African Groove

12/10/2023

How much do I pay: Thailand Personal Tax for Teachers.

Teachers are mandated to pay personal tax in the Kingdom. How much a teacher pays depends on the contractual agreement with the school.
Most schools turn to share the cost of tax with teachers (50/50), thereby deducting at least 700THB from the teacher's monthly salary.


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How much tax do I pay?Personal Tax in Thailand for English Teachers.SUBSCRIBE:https://www.youtube.com/c/NDANGOHSDIARY1WATCH MORE:Discover the benefits of tea...

26/07/2023

COMMON WORKPLACE ABBREVIATIONS FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS!
Its important to master commonly used abbreviations at the workplace for ease of communiction. Understanding these abbreviations will not only enhanced your vocabulary, but it will also help you to speak more eloquently. Below is a list of commonly used abbreviations in a business setting:
1. EOD: This abbreviation stands for END OF THE DAY.
2. ASAP, which represents AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
3. OT, which is abbreviation for OVER TIME.
4. FYI, it represents self-directed message - FOR YOUR INFORMATION.
5. Dept., is simply short for DEPARTMENT.
Watch complete video on my YouTube channel by clicking on the link below:
https://youtu.be/_AQk_KCfb6I

21/07/2023

Top Facts Teaching English in Thailand

1. TOEIC is no longer a requirement for the application of temporal teacher`s license. However, some school still demands a TOEIC test score from NNES teachers applying for jobs.

2. Degree is now required for a teaching position in the Kingdom as opposed to the past when teachers (NES) could easily obtain a job without a degree.

3. Salary gab between NES and NNES teachers: The salary gab between NES and NNES teachers in Thailand is getting bigger as the years go by. There is almost a 50% difference interms of paid package between these two groups of teachers. If you are a NNES, brace yourself for less salary as compared to a NES teacher.

4. Regular visa runs: Teachers in Thailand have to travel out of the country to apply for a Non-B visa after employment. Application can be made at any of th Thai Embassy`s abroad. However, it is costly and a burden for many especially as its contrary to what used to happened in the past when teachers could easily changed their visas in Bangkok without leaving the country.

5. And finally, teachers are required to notify their address at the nearest immigration office once they secured an a place for longterm stay. Again, this was not the usually practice years ago as teachers/expats could live any where in the Kingdom without notifying their address to an Immigration officer.
Check out my YouTube for more videos:
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06/07/2023

WHY TECHERS ARE LEAVING THAILND?

Thailand is a popular destination for many teachers venturing into the ESL industry. The country is well known for its tropical climate, delicious street food, and a unique culture.
However, the country has seen a considerable amount of migration by teachers who have decided to trade the country for other teaching destinations like China, Japan, South Korea, etc. This suddened transition has been dubbed 'THE GREAT ESCAPE' by other expats in the Kingdom as the phenomenon is trending on popular teaching Job website ajarn.com
There are three main factors that's pushing away teachers from the country:
1. Low Salary: Salary is quite low as compared to other teach abroad destinations like Japan.
2. Loads of Paperwork: Teachers have lots of paperwork to complete such as:
-The Record of Work Book
-Salary Form
-Immigration Documents for Visa Extension
3. Annual Visa Run: Teachers are more likely to go on a visa run at the end of each year and this is quite costly. As such, most of the teachers are choosing other teach abroad destintions that offers flexible visa options.
To learn more, visit my Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/NDANGOHSDIARY1

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26/06/2023

Three ways to start and end your teaching week on a happy note.
Are you looking for ways to start and end your teaching week on a happy note? Look no further because here are three effective strategies you can adopt to make your week less stressful:
1. Planning in advance.
Plan for the week ahead the previous week. Look for a free period on your timetable on a day like Thursday or Friday when the week is coming to an end, plan your lessons for the week ahead by going through the task you intend to cover for the new week.
2. Make photocopies of the materials you need the week before. Print whatever teaching resources you may need and keep it for the coming week.
3. Organise your teaching materials.
Learn to organise your teaching materials in your office space. One way to do so is by making use of a Drawal that has five partitions with days of the week on it. Place the worksheets on corresponding days of the week and in order of your timetable.
Watch video on youtube:
https://youtu.be/OUFO6ERiG6Q
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22/06/2023

Beware of false Information about the teaching industry in Thailand. Get informed by watching videos from educational channels like mine.

