly lower than in Bangkok, and living in other regions is cheaper still. Use our currency converter and remember that your pound or your dollar goes up to four times further in Thailand.

DISCUSS

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What am I supposed to wear? (probably the most delicate question)

Read THIS first: then come back to this question!

After the royalty and the Buddhist monks, teachers occupy the next highest place in Thai society. They are therefore exceptionally well dressed.

Clothing regulations in Thai schools can appear strict compared with dress for teachers in western countries. In Thailand, teachers' dress is equivalent to formal business attire for tropical countries.

Our teachers are expected to comply fully with our dress requirements.

In contrast to most other Asian countries, all Thai people are always smartly clothed for both work and leisure - at least in the large towns and cities. It is their way of demonstrating that their land has moved away from the stigma of 'developing country'.

The attire for female teachers comprises a skirt below the knee, a short or long-sleeved blouse and sensible shoes; trousers, trainers and sandals are not allowed. NOTE: Sleeveless blouses/T-shirts are not allowed on the campus during working hours. (Sport excepted - whether participating or not, teachers are given free, school monogramed T-shirts and/or jogging suits to wear around the campus on sports days). Long hair should be tied. A tailored mauve silk/cotton suit is provided free of charge by the school for female teachers. Respectable female citizens in Thai society do not expose their shoulders or lower neck except for very special occasions, and this usually within the style of traditional folk costume or what is permitted for sports.

Male teachers should wear plain, knife-edged pressed, formal trousers, with a plain belt. Plain, well ironed long or short sleeved shirts in sober tones, with a non clashing, correctly knotted tie. Alternatively, a traditional Asian teachers' lightweight cotton bush-jacket suit can be provided free of charge. Although this enables one to dispense with a necktie, many of our male teachers prefer normal wear. Brown or black conventional laced or slip-on leather shoes (trainers, sandals and leisure footwear are NOT accepted). NOTE: T-shirts and open collars are not allowed on the campus during working hours. (Sport excepted - whether participating or not, teachers are given free, school monogramed T-shirts and/or jogging suits to wear around the campus on sports days). Hair for males in Thailand is short (above the ears) and very tidy.

Males in Thailand do not wear earrings.

NOTE: Both genders: visible piercings (including nose-rings and studs), visible tattoos and otherwise excessive jewellery (multiple earrings) or heavy makeup are not allowed.

Dress-down: The NELC allows a gentle degree of leisure attire for weekend teaching, but jeans, T-shirts, shorts and trainers are still taboo. Ladies can wear trousers, but not leggings. A teacher in Thailand must be neatly dressed at ALL times.

Note: Thais have an extraordinary high standard of bodily hygiene - the tropical climate dictates it, and many Westerners are strongly advised to learn from it. Pupils are quick to complain to their Thai teachers about the foreign staff.

Buying Clothes: Clothing in Thailand is extremely cheap and of good quality (probably what you are wearing now was made here). There is no need to invest heavily in clothes and travel with a lot of baggage.

What you wear in your free time is up to you - but people might not believe you if you tell them you are a teacher. In terms of leisure apparel, although Thailand has leapfrogged into the 21st century, scruffy is not chic and tank-tops and slashed jeans are definitely OUT - particularly in an area where you obviously belong to a nearby school.

A pdf copy of the 2007 edition of the HANDBOOK for EDBA teachers can be downloaded here. (3 second download, select 'save to disk' and read it off line). It becomes part of the contract.

DISCUSS

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What is living in Thailand really like?

Thailand is now even more developed than some of the 'new' European Union countries and certainly more so than Central or South America, and you will see that living in Thailand is not really much different from living and working anywhere else. (see CULTURE further down in this section)

It is worth noting here that in total contrast to what is generally believed, it is a very conservative country, unmarried couples are not usually socially accepted, and at teacher level it would be tantamount to a scandal.

