Teach in Thailand Handbook

WRITTEN & EDITED BY

Kristen Palmer
Derik Schmidt
Ilan Simanin
Christopher Hillstrom

DESIGNED BY

Derik Schmidt
Ilan Simanin
Kanitsorn Samakchat

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Samang (Kru Gai) Boromratanapong
Natthida (Fern) Klangduan
Siwa (Fluke) Saisung
Emily Aiello
Kelsey Chen
Joycelyn Martinez
Katie Evans
Jessica Dunlap
Imran Khan
Deanna Kollar
.FHVNJ ,BOBCPTIJ

Last Revised "QSJM .

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
4
Welcome 4
About OEG 4
Teach in Thailand
Rules & Regulations 7

ARRIVAL 7
7
Orientation 7
Important Documents 10
Working Legally 10
90-Day Check In 11
TM 30 & Section 38 12
Re-Entry Permit
Embassies in Thailand 15

FIRST WEEK AT SCHOOL 15
17
Accommodations 18
Community 18
School 18
Dress Code 20
School Contract 21
Warning Letter & Dismissal 22
Salary & Work Permit Regulations 23
Daily School Life
What Should I Ask? 25

YOUR FIRST SEMESTER 25
25
School Community
Work Atmosphere 28

BASICS OF THAI CULTURE 33

WESTERN CULTURE 36

CULTURE SHOCK 38

Advice for Holidays Abroad

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 41

OEG Contact Information 41
In Case of Emergency 41
Insurance 42
iNext 42
Banking 43
Transferring Money 43
Phones 43
Academic Calendar 44
Thai Holidays 44

HEALTH & SAFETY 47

Vaccines 47
Rabies 47
Mosquitos 48
Water 48
Foodborne Illness 48
Infections 49
Be Mindful of the Environment 49
Motorcycle & Road Accidents 50
Personal Safety 50
Political Situation in Thailand 51

AFTER YOUR PROGRAM 53

Extending at Your School 53
Wrapping Up at Your School 53
Moving to a New School 54
Travelling After Teaching 54
Travelling In Thailand 54
Travelling Outside Thailand 55
Luggage Storage 55

*/'03."5*0/ UPDATE 5

4 Welcome Teach in Thailand

Congratulations on your arrival The Teach in Thailand program was
and welcome to OEG’s Teach in established in the year 2000 and
Thailand program! We’re excited for has brought almost 3,000 English
you to start your journey of working teachers to teach in Thai schools
and living abroad in Thailand. This located throughout the country.
handbook, in addition to orientation, English is becoming more prevalent
is designed to equip you with the in the global community, and in
necessary information, tools, and some parts of the world, a necessity.
skills to help you become a successful You will play a vital role in the lives
teacher as you navigate your way of Thai students as your lessons help
through the beauty of Thailand and them practice English and provide
its deep culture. OEG will be here to a glimpse into Western culture.
support you throughout the duration Through your teaching and daily
of your program from this point interactions, your students will be
forward. If at any point you have more prepared to compete and excel
questions, feel free to consult this in their education and future careers.
handbook, ask your school, and ask
OEG. We hope you thoroughly enjoy At the same time, you will have
orientation and the fellow teachers opportunities to travel and
you meet here. explore some of the most beautiful
landscapes and sights in the world.
About OEG Southeast Asia – Thailand most
notably – is one of the most sought
For almost 30 years, OEG Study out destinations for travelers
Abroad has offered Thais and worldwide. Not only will you have
foreigners interested in learning the chance to travel to breathtaking
about new people, cultures, and places, but you will also have the
ideas a variety of cultural exchange honor and privilege of learning
programs. OEG offers several about the culture and people behind
programs including the Teach in them.
Thailand Program, High School
Exchange Program, and Work and
Travel Program. OEG aims to
connect the world’s communities
E\ VXSSRUWLQJ æUVW KDQG FXOWXUDO
exchange and language learning.
For more about OEG, please ask us
questions or visit www.oeg.co.th.