21/06/2023

Update: Thailand Entry Requirements for June 2023.
Visitors to the Kingdom are expected to fill a Health Declaration Card upon arrival at the airport in Bangkok. The process is online and is done via a weblink managed by the Ministry of Health. The TM6 Arrival/Departure Card is still not in use which makes the check-in process quite easy and fast. Click on the link below to learn more:
https://youtu.be/iXn4Q0jzDpc

28/05/2023

5 Absurdities Teaching English in Thailand.
1. Little Assistance:
Its common to find yourself working with very little help in Thai schools. As a new teacher, its of advantage to anticipate this challenge and adapt to it.
2. No Fail Policy:
Thailand has a no fail policy whereby every teacher is expected to pass even the most stubborn student in class. This maybe difficult to comprehend but with time, you'll get use to it.
3. Popularity vs Skills:
Dont be surprise to see the school let go of more skillful teachers in favor of popular folks. The system cares more about social relationship than workplace skills.
4. Delayed Information:
Its quite common to receive information very late. Your team may pass information to you about upcoming events within 24 hours or less prior to the D-Day.
5. No Counsel:
Thais aren't comfrontational; that partly explains why they might never complain about the errors you are making in class. You have to observe your surroundings and adapt to the school's system in order to avoid making errors.

Watch Full Video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/pZf0sBH0VZY

24/05/2023

Top 3 Problems Teaching English in Thailand that May Drive You Nuts.
1. Bureaucracy/Social Ranks:
Its quite common to deal with issues of authorities in school setting as it maybe difficult to communicate due to the number of people in positions of authority. As a new teacher in the Kingdom, its advisable to pay attention to this phenomenon and come up with ways to deal with it without getting yourself worked up.

2. Ethnocentrism/Egocentrism:
Thais are highly patriotic, and they believe their culture is superior to all. This is evident at the workplace where a foreigner maybe compelled to do things without objections. This partly explains why most job descriptions insist on teachers understanding the culture and be willing to be part of a team. In other words, perform your task as given with little or no objection.

3. Self-Centeredness:
This is the last, but most important problem to be aware of when teaching English in Thailand. Thais prefer to keep to themselves and many hates it when extra task is added to their already tight schedule. They appreciate teachers that can work independently. As such, its good for you to perform your task without expecting help from anyone.
Enjoy Your Time in Thailand!
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19/05/2023

Thai Workplace Ethics for Beginning Teachers.

The work culture in Thailand is quite opposite to what pertains in other cultures, as it strictly adheres to its traditional values. And as you'll get to learn, Thailand is a conservative society with unique
cultural values. That partly explains why its important to understand some of the fundamental workplace ethos in the Kingdom before fully engaging in teaching.
The first ethos to be aware of is criticism:
Never criticize a Thai in public because this will cause them to lose face and they might hate you for it. If you are concern about something or someone, invite the person and discuss in private.
Next, don't compare Thailand to the rest of the world. Hey! its their country and you are compelled to obey the laws and follow their ways.
Also, you've got to report to work on time. Be judicious about your work and put up a good professional attitude.
Never show signs of anger or frustration in public. Thais aren't confrotational and such behaviour is frown upon by the locals. Always smile and relax no matter how difficult the situation may be.

14/05/2023

How To Evaluate Students' English Level.
Test isn't the only method to evaluate ESL students' English level. There are other methods a teacher can use without resulting to test. These methods are:
1. Oral Assessment/Presentation:
This method of evaluation is good with students who struggles with reading and writing, but are good in conversation. To carryout this evaluation, you need to assign a task such as:
a. Role-play
b. Interview
c. Profiling.
Set the evaluation format in line with students level and take note of the following checklist:
- Time
- Body language
- Facts, etc.
These checklist will guide you on how to assign scores during or after the presentation.

2. Non-verbal Assessment:
Non-verbal is another method of assessment that benefits shy students who may be reluctant to speak.
With this method, students can either draw or act out a word/given vocabs to prove their understanding of the topic. Forexample, the teacher could use mime game and call out a vocab and the students inturn mime the action of the vocab. Again, sketching could be use with this test method by allowing students to sketch out a word. Students score points when they act or sketch out the correct vocab.