From the point of view of even a long term visitor, most of Thailand is so modern now that it could hardly be described as a developing country. This is not a country where the streets are a colourful chaos of pedestrians with bundles on their heads, rickshaws, bullock carts, stray cows or elephants - these charms are missing, but Thailand offers plenty of others. 98% of the roads are paved, and many are six, eight or ten lane super interstate highways or city freeways (elevated urban motorways). Public transportation (including taxis) is clean, fast (sometimes too fast), and cheap.

97.9% literacy also puts it ahead of some countries in Europe.

What about the language barrier? There is a certain consensus of opinion which maintains that Thais are not very good at languages. However, even in the remotest parts of the country, including the villages in the so called 'poor' region of Isaan, it is surprising just how many people do in fact speak a little English. Whilst the standard of English which is taught in the schools is low - and that is why foregn teachers are needed - it is incalculably easier to get around Thailand with English than it is for example in France. It can be fun to learn some Thai, the Thais will respect you for your effort even if they don't always understand your horrible pronunciation. But it is not absolutely necessary to learn it.

Electricity, tap water (in Bangkok city it is even drinking quality) and cell phone coverage, and air-conditioned intercity busses, are nationwide including remote areas. For keeping in touch with home, a basic cell phone costs about US$30 and a starter SIM card for prepaid billing also permits making and receiving international calls and only costs about US$5. If your country uses the GSM system and you already have a mobile phone, all you need to do is buy a Thai SIM card for it for about $5. Even if you phone home, you will probably spend less than $5 per month on calls. There are of course coin and card pay-phones everywhere and the Thai telephone system is fully digital, works perfectly and is very cheap - even for foreign calls. VOIP (e.g. SKYPE) can be used from our computers.

Managing your money is not a problem - NELC will walk you through the process of opening a Thai bank account in one of the banks 350 meters from the school. It takes 10 minutes. The account comes with an international VISA Electron debit card. The card is used primarily for withdrawing cash from ATMs of any bank (and there are literally thousands of ATMs in Thailand) here and abroad, but can also be used to make purchases anywhere in the world displaying the VISA or MasterCard sign.

Foreign Visa and Master cards can also be used in ATMs and shops in Thailand. There is also an ATM cash dispenser on the campus just 30 metres from the Nittayo English Centre, and ATMs are close to all EDBA schools. There are many large western style shopping malls and commercial centres all over the country, more than enough 24/7 SevenEleven convenience stores and a brand new Big C mall with Cineplex and every conceivable kind of shop has recently opened just 800 metres from Joseph Upatham School.

Thailand's great variety of what to buy is matched by an exciting choice of where to buy. Once eclipsed by Hong Kong and Singapore, today Thailand holds its own for shopping in the region. From glistening air-conditioned shopping plazas and conventional department stores selling designer labels, to traditional markets and street stalls selling fake watches or pirated software, its a paradise for shoppers and dedicated bargain hunters.

Department stores have fixed prices, but a little bargaining is still accepted and expected in most shops and certainly with street vendors. Language won't be a problem; you'll pass a calculator back and forth until you agree on a price. Ten to twenty percent off the first quoted price is a good compromise if you are spending enough money.

Shopping in Thailand is indeed a wonderful experience and you'll always feel that you get your money's worth. The overall cost of living is approximately one fourth of that of the USA or Western Europe so Thai salaries for foreign teachers will go a long way and it is even possible to save some. Use our currency converter on this site to calculate prices.

If Thai food is not quite what you are looking for, there are plenty of alternatives to suit all pockets, and where accommodation is provided by the school, residents can also do their own catering.

CULTURAL OBSERVANCE is expected from any one who is going to be here for longer than a short beach holiday, and discovering it and getting it right are some of the pleasure of living in a different country. Thais will put up with the gross habits of Western foreigners as long as they are in traditional vacation areas for a short time only and and are spending plenty of money - do read THIS if you haven't done so already.