Rules & Regulations 4 Due to the nature of the 5

Throughout your program in program, and the status of your
Thailand, OEG and your host visa, OEG cannot facilitate a
schools expect you to abide by a transfer of schools until your
certain set of rules and regulations. work contract is complete. Upon
Each individual school might completion of a contract, OEG can
have their own, separate rules and assist in changing to a new school
regulations that you would also be in most situations. A positive
required to follow. The following referral from your previous school
rules are the bare minimum of what will be required.
is expected of you from OEG:
5 OEG has a no-refund policy.

1 Teach in Thailand is a cultural NOTE: OEG has a list of requirements
immersion program and, as such, that your school has contractually agreed
we expect you to adapt yourself as to provide. Please see p.19 for more
best as possible to the Thai ways of information.
living.

2 Your main responsibilities are
teaching, your school, and your
students. Traveling and days off
should come second.

3 As an employee of the school,
you are expected to abide by their
rules and regulations at all times. If
you do not follow the rules of your
school, as your employer, they have
the authority to dismiss you as they
VHH æW

Grand Palace, Bangkok

ARRIVAL 7

<RXØUH æQDOO\ KHUH LQ 7KDLODQG Important
You’ve moved across the world to Documents
start a grand, new adventure! We
know your journey was long and There are a few essential documents
tiring, so don’t worry, we’ll have that you will need throughout your
plenty of coffee, tea, and snacks to stay in Thailand. It is in your best
keep you attentive and alert. Get interest to keep a close eye on these
UHDG\ WR æJKW WKDW MHW ODJ OHDUQ ZKDW documents in order to avoid any
Thailand has to offer, and meet new issues or additional work on your
friends. end. These documents are:

Orientation 1 Passport
2 Non-Immigrant “B” Visa
We believe all lessons and activities 3 Original Diploma in English
included in orientation are equally
important and expect you to attend RU RèFLDOO\ WUDQVODWHG
them. While we can impart as much 4 Original Transcripts
knowledge about Thailand and Thai 5 Copy of Criminal
schools as possible, it is ultimately up
to your ability to adapt that will lead Background Check
you to success. Nonetheless, OEG 6 TM. 6 Departure Card
will be here along the way to support
and assist you as you need it. (obtained from immigration
upon arrival in Thailand)
Orientation consists of four main
topics, broken down into smaller **In some cases notarization,
sections: authentication, and legalization of
original diploma is also required.
1 TEFL/Classroom Sessions
2 Cultural & Program Seminars Working Legally
3 Thai Language Lessons
4 Excursions Non-Immigrant “B” Visa
Your Non-Immigrant “B” Visa
Your orientation schedule can be (referred to as Non-B) can only
found in your welcome packet. be obtained at a Thai Embassy or
Consulate outside of Thailand.
This is a work visa that allows you
to apply for the necessary legal
documents you will need to be a
teacher in Thailand. This visa is

8 VFKRRO VSHFLæF DQG RQO\ DOORZV \RX of Labor in Thailand. This is the
to work at the school that it was second step toward getting your visa

issued for. Upon arrival, your Non-B extended. In order to apply for your

is valid for an initial 90 days. It will work permit, your school will need

eventually be extended, so you can the following documents:

remain in Thailand for the duration

of your work contract with your 1 Copy of Passport (and all
school (up to one year). Thailand-related

Teaching Permit immigration documents)
The teaching permit allows you to 2 Copy of Diploma
EH D WHDFKHU DW D VSHFLæF VFKRRO DQG 3 Copy of Transcripts
is issued by the Teacher’s Council of 4 Medical Check Up
7KDLODQG 7KLV LV WKH æUVW VWHS WRZDUG 5 Teaching Permit
getting your visa extended. In order 6 Three Photos (3x4 cm.)

to apply for your teaching permit, After collecting these documents,
your school will need the following and adding some of their own, your
documents: school will take you to the Ministry

1 Copy of Passport (and all of Labor to submit your documents.
Thailand-related This process should be completed
immigration documents) within 90 days of arrival at your
school.
2 Copy of Diploma

3 Copy of Transcripts Visa Extension
4 Signed KS-10 Form (school The visa extension is a stamp in your
passport issued by the Immigration
will provide) Bureau of Thailand that allows a
5 Two Photos (1x1.25 in.)

foreigner to extend their legal stay

After collecting these documents, in Thailand until the end of their

and adding some of their own, FRQWUDFW 7KLV LV WKH æQDO VWHS RI WKH

your school will submit them to the process! In order to apply for a visa

Teacher’s Council of Thailand. This extension, your school will need the

process should be completed within following documents:

30 days of arrival at your school.