3. Written Assessment:
A teacher can use this method of evaluation by assigning written task to students. Perhaps, you can ask the students to create a profile of their idol. Or give out spelling challenge. Or give reading comprehension. Whatever the method of testing, students will end points at the end for their written work.

Test/exams are widely use as a method to evaluate students' English level. However, this style of assessment is limited in three ways: It causes anxiety (exam fever), which affects students' performance, it evaluates students' ability to memorize and not produce, and it causes time constrain as slow writers struggle to complete the exam on time which affects their performance. These three shortcomings of test hugely explains why every teacher must consider other methods (like the ones discussed above) to evaluate students without resulting to test.

10/05/2023

How to TEACH an ESL Class.
Beginner's Guide.
https://youtu.be/0rzLuoPZ8mo
There are three structures to an ESL class: Warm-up, Lesson, and Wrap-up.
These three structures guide an ESL classroom as teachers are able to plan, manage, and implement lessons in relation to their teaching method.
Warm-up could be a song, a game, spelling, Q & A, etc. Whatever the approach of warmers, make sure the activity is in sync with your lesson's objective. Warmers last between 5-10 minutes.
Click the link above to watch full video on my Youtube channel and don't forget to hit the subscribe button.

09/05/2023

What's Life Like for an African Teaching English in Thailand?

Thailand has and continue to attract a huge proportion of teachers from different corners of the world, who flung into the Kingdom to either engaged in teaching full time or to enjoy the exotic beauty the Kingdom has to offer.
While many of these teachers may enjoy the work life and culture of Thailand, others, like Africans, do not.
Life in Thailand is particularly challenging for an African teacher due to the following reasons:
1. Little wage.
2. The indifference towards skin color in the Kingdom.
3. And difficulties obtaining a teaching job.
Despite the aforementioned shortcomings of life in Thailand for an African teacher, the country still remains one of the best Teach Abroad Destinations in present-day society.
Learn more:
https://youtu.be/0tknWN9dv-4

07/05/2023

Classroom Taboos for Beginning Teachers.

06/05/2023

Myths About Teaching in Thailand.

Its a land full of surprises, amongst which myths and fairytales are predominant. From stories of ghost roaming the neighbourhood to stories of backpackers begging for free ride. Its indeed a wonderland! However, not every story told or heard in the streets of Thailand are true. Such is the case with the following narratives:
1. You can change Tourist Visa to Non-B without leaving Thailand: Its not entirely true because just a fraction of foreigners have successfully change their tourist visas without leaving the Kingdom, and it came with a huge cost. Majority of foreigners have to travel to Thai Embassies abroad to obtain a Non-B.

2. You can obtain a teaching job without a degree.
No way! Those intending to teach in the Kingdom are expected to have a degree in any major, although those with degree in Education are in more demand by the teaching industry. NES do enjoy certain priviliges by obtaining jobs with Diploma or High School Certificate. BUT HEY, THAT'S WHY THEY ARE NES!

3. You can make more money as an English Teacher. This is a topic that holds little grounds as people's lifestyle hugely affect their income. Some may save big by living on a tight budget. Others may struggle to save money because they are living an expensive life style. WHY NOT LET YOUR EXPERIENCE TELL IF YOU CAN MAKE IT BIG AS A TEACHER!

Visit my Youtube channel to learn more abouth this topic by clicking the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/c/NDANGOHSDIARY1

01/05/2023

How to survive the first month teaching English in Thailand.
Many teachers struggle to adapt to work culture during the first month of teaching in Thai schools. More challenging is the fact that new teachers often times have to teach without laptop or other teaching resources. But with the right strategy and careful planning, transitioning and surviving your first month of work shouldn't be a problem. Here are 3 HACKS you can practice to ease the anxiety and challenges during the first month teaching English in Thailand:

1. Plan your lessons in advance and print out worksheets in the school's computer room. Don't spend money printing out of school when you can use the school's printer.

2. Make use of student's book as well as A4 papers and other teaching resources for activities and craft. You don't necessarily need a Laptop to do craft. Be creative and put to use the teaching supplies you have around you.

3. Use Flash Cards, and TV: Go to your school's supply room and put to use the flash cards you see there. Include visual aids and songs into your lesson by using the smart TV in your classroom.

LEARN MORE:
https://www.youtube.com/c/NDANGOHSDIARY1