Thai cultural differences are all positive: we will take our shoes off when we enter spaces which require it, we do not point at people or beckon them with a finger, we do not raise our arm and yell to hail a cab, we NEVER raise our voices (even during an argument!) and are never impatient. In conversation, we never interrupt - we always wait for the speaker to finish. We never touch strangers or people outside our immediate family, and we incline ourselves when walking past people who are sitting or between two people who are conversing or to walk through a queue. We never place cutlery directly on the table and we learn that putting food in our mouths with a fork is just not done (obvious exception, eating Western food for which there is no alternative method). We observe the politness for the Royal Family and stand for the National Anthem and we NEVER put our foot on a dropped coin or note to prevent it rolling or blowing away. Believe it or not, adults give up their places for children on busses and skytrains, but getting on the bus may be a pushing, shoving free-for-all affair! Westerners should not be offended by the deluge of questions such as "Where are you going?', "Where have you been?", "Have you eaten yet?", "Have you had a shower yet?" - these are the Thai equivalents of "Hi, how're you doing?" and just require a broad smile for an answer. In Thailand it is not considered impolite to not answer a question, even if one is asking the way, the time or a price. If Thais do not want to answer, they won't, and nothing will be gained by insisting. It may also be a challenge for a while to come to terms with a linguistic culture that has no direct equivalents for 'yes' and 'no', and where to answer any question with "I don't know" means losing face. DISCUSS

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What do our teachers think about working for NELC?

Read Chris Bailey's comments from Northampton in England:

"Thanks to the efficient grapevine of information that exists within Thailand's TEFL community, I found myself in a classroom full of cheery-faced 6 year olds, all wanting to dance and sing and jump around for 50 minutes, whilst I attempted to communicate with them in my language, and they invariably tried to communicate with me in theirs! So, having abandoned my elongated vacation for the chance to gain some more teaching experience, I duly fulfilled my obligations, dancing, singing and jumping my way through the best part of summer and, I must admit, having a lot of fun with it.

Having taught in Asia for 3 years at a variety of schools, I can assure any prospective teachers that it will be difficult to find better working conditions anywhere than the conditions at this school.

The facility is brand new, the staff are friendly and supportive and the setting of the school is a world away from the grey concrete tower blocks which surround most teaching establishments in this area. As for the children, well, they are the same as they are anywhere in the world; if you like them, they will like you; if you make learning English fun, they will make teaching English fun. Your personal experience will be entirely what you make of it.

Life in the immediate vicinity of the school and the mansion is quiet, but a welcome relief from the frenetic lifestyle found in central Bangkok. Of course, after a week of living and working in the tranquil environment in which the school exists, that frenetic lifestyle may be just what is needed to help you unwind, in which case it is only an hour's bus ride to the heart of Bangkok!

I have quickly fallen in love with Thailand; the pace of life, the attitude of the people, the climate, the food and much more besides.

Unfortunately, circumstances dictate that I have to return to the cloudy skies of England, but I will take fond memories of my time here back with me. I strongly recommend that you give yourself the opportunity to do the same".

Christopher Bailey, August 2005 (If you have any queries of your own, feel free to send me an email here. )

On a visit to Thailand in 2006, Chris stopped by at the NELC to say hello. He is currently completing a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) in the UK.

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Why did my doctor tell me I need vaccinations and Malaria tablets?

The doctor wanted your money. You and your doctor are probably in a country which does not operate free health systems like those of the countries of the European Union, Australia and New Zealand. Except for crossing the road, there are no frequent or serious health hazards in Thailand. Vaccinations are not required for any tropical diseases, and there is absolutely no need whatsoever to take malaria prophylactics, and snake bites are as rare as they are in England.

There is more chance of catching Malaria in the swamps of Florida, and STD in Stockholm. DISCUSS

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What if I fall ill?

Health care is excellent and often better than that of many European countries - and much faster than in the UK.

Whilst the ratio of physicians to population in rural areas may be low, in urban areas doctors offices, clinics and hospitals abound. The standards of hi-tech equipment and hygiene are among the highest in the world and treatment is so inexpensive that many people come to Thailand for important operations and cosmetic surgery.

CAT and MRI scans, laser eye correction and new hip joints, tooth implants, orthodontics and nose jobs are routine here.