1 Passport

Work Permit 2 Copy of Passport (and all

The work permit allows a foreigner Thailand-related

WR EH OHJDOO\ HPSOR\HG DW D VSHFLæF immigration documents)

school and is issued by the Ministry 3 One photo (4x6 cm.)

After collecting these documents from The legal document costs that you incur 9
you, and adding some of their own, while in Thailand will be reimbursed
the school will take you to the local to you upon completion of your
LPPLJUDWLRQ RèFH WR DSSO\ IRU WKH original work contract. If you do not
visa extension. This process should be complete your contract, you will not be
completed within 90 days of arrival at reimbursed for these expenses.
your school.
*These documents only required in some
Document Expenses Thai provinces.

You are responsible for visa costs and NOTE: Immigration requirements often
document expenses made prior to your
arrival in Thailand. This includes but change with little to no warning, and vary
is not limited to your Non-B visa and between each province. The documents listed
diploma notarization, authentication, are the ones that we know will be required,
and legalization. These costs cannot be but additional documents might be requested
reimbursed. EDVHG RQ WKH LPPLJUDWLRQ RçFHU SURYLQFH
etc. If there is any confusion, questions,
You will also be responsible for the or concerns, please address them with
upfront costs of your legal documents \RXU FRRUGLQDWRU åUVW ,I \RX QHHG IXUWKHU
in Thailand. This includes work permit FODULåFDWLRQ SOHDVH FRQWDFW 2(*
(3,100 THB), visa extension (1,900 THB),
HGXFDWLRQ DèGDYLW
86' 7KDL
background check* (100 THB), and
legalization* (260 THB) .

Photo Example Sizes

Visa Extension
Re-Entry Permit

Teaching Work Permit
Permit

1 in x 1.25 in 3 cm x 4 cm 4 cm x 6 cm

NOTE: Due to specific requirements, these photos should be taken in Thailand. Or if you

have photos from home, they will likely need to be photoshopped. Keep spare photos on hand
for future paperwork and while travelling.

10 90-Day Check In If at any point you leave the country
during your contract, your 90 days will

Every foreigner in Thailand is restart from the day that you return to
required to check in with their local Thailand. Remember, 90-Day check
LPPLJUDWLRQ RèFH HYHU\ GD\V ins are your responsibility and not
to verify their address. You will be your school’s, so don’t forget!

expected to abide by this rule and TM 30 & Section 38
IDLOXUH WR GR VR ZLOO OHDG WR D æQDQFLDO

penalty of a minimum of 2,000 THB.

The Immigration Act’s Section 38

<RXU æUVW 'D\ FKHFN LQ ZLOO WDNH requires that landlords must report
place when you go to immigration the presence of any foreign tenants
to extend your visa. Your second will to authorities within 24 hours of
take place 90 days after your visa has their arrival. Until 2019, this law only
RèFLDOO\ EHHQ H[WHQGHG <RX FDQ FKHFN applied to hotels and other short term
in 15 days before the 90th day and up establishments, however it is currently
to 7 days after. being enforced by immigration to
include all places where foreigners

90-Day check ins can be processed reside, including apartments, house
either in person or by mail. In order to rentals, Airbnb’s, and even school
submit your 90-Day check in, you will dormitories.

need the following documents:

$ 70 IRUP PXVW EH æOHG HYHU\ WLPH

In Person: a foreigner goes away for more than
1 Passport twenty-four hours to another province
2 Completed TM. 47 form in Thailand, stays in a hotel, or returns
3 Previous 90-Day check in approval from abroad. Failure to report means a
æQH RI WR 7+% DQG DOVR WKH
form (if you have one) risk that the foreigner may be denied
4 Copy of TM30 Document immigration services such as visa

By Mail: extension, re-entry permit, or 90 day
1 Signed copies of your passport, check-in.

