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Frequently Asked Questions about Jobs at ECC
Listed below are some of our most frequently asked questions by those considering a teaching position at ECC, along with their answers. To see the answer to a question below, simply click on the link.
Questions
- Where will I work?
- What are the schools like?
- How old are the students?
- What level are the students?:
- What will I be teaching?
- What about class sizes?
- Do you have specific course syllabuses?
- Are resources such as supplementary materials provided?
- I am not qualified. Where can I take a TEFL course?
- What is the 'Train Then Teach' program and where is it available?
- Does ECC provide any additional training?
- When does ECC recruit teachers?
- What's the salary?
- How do I receive my salary?
- Is there any kind of health insurance?
- Is there a probation period? If so, how long is it?
- Is there any kind of bonus for completion of contract?
- What if I wish to leave before the end of my contract?
- Who will be my boss?
- Can I work outside of ECC?
- Who pays for relocation costs if I am relocated during the duration of my contract?
- What about holiday pay?
- Is it possible to receive a job offer before I arrive?
- If I am required to work at more than one school, or teach outside school premises, who pays for transport costs?
- Is there a dress code?
- Is a legal agreement involved? If so what guarantees and protection do we have with this agreement?
- Are contracts available outside Bangkok or only in Bangkok?
- Can I renew my contract upon its completion?
- How many hours are teachers contracted to work each week?
- What are the schools' normal business hours?
- Will workdays vary or always be the same?
- How are working hours distributed throughout the day?
- Do I need a special visa for my work permit?
- What is the procedure for getting a visa and a work permit while outside Thailand?
- Who is responsible for visa payments?
- How long does the entire visa/work permit procedure usually take?
- Who pays for the visa and transportation should I have to renew my visa?
- Are original degree documents and EFL certificates required for the work permit?
- Do I need to send my original degree and EFL certificates?
- How much of the salary goes on necessities?
- Is accommodation provided as part of the teaching position package?
- Is help finding accommodation provided?
- What type of accommodation is available in Thailand?
- Can you give me an idea about accommodation costs?
- Where do you suggest teachers live while teaching?
- How much do amenities such as electricity and water cost?
- What about accommodation for the first few days?
- Do your classes begin at certain times during the year?
- I am returning to university in the autumn. Do you take people for just the summer?
- Do you need a degree to work in Thailand? Is it a government requirement?
- Is a teaching degree mandatory?
- What qualifications do you prefer?
- Do you provide flights to and from Thailand?
- Do you provide air tickets after one year?
- What is the food like?
- What about the social life?
- What about the language?
- What about the culture?
- How safe is Thailand?
- Can I take my pet with me?
- What shots do I need?
- Can I get access to the Internet?
- What clothes should I bring?
- Is there anything I can't get over there?
- I would like to know the difference between working in Bangkok and the provinces.
Answers
- Where will I work?
ECC has about 50 schools around Thailand. Depending on your requirements, and the positions we have available, you could be working at one of our schools in Bangkok, or at one of our provincial branches.
- What are the schools like?
ECC's schools vary in size (some schools have up to 40 classrooms, others only 4 or 5) but all are modern and well equipped. Many of our schools are situated in shopping malls and department stores, while others are in buildings along main streets. All classrooms are air-conditioned and many schools have canteen facilities for teachers and students. Every school has a dedicated room or area with computer facilities where teachers can prepare lessons and relax between classes.
- How old are the students?
We have students of all ages, but the bulk of our learners are in their late teens or early twenties. However, you could also teach pre-school students (4-6 years old) and 'Young Learners' (6-12 years old). You might also have the opportunity to teach older students on 'outside contracts' at our corporate clients' premises.
- What level are the students?
Students' levels range from 'Beginner' to 'Advanced', although most of our students are at beginner to pre-intermediate level.
- What will I be teaching?
We offer a wide range of courses from general English and business courses to Young Learners and specialist courses such as IELTS and TOEFL preparation. This means that most of our teachers have the opportunity to teach different classes.
- What about class sizes?
General English classes normally contain between 6 and 10 students. 'Young Learner' classes might have as many as 16 students. We also offer tuition on a one-to-one basis. Most teachers will have a mixture of large group, small group and private classes, which provides variety and the chance to gain teaching experience with a range of different groups.
- Do you have specific course syllabi?
