FAQ
[+] What are the school term dates in Thailand?
The school term dates are from approximately mid May until the last working day of September (Term 1) and then from the first day of November until the last working day of February.
[+] What are the school holidays in Thailand?
The holidays run from the first day of March until mid May and the whole month of October. During this time you may be asked to do English camps by your school where you can earn extra money for the holidays. There are also numerous national holidays in Thailand, for example the Kings birthday.
[+] Do I get paid for the holidays?
Usually no, this is why you have the option of doing English camps or some teachers prefer to travel around Asia during this time.
[+] Can I take a holiday during term time?
Usually not, because if you take a holiday when schools are still running the school will have no English teacher for that day. In rare cases this is allowed, but don’t expect to be permitted to take days off to give friends from abroad a tour of Thailand.
[+] What happens if I get sick?
If you get sick and are unable to work then you would not be expected to work on that day. If you need medical attention the school will normally assist you in getting to a hospital.
[+] Do I need medical insurance, and if so, how much is it?
Yes. Bupa Thailand have a good plan and their prices start from just 10 THB per day (about 20p). See www.bupa.co.th for details.
[+] What happens if I don’t like my time there and want to quit?
We would ask that you speak to someone at the school about any difficulties you are having and seek a resolution first. If you are too homesick or can’t integrate well into Thai culture, or for any other reason want to quit, you can hand in your notice to the school and they will look for a replacement.
[+] How much notice do I normally have to give if I resign?
Usually a month’s notice but it will be stipulated in your contract.
[+] How much does it cost for accommodation in Thailand?
It varies. In Bangkok you may be paying around 6000 – 10000 THB (110 – 180 GBP) per month, whereas in the more rural areas (or anywhere not Bangkok) it’s more like 3000 – 5000 THB (50 – 100 GBP) per month.