visa, visa extension, and TM. 6 70 FDQ EH æOHG LQ SHUVRQ
departure card at immigration, by mail, or via
2 Completed TM. 47 form Immigration’s smartphone app called
3 Previous 90-Day check-in “Section38”. Immigration suggests
approval form (if you have one) that your landlord register online or
4 A stamped and addressed return by using this app. Once it is set up,
envelope (enclosed in the envelope ask the landlord for the username and
that you send to immigration) password
5 Copy of TM30 Document

so that you can then report yourself International Airport, or Chiang Mai 11
each time by using this app. However, International Airport. If you decide to
this will depend on your landlord. apply at the airport, you should allot
yourself an additional hour or more
Technically this is your landlord’s for document processing.
responsibility, however as a foreigner
who needs services from immigration, In order to apply for a re-entry
it is your obligation to make sure you permit, you will need the following
are following this law as best you can. documents:
3URYLQFLDO LPPLJUDWLRQ RèFHV DUH QRW
all interpreting the law in the same 1 Passport
ZD\ DV WKH KHDG RèFH LQ %DQJNRN VR LW
is very important that you consult your 2 Signed copies of your passport,
VFKRRO DQG ODQGORUG DERXW WKH VSHFLæF
regulations in your province. If you visa, visa extension, and TM. 6
KDYH TXHVWLRQV DQG QHHG FODULæFDWLRQ
please reach out to OEG. departure card
3 Completed TM. 8 form
Re-Entry Permit 4 Appropriate fee (1,000 THB

single re-entry, 3,800 THB
multiple re-entry)
5 One photo (4 x 6 cm)
6 Copy of TM30 Document

If you have plans to leave the country You can choose if you will need a single
during your teaching contract, it re-entry or a multiple re-entry permit.
is absolutely necessary for you to As the name implies, a single re-entry
obtain a re-entry permit prior to allows you to leave Thailand one time,
your departure. If you fail to obtain a whereas a multiple re-entry allows
re-entry permit before you leave the you to leave and re-enter Thailand as
country, your many times as you’d like before the
Non-B visa will automatically be expiration of your visa. Some factors
canceled permanently. It is best to to consider before applying:
apply for a re-entry permit after you
have received your visa extension. • How many trips out of Thailand
Although it is possible to do are you planning?
beforehand, we strongly advise against
it! • Are you staying in Thailand for
one semester or one year?
You can apply for a re-entry permit at
\RXU ORFDO LPPLJUDWLRQ RèFH RU DW RQH • How much space do you have in
of the following airports: Don Muang your passport (a re-entry permit
International Airport, Suvarnabhumi takes half a page)?

12 NOTE: It’s important to understand that United States Embassy
the re-entry permit is only valid until the 120-122 Wireless Road
expiration date on your visa at the time Khwaeng Lumphini
you apply. Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330
02-205-4000
If you have any further questions about th.usembassy.gov/
the re-entry process, please contact OEG
IRU FODULåFDWLRQ 'RQØW OHW \RXU 1RQ % U.S. Consulate General
visa get cancelled by not obtaining a 387 Witchayanon Road
re-entry permit – it’s not worth it! Chang Moi Muang
Chiang Mai, 50300
Embassies in 053-107-700
Thailand th.usembassy.gov/embassy-
consulate/chiang-mai/
Good news! Your home country has
an embassy in Thailand. Embassies South African Embassy
are a great resource for foreigners 12th A Floor, M Thai Tower
who are traveling, living, and/or All Seasons Place
working abroad. The main priorities 87 Wireless Road, Lumphini
of an embassy are to make sure that Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330
its citizens are safe and protected. 02-092-2900
They also provide other services Emergency /After hours phone
such as document notarizations, number: 08-193-48862
passport renewals, and much more. www.dirco.gov.za/bangkok/
Each embassy has a program to
keep track of its citizens in Thailand Irish Embassy
and provide up-to-date news and 208 Wireless Road
information regarding emergency 12th Floor, Unit 1201
situations. We highly suggest that Lumphini, Pathumwan
you sign up for your home country’s Bangkok 10330
embassy program. Below, you will 02-016-1360
æQG FRQWDFW LQIRUPDWLRQ IRU WKH Web: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-
embassies of our teachers: embassy/thailand/

Canadian Embassy British Embassy 13
990 Abdulrahim Place, Floor 15 14 Wireless Road, Lumphini
Rama IV Road Silom Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 02-305-8333
02-646-4300 www.gov.uk/world/
www.canadainternational.gc.ca/ organisations/british-embassy-
thailand-thailande bangkok