There are set course books for each of the courses ECC offers. Group classes will have a suggested syllabus, for example Units 1 to 4 of our elementary general English course book in a thirty-hour course. Students receiving individual tuition usually have a more flexible syllabus, based more precisely on the individual needs of the student, and paced according to their ability. Our course books are mainstream EFL texts by the major EFL publishers. Our curriculum is regularly reviewed in order to ensure we are providing our students and teachers with the best possible course materials.
- Are resources such as supplementary materials provided?
Each branch of ECC has a wide range of resource materials and we encourage teachers to use them to supplement course books.
- I am not qualified. Where can I take a TEFL course?
ECC (Thailand) is an accredited teacher-training centre for the Cambridge CELTA - the internationally recognized entry-level TEFL qualification. Our trainers also run an Introduction to TESOL course and courses in Teaching Young Learners and Teaching Business English
- What is the 'Train Then Teach' programme and where is it available?
We run an excellent 'Train & Teach' programme for teachers who have no formal EFL qualifications - click here for information. The training component of the 'Train Then Teach' program takes place in Bangkok. Once you have successfully completed the training you can work at any of our branches in Thailand, as long as they have a vacancy of course.
- Does ECC provide any additional training?
Absolutely! We consider our professional development programme one of the most important services we offer our teachers. There is an ongoing teacher development programme, workshops on a regular basis, in-house training, free training courses for our own teachers' development of computer skills and you often get the chance to attend seminars and conferences for language teachers held on a regular basis in Thailand.
- When does ECC recruit teachers?
ECC (Thailand) is the largest private language school in Thailand, so we are busy all year round. We can employ teachers at any time of the year.
- What's the salary?
The salary you are offered will be dependent on your qualifications and experience. Full-time contract teachers based in Bangkok are guaranteed a minimum monthly salary of between 30,000 Baht and 35,000 Baht (100 - 120 contract hours). The guaranteed minimum salary for teachers working in the provinces is between 20,000 and 30,000 Baht per month, depending on location. All salaries are paid in local currency.
- How do I receive my salary?
You will have to open an account at the Siam Commercial Bank when you arrive and your salary will be paid into your account twice a month. You receive your first pay cheque 4 weeks after you start. Payment is made on 12th and 25th of each month.
- Is there any kind of health insurance?
Yes - we like to look after our teachers! All full time teachers are eligible for inclusion in our BUPA group insurance policy. For a monthly premium of 300 baht the policy provides medical cover, life insurance, and it will cover about half the cost of outpatient treatment. More comprehensive cover is readily available through a number of companies, both Thai and international, although at a higher cost.
- Is there a probation period? If so, how long is it?
Yes, there is a 4-month probation period. During probation, the teacher's performance will be carefully assessed and the required notice is reduced to two weeks.
- Is there any kind of bonus for completion of contract?
Yes, ECC Thailand will reward you with a 12,000 Baht completion bonus at the end of your contract.
- What if I wish to leave before the end of my contract?
You must give the appropriate notice and 5,000 Baht administration costs will be deducted from your final salary. It's quite rare for teachers not to complete their contracts.
- Who will be my boss?
As a teacher, you report directly to the Head Teacher and/or the school (Branch) Manager. If you are ever unsatisfied or you wish to speak to someone else, you can contact the Academic Director/Director of Studies.
- Can I work outside of ECC?
Your work permit only allows you to work for ECC
- Who pays for relocation costs if I am relocated during the duration of my contract?
Relocation during a contract seldom happens except at the request of a teacher. If it does occur, ECC pays only for transportation to your new assignment.
- What about holiday pay?
You receive 5 days paid 'teachers holiday' around New Year and 'Songkran' (an extended holiday period in the middle of April) plus about 13-15 paid national holidays. All other leave is unpaid.
- Is it possible to receive a job offer before I arrive?
Yes. If you have suitable qualifications and experience, you can secure a position before you arrive in Thailand.
- If I am required to work at more than one school, or teach outside school premises, who pays for transport costs?
Travel to your school is at your own expense. Most contracts outside school premises incorporate payment for travel.
- Is there a dress code?
A shirt and tie is required for men along with smart trousers and shoes. Women must have a smart blouse, decent shoes and a skirt or business type trousers.
- Is a legal agreement involved? If so what guarantees and protection do we have with this agreement?
All ECC teachers work under a legal agreement and have the full protection of Thai labour laws.
- Are contracts available outside Bangkok or only in Bangkok?
Contracts are available to all our full-time teachers, wherever they may work in Thailand.  Top
- Can I renew my contract upon its completion?
Contracts are usually for one year and are renewable.
- How many hours are teachers contracted to work each week?