As previously mentioned, NELC provides free accident insurance and offers a highly subsidised full medical care option for its foreign staff with the Thai branch of the British BUPA, leaving the teacher only around $67 / 38 pounds per year to pay instead of the $400 or 200 pounds for private membership (which is still cheap). This optional insurance package provides cover for major medical, surgery and outpatient treatment, a private room with bathroom and cable TV, private consultation and post-operative care. This is far less to pay than for a standard 30-day travel insurance package offered by a travel agent in your country.

EDBA schools will pay sick leave for a limited number of days only. All sick leave must be authenticated by a doctor's certificate, and teachers must phone before 7.45 am to avoid losing a day's pay. In very exceptional cases, the school may cover the cost of repatriation if it is not covered by insurance. The school will not cover any medical bills for non insured personnel, but in rare, serious cases it may advance the cost and deduct it from future salaries or flight refunds. Permanent residents of Thailand and their families must be able to fund their own medical costs at all times, or join the school's BUPA scheme which can also be extended to cover their Thai wife and children. DISCUSS

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What about promotion and authority?

As there is no hierarchy, there is none. Different job descriptions may carry different weightings. All foreign staff on the Joseph Upatham Campus report directly, and only, to the Director of Studies at the NELC. In other EDBA schools, to the Principal. Foreign teachers are not expected to take orders from the rank and file of the Thai staff.

Teachers will move up the pay scale if they gain important experience or qualifications or take part in the NELC "Earn while you learn" scheme or stay with the school for a long time (some of the teachers have been with the school for nine years).

Opportunities may arise to transfer between schools within the EDBA organisation and other Catholic schools in the country, but not all schools operate the same pay scales and benefits as NELC and Joseph.

Some mainstream schools in central Bangkok offer higher salaries but the cost of living is considerably more expensive; disposable income is thus not increased.

Other schools, like Joseph Upatham, are in the provinces.

HERE is a full list of our schools.

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HOW DO I APPLY FOR A JOB?

(If you arrived here from the application form, please use your browser back button to return to it)

Now that you are sure that ours is the kind of organisation which you would like to be part of, please follow carefully these simple instructions:

1. Cast your vote below to go to the APPLICATION FORM . Once there, you can also upload your documents after submitting the form.

2. It is important to complete the form correctly, the programme will reject forms with errors or conflicting information. Move your mouse over the yellow field labels for more tips. The Professional Experience is the most critical information: if it is incomplete, too much, or the wrong kind of information, the program will delete your application, so if you are copying and pasting, please check your word count. You will also be asked to chose whether you want your application to be considered only by NELC, or all the 42 EDBA schools, or over 100 Catholics schools around the country.

3. If you cannot upload your documents immediately, please make a careful note of the special e-mail address on the confirmation and upload page, and send your documents as e-mail attachments within five days.

5. By applying, you are not comitting yourself to anything, you can withdraw your application at any time, and your details are safe with us. References are taken up only if you accept an offer of employment. Qualifications are verified with the issuing institutes.

6. Practicums and Internships: If you need an assessed practical module for a course of study you are following, just complete the form correctly but state your requirement in the Experience field.

The next steps are: accepting an offer of employment; reviewing your contract, accepting and signing it (if you are wary of contracts, take a look here at what you are avoiding by working for an EDBA school); booking a flight - cheapest available, which is probably not direct - from the nearest INTERNATIONAL hub: connecting domestic flights are not covered, nor are connecting legs from Canada to the US or other major hub. Then finally obtaining a visa.

NELC walks you through all these stages, provides all the documentation and tells you where to go and what to do.

The visa requirements in Thailand are as unpredictable as the British weather, and word-of-mouth information is not reliable. If in doubt, ask us - we process many visas and work permits each year, and we provide you with the full set of documents to obtain them.

For further background information on teaching in Thailand from a broader point of view, you can also read the articles on this external site or visit our partners on our LINKS page.

A pdf copy of the 2007 edition of the HANDBOOK for EDBA teachers can be downloaded HERE. (3 second download, select 'save to disk' and read it off line). It becomes part of the contract.

When you are fully committed, you may be able to get in touch with someone in your country who will also be joining us for the first time. You might even arrange to travel together - it has happened.

DISCUSS

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