Canadian Consulate Australian Embassy
151 Super Highway Address: 181 Wireless Road
Tahsala, Muang Chiang Mai Bangkok 10330
Chiang Mai, 50000 02-344-6300
05-385-0147 Web: https://thailand.embassy.
05-324-2292 gov.au
www.canadainternational.gc.ca/
thailand-thailande

New Zealand Embassy
Address: M Thai Tower, 14th
Floor, All Seasons Place
87 Wireless Road 10330,
Bangkok
02-254-2530
Web: https://mfat.govt.nz/
thailand

River Khwae Yai, Kanchanaburi

14

River Khwae Yai, Kanchanaburi

FIRST WEEK AT SCHOOL 15

Now that you’ve completed beginning to your adventures here in
orientation, it’s time to start your the Land of Smiles.
Thailand adventures. With any
new experience, you’re bound to <RX PLJKW æQG VRPH VWDUN
encounter some serious challenges – differences between the home you
and your time here in Thailand is no left with the place you’ll be settling
GLIIHUHQW <RXU æUVW ZHHN DW VFKRRO LV in over the next couple of weeks.
crucial to your success as a program The toilet-shower combination
participant, teacher, and explorer. might take some time to get used to.
The following section will detail The absence of screens on windows
ZKDW \RXU æUVW ZHHN DW VFKRRO VKRXOG PD\ EH D ELW DODUPLQJ DW æUVW 7KH
look like, offer some advice, set some “kitchen” is likely non-existent, or
realistic expectations, and try to if it exists, it’s much less inclusive
clarify any questions you may have. than what you would expect. You
may even have some friendly bugs
Accommodations visit over the course of your time in
Thailand. We mention these things
Once you leave orientation, you’ll not to scare you, but to give you
quickly notice how different the rest some realistic expectations of Thai
of Thailand is from its sprawling accommodations. It’s going to take
metropolis. Gone are the abundance some time to get used to, but soon
of English signs and now fewer enough, you’ll be calling this place
people speak English. If anything, your home. Moving to the other side
\RXØUH æQDOO\ VHHLQJ WKH UHDO of the world isn’t easy – in fact, it’s
Thailand – something no tourist gets far from it. But it is bound to be one
to experience. of the most rewarding experiences
in life.

When you arrive at your As you begin to settle in, take note
accommodations, you may not feel of what you have or don’t have, and
at home just yet. In fact, it may take what needs to be done to make your
a couple of months to ease in and house or apartment feel like a home.
æQDOO\ VHH \RXU DFFRPPRGDWLRQV DV For example, is there a washing
home. Just remember, this won’t be machine at your residence? If not, is
a home that compares to the one you there a place to do laundry nearby?
left. Instead, try to see this as the

16 1 *Talk to your coordinator Your new home may not have everything
you’re hoping for, and that’s okay. If you
and see if the school is able are extremely uncomfortable with your
to help you with what you’re accommodation or believe that it does
looking for. You’ll be surprised QRW PDWFK WKH VFKRRO SURæOH \RX ZHUH
DW KRZ çH[LEOH VFKRROV FDQ EH given before arrival, there are a couple

of steps you can take to ensure your time

2 If your school isn’t able spent at home is comfortable (check out
to provide you with what the steps to the left of this column).

you’re looking for, ask your Accommodations vary greatly from
coordinator if it’s possible to province to province, city to city and
get a ride to the nearest Tesco school to school. What you have been
Lotus, Big C, Makro, local provided might be a higher standard
department store, or market. than that of your friend’s at another
0RUH RIWHQ WKDQ QRW \RXØOO æQG school. Our program relies on schools to
what you need. provide and select housing of their own

choosing. It’s important to note the fees

3 Give your house or apartment for your accommodations do not come
a good clean! Thailand is a out of your program fee, but rather,
tropical country, and the jungle from your school’s budget. Differences
can creep in. Cleaning your between schools, accommodations, and
space can help you settle in. experiences should be expected.