If you are employed as a full-time contract teacher, you work 100 to 120 hours per month (average 25-30 hours per week), although you can do more if you wish to supplement your income.
- What are the schools' normal business hours?
Business hours vary from branch to branch, although most schools open from 8:30 in morning to 9.00 in the evening. Weekend hours are from 8:30 to 7:30.
- Will workdays vary or always be the same?
Your workdays will usually be the same, but there may be times during the year when your school has to rearrange your work schedule to meet increased demand. Such times include summer when students are on holiday.
- How are working hours distributed throughout the day?
Your working hours will be dependent on the needs of your school. Although many classes take place in the morning and early afternoon, most teaching takes place in the late afternoon and in the evening. This means that some days you may have to work long hours, but on other days you may only be asked to teach for one or two sessions.
- Do I need a special visa for my work permit?
Having a 'Non-immigrant B' visa stamped in your passport when you arrive in Thailand will make the visa/work permit process much less complex. If you arrive with a tourist visa, you will have to obtain the correct visa before we can apply for your permit. This means you will probably have to leave Thailand to return with a 'Non-immigrant B'.
- What is the procedure for getting a visa and a work permit while outside Thailand?
You can apply for the 'Non-immigrant B' visa at any Thai embassy or consulate. We provide a covering letter for suitable candidates. You can only apply for the work permit when you are in Thailand.
- Who is responsible for visa payments?
The teacher pays for the initial visa in his/her home country. ECC will provide the work permit. You may be asked to pay for incidentals such as photographs and medical certificates. Photographs cost about around 250 Baht and medical certificates cost between 100 Baht and 250 Baht depending on where you get them.
- How long does the entire visa/work permit procedure usually take?
Visas extensions of up to a year can usually be obtained fairly quickly. The work permit procedure is much lengthier and can take up to two months to complete, although once the teacher has submitted an application s/he he doesn't have to do anything except wait and then pick up the work permit when it finally arrives.
- Who pays for the visa and transportation should I have to renew my visa?
Transportation and visa costs will be at your own expense should you have to renew your visa in another country during your contract with ECC.
- Are original degree documents and EFL certificates required for the work permit?
Yes, they are.
- Do I need to send my original degree and EFL certificates?
No, but you must bring them with you to Thailand. You will also need to bring your official transcript.
- How much of the salary goes on necessities?
By Thai standards your salary will be a good salary, but your living costs will depend very much on the way you live. Your salary stretches far in Thailand and most people are able to save about 20% of their income.
- Is accommodation provided as part of the teaching position package?
ECC does not provide accommodation as part of a teacher's remuneration package.
- Is help finding accommodation provided?
Finding accommodation in Thailand is not really a problem and there is a fair amount of choice. Although staff and teachers at the ECC branches will point you in the right direction, it is your responsibility to find somewhere suitable to live.
- What type of accommodation is available in Thailand?
A wide range of accommodation is available in Thailand, including apartments, condominiums and houses.
- Can you give me an idea about accommodation costs?
Obviously accommodation in Bangkok is more expensive than in the provinces, but it is still relatively inexpensive to live in the capital. A reasonable apartment will cost from 4,000 Baht up. Smaller houses are available from 6,000 Baht up. Owners usually require two/three months' rent as a deposit and this is returned when you leave.
- Where do you suggest teachers live while teaching?
It should be possible to find a suitable place close to the ECC branch you are working at. This will save you having to spend too much time wrestling with Bangkok's notorious traffic.
- How much do amenities such as electricity and water cost?
The average electricity bill for a small apartment with air-conditioning (moderate use) is 500 Baht. The average water bill for the same apartment is around 200 Baht.
- What about accommodation for the first few days?
We can arrange reasonably priced hotel accommodation for your first three days, but you will be responsible for covering costs. Thailand has no shortage of all kinds of accommodation, and finding suitable temporary accommodation in the area you are working should be fairly straightforward. Again, managers and teachers at your branch will be able to point you in the right direction.
- Do your classes begin at certain times during the year?
Classes run all year round, but we need more people between March-May, July-August, and in October.
- I am returning to university in the autumn. Do you take people for just the summer?
At the moment we do not offer contracts to people who want to stay in Thailand for less than a year. Although, depending on the length of time, we might offer shorter contracts.
- Do you need a degree to work in Thailand? Is it a government requirement?
The legal minimum requirement to work as a teacher in Thailand is a Bachelor's degree.
- Is a teaching degree mandatory?