4 If you feel like you’ve In some situations, an alternative option
exhausted your options, reach may be available, but is likely to come
out to OEG with your concerns. at an additional expense on your side.
If you are uncomfortable, there are
*Your school wants you to be happy and likely other options so please raise your
comfortable. After all, happy teachers concerns with your school directly, or
mean happy students! At the same time, with OEG if necessary.
they’re very aware of the possibility of
foreign teachers taking advantage of the If you are staying in an apartment,
school’s policies. Oftentimes, schools that you will be responsible for paying
DUH æH[LEOH ZLWK WKHLU WHDFKHUV DVN IRU for a refundable housing deposit. If
WKH VDPH æH[LELOLW\ LQ UHWXUQ you decide to move to an alternative
accommodation, it is important to make
yourself aware of the conditions of your
housing’s contract, or you might risk
losing your deposit.

Failure to comply with your housing’s put, it’s just the way the locals see 17
contract and conditions will be your you in their community. If anything,
responsibility and not your schools or use these small interactions to start
OEGs. meaningful relationships.

Community You won’t know a lot about your
WRZQ ZKHQ \RX æUVW DUULYH <RXU æUVW
It’s time to face the facts – you’re going week at school is the perfect time for
to stick out. No matter how big or a short orientation of the local area.
small your town may be, people will <RXU FRRUGLQDWRU VKRXOG EH \RXU æUVW
know you as the foreigner who teaches resource. He or she may not know
at the local school. In fact, don’t be everything, but they’re likely to know
surprised if people refer to you as enough to give you a start.
“teacher” whenever you’re eating out
at a restaurant, shopping at the market, School
or at your local 7-Eleven. Don’t be
worried, it’s not an insult. Simply In most cases, the day you arrive to
your town most likely won’t be the
“It’s been just over a month since day you begin teaching. However, it’s
we arrived in Thailand. Sometimes best to be prepared for anything. At
it feels like we are just on vacation. some schools, your arrival date may
We have to remind ourselves that YHU\ ZHOO EH WKH æUVW GD\ RI VFKRRO
we work here. That we live here. and you might be asked to introduce
,WØV RçFLDOO\ WKH ORQJHVW ZH KDYH yourself at school assembly or go meet
ever been away from home at any some of your classes. You’ll have some
one time. It makes one wonder – sort of introduction provided either
where is home? Home can’t just be by your coordinator, the head of the
the place you were born. It’s not the department, or school administration.
place where your family lives. It It’s during this time that you should
can’t only be the place you lived for feel free to ask about your school, the
most of your life. Right now, home community, and any policies. Go ahead
is simply where we are. Apartment and check out “What Should I Ask?” on
12, Pairoj Apartment, Lampang, p.23 for some points.
Lampang Province, Thailand. So
perhaps it’s not a month since we Of course, you’ll be able to ask
left home, but rather a month since questions throughout the semester,
we found a new one.” so don’t panic if you don’t remember
exactly what was said. Just be
– Imran Khan
Teach in Thailand 2017

18 mindful that asking questions during Guys: Slacks or dress pants; button-
your school introduction can help ups or polo shirts; dress shoes. Bring

you understand what expectations a couple of neckties as you may be

your school has of you and can expected to wear them.

help your coordinator gather what

expectations you have of your school. What NOT to wear: shorts, jeans,

t-shirts or tank tops, sneakers or sport

Dress Code VKRHV çLS çRSV RU VDQGDOV ,Q \RXU IUHH
time, after school, and on weekends

As an employee of a Thai school, WKHVH ZLOO EH SHUIHFWO\ æQH

you must come to work dressed Note: If you have any visible tattoos
professionally and in a culturally- or piercings (other than ears for girls),
respectable fashion that is acceptable your school may ask you to cover or
to your school. Remember that remove them during school hours.
Teaching in Thailand is a REAL job in

a conservative society, and that you School Contract
are the guest. You will be expected to

follow your school’s guidelines and

policies, be considerate and sensitive of Any document you sign with your

Thai culture at all times, as well as be a school is important, and your

role model to your students! contract is no exception. It is strongly

recommended that you fully read

Each school has their own policies through your contract before you

and rules, including what will be sign it. Teaching at your school is a

considered acceptable teaching attire. real job, and as a result, can have real

A good rule of thumb is to watch consequences. Of course, if you see

the Thai teachers and follow their something you’re unsure of, make

example. Business or business casual sure to ask your coordinator for

attire is usually perfect. Never wear FODULæFDWLRQ

shirts or clothing that exposes too

much skin (midriffs, shoulders, thighs, Please note that cultural interpretation

or cleavage). and understanding of contracts differ

between Thai and Western cultures.

Ladies: Skirts or dresses that are at Some factors may supersede your

or below the knee (no short skirts); contract with your school. These

shirts/blouses that aren’t sleeveless or factors could include but aren’t limited

show too much skin (no t-shirts). Dress to: changes in government regulations,

slacks will NOT be acceptable to most changes in school policies, and changes

Thai schools. You should bring and

expect to wear dresses.

made to the contract by a person of 5 *Participants who have a 19
higher status (such as the school’s bachelor’s degree in education
director). To westerners this may seem from their home country must
unfair, but to a school, yielding to the earn a 6 minimum salary of
authority of a higher power is expected 33,000 THB after taxes and other
and normal. Please see p.30 for the deductions.
culture section regarding “Respect for
Hierarchy.” 6 Participants should teach an
average of 20 hours per week.
Because schools are the sole employer
of teachers and not OEG, contracts 7 Participants who complete
often differ across regions, provinces, a two semester contract and
and schools. Your contract will likely receive a positive performance
be different from the contracts of review from their school, will be
other teachers. Although we anticipate eligible to receive a 20,000 THB
differences from school to school, end of contract bonus. This does
OEG takes careful precautions to not apply to participants who
only work with schools who honor originally come on a one semester
DQG IXOæOO RXU UHTXLUHPHQWV IRU contract and extend.
teachers. OEG schools must meet
these standards: 8 *Participants are responsible
for the cost of their work permit
1 Each participant should have (3,100 THB) and visa extension
his or her own bedroom. (1,900 THB), an education
DèGDYLW LI QHFHVVDU\ DS[
2 Participants must have THB), and other potential legal
access to a bathroom at their expenses. These expenses will be
accommodation. reimbursed by the school upon
completion of the originally
3 *Participants who are teaching agreed upon teaching contract.
English must earn a minimum of
28,000 THB after taxes and other
deductions.

4 *Participants who are teaching
non-English subjects or who have
a pre-approved TEFL/TESOL
FHUWLæFDWH PXVW HDUQ D PLQLPXP
salary of 30,000 THB after taxes
and other deductions.

20 If you believe your contract does too many Mondays and Fridays
not meet the requirements set out is seen as unprofessional and
by OEG, please do not hesitate to irresponsible. In some cases, schools
contact OEG with your concerns. can deny participant requests for

leave.
*NOTE: See the “Salary & Work Permit

5HJXODWLRQVÛ VHFWLRQ IRU FODULåFDWLRQ Warning Letter &

Not only is it important to read Dismissal
your contract, it’s equally important
to follow it. Your contract is an If your school has a concern
agreement between you and regarding your work performance
your school. Above all, it’s the or behavior, and believes you are not
legal document that ensures your adhering to your school’s rules or
employment. As with any job, policies, they will give you a verbal
breaking any provision in your warning. If the behavior continues
contract could result in penalties and after a verbal warning, the school
even termination. There are a couple may choose to issue you a written
of policies in your contract that you warning letter. This letter will
should be aware of: outline what should be improved
regarding your work performance,
• *How many days off does your and what consequences (including
school provide? Are sick days built dismissal) will exist if no
in? Do you need a doctor’s note to improvement is made.
use sick days?
As the hiring entity, your school has
• What happens if you don’t turn in the sole authority to dismiss you as
your grades or work on time? WKH\ VHH æW ,W LV \RXU UHVSRQVLELOLW\
to follow the rules and regulations
• Are there any other duties of the school to avoid the possibility
required of you – this may include of being dismissed. Before
the summer between semesters dismissal, your school is asked to
and weekend English camps. issue a warning letter outlining
the unacceptable behavior and
• What is the school dress code? consequences. However, your school
• When is pay day? does have the right to dismiss you
• What are your school’s working ZLWKRXW æUVW LVVXLQJ D OHWWHU

hours, and when do you have to Please note that if you are eligible for
sign in or sign out? an end-of-contract bonus, receiving

*Be mindful of your days off and
how it affects your students, co-
teachers, and the school. Taking off

a written warning letter will make Here are some common practices 21
the reception of your bonus subject that schools employ in order to work
to a review process. smoothly with the government.