A teaching degree is not mandatory. A Bachelor's degree in any field will suffice as far as legal requirements are concerned.
- What qualifications do you prefer?
We prefer people with a Bachelor's degree, a CELTA, and some teaching experience.
- Do you provide flights to and from Thailand?
No, you must pay for your own flights.
- Do you provide air tickets after one year?
No, although the end of contract bonus can of course be used to assist your return home or your move to another country.
- What is the food like?
Thailand is famous for its food! Take care though - a few of the dishes can be a little hot! If you are not adventurous as far as food is concerned, you'll be happy to learn that there are plenty of cheap restaurants that offer both local and western food. In most regions you can find a range of international cuisine including Chinese, Indian, English, Muslim, and Japanese, as well as all the fast food chains you can think of! There are also a lot of large supermarkets and 7-Elevens, although not many people cook at home as it's so cheap to eat out.
- What about the social life?
Thailand is famous for its social life (especially in Bangkok). There are hundreds of pubs, bars, restaurants, night-clubs, cinemas, fitness centres, swimming pools, bowling alleys, shopping centres, etc… There are also theatres and major sports events. In fact there is no excuse for being bored in Thailand! Depending on where you go pubs and bars can be very cheap.
- What about the language?
Although many Thais in Bangkok and the tourist destinations speak English well, it will be very rewarding for you to try to learn some of the local language while you are here. There are plenty of books on the subject or you can study with a private language teacher.
- What about the culture?
We will give you an orientation when you arrive that will include some useful dos and don'ts. Some people find the cultural aspect difficult at times. It's a good idea to find out about the culture before you come. Thais are very helpful and friendly and will always treat you with respect. You should treat the Thai people likewise - a sense of humour and a generous helping of common sense will go a long way here!
- How safe is Thailand?
Although you should exercise caution as you would in any part of the world, Thailand is a very safe place to live.
- Can I take my pet with me?
This is not advisable. Most apartments don't allow pets.
- What shots do I need?
There aren't any shots required but Hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, cholera and tetanus are recommended. You should consult your family doctor before going overseas.
- Can I get access to the Internet?
Most ECC branches have access to the Internet. In addition, Internet cafes have become very popular in Thailand and can be found almost everywhere.
- What clothes should I bring?
Thailand is a tropical country, so lightweight cotton clothing is best suited for this climate. You will need different clothes for both work and recreation, so don't forget to pack your 'smart' working clothes. Clothes are relatively cheap in Thailand, although it can be difficult to get larger sizes.
- Is there anything I can't get over there?
You can get almost anything in Thailand, although some imported items can be expensive. Shaving equipment is usually expensive. For women, Tampons are difficult to find.
- I would like to know the difference between working in Bangkok and the provinces.
It has been said that life in Bangkok is so different from life in the provinces that they should be considered separate countries. This is probably going too far. Although there are significant differences between life in the capital and life in the provinces, you always feel as though you are in Thailand.
The language is basically the same all over the country, but different accents and dialects exist just as they do in most countries. The culture is broadly similar, although in the deep south the influence of Islam can clearly be seen and heard in the different dress and the daily calls to prayer. Of course, the different regions have their own cuisines, but common Thai dishes will be found almost everywhere.
One of the differences is that outside of Bangkok you meet far fewer foreigners, especially working foreigners. Some of the popular tourist destinations will be crowded with foreign holidaymakers year-round, but many parts of the country see relatively little tourism, and consequently few foreigners. This has advantages and disadvantages. If you work in the provinces, you can get much closer to Thai people and culture. But on the other hand you can feel isolated and alone with so few foreign faces around.
Foreigners 'stick out' more upcountry and so you are likely to attract more attention than in Bangkok, where the anonymity that big cities provide is the norm. Another difference is in the variety of free time activities. Bangkok has everything, from pubs and clubs, sports and games, movies and theatre, shopping and much more. By contrast, in the provinces there is relatively little entertainment. It may be difficult, for example to find English-language films in some of the smaller provincial centers.
Which is right for you really depends on what you are looking for. Are you hoping to meet lots of other teachers, have a busy social life, have easy access to most of the comforts you are used to at home? If so, then Bangkok is for you. But if you're looking for a more exotic experience, far removed from your own culture, a quieter lifestyle, fresh air and peace, you might be more interested in a job upcountry.
Whichever you choose, you can be sure that working in Thailand will give you experiences you will never forget. You can find numerous accounts of life in Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand on the internet. Just run a search on living in Thailand or something similar.
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