In the case that you feel that you Some schools will ask you to sign
are being dismissed unfairly, OEG WZR GLIIHUHQW FRQWUDFWV 7KH æUVW
may be able to negotiate with the contract is an agreement between
school on your behalf, however, you and your school. This is your
it’s ultimately their decision. Your “real” contract. The second is a legal
best bet is to be a responsible and contract presented to government
professional teacher and abide by the agencies including the Teacher’s
rules of the school. Council, Labor Department, and
Immigration. This contract has
Your school may provide you many purposes, including requesting
with a verbal warning. government money for your salary,
accommodations, visa, work permit,
Your school may provide you and determining the date to which
with a written warning. your visa will be extended.

Your school may outline some Thai government regulations
consequences or decide to prohibit public schools from directly
dismiss you from work. covering the costs of your visa and
work permit, and in some cases,
NOTE: As your employer, your school accommodations. In addition,
KDV WKH ULJKW WR GLVPLVV \RX ZLWKRXW åUVW all Thai government employees
issuing a verbal warning or a letter. (including teachers) must pay taxes
and contribute to the Thai Social
Salary & Work Permit Security system. Every school
Regulations has a different and in some cases
confusing method for covering
Thai government regulations additional expenses.
regarding the employment of
foreigners are quite strict. This can As part of our program, your salary
often complicate things for your should not be less than 28,000
school, especially if it is a public THB (30,000 THB for subject or
school, and can be confusing for you. TEFL teachers, & 33,000 THB for
education degrees). To cover any
extra expenses, most schools will
include these costs as additional
salary. Schools may deduct it as

22 needed, or ask the teacher to pay for classes (if you haven’t received one,
these costs with the additional salary. please talk to your coordinator).

However, your take home salary

should never be lower than you base If you’re already confused, don’t

rate salary (28-33,000 THB). worry – it takes most teachers weeks

to remember when and where to go.

It’s important to note that in most

cases, schools will prorate your %HIRUH \RXU æUVW GD\ DW VFKRRO WU\

salary based on the number of days IROORZLQJ \RXU VFKHGXOH DQG æQGLQJ

you work in that month. your classes. If your school is small,

this should be easy. If your school

Some teachers work in large schools is massive – good luck! Try timing

with other foreigners, including your walk to your classrooms. It

teachers from OEG, other agencies might also be a good idea to map out

in Thailand, and teachers who are any bathrooms along the way.

employed directly by the school.

Different agencies have different Remember, it’s going to take some

policies, salaries, and inclusions in time before you start to blend in

their programs. There are agencies with the rest of the teachers. Before

that receive part of a teacher’s salary. you know it, you’ll get used to school

Your salary is paid to you directly assemblies – which usually start at 8

by your school and OEG does not a.m. sharp and last about 30 minutes

receive any part of it. – although sometimes, it seems

like they last a lifetime. Here’s your

If you have questions about your FKDQFH WR æJXUH RXW KRZ HOVH \RX

salary, deductions, and how these can become more involved at school.

costs are covered by your school,

please ask your coordinator. If you Make things easy for yourself and

have any questions after speaking take time to learn your students’

with your school, please don’t nicknames – it’ll help with creating

hesitate to contact OEG. meaningful relationships between

yourself and your classes. Try and

Daily School Life learn the names of some of the Thai
teachers at school and learn who to

Once you’re past the formal wai and when to do it. It’s simple
introductions and safely at your things like calling a Thai teacher,
desk, you might want to start “Kru” or “P” that can help you lay
thinking about your daily routine down a solid foundation for the
at school. By now, you should have upcoming semester.

been handed a schedule of your

What Should I Ask? 23

How can I get Where’s the closest
around town? department and
grocery store or
What food places market?
are close to school?

What’s the closest If I get sick, where
food area to my should I go?
accommodations?
Where’s the
nearest hospital?

Are there other
foreign teachers
nearby?

If I need money,
ZKHUH FDQ , æQG D
bank or an ATM?

Where and how can
I add phone credit?

Can you show
me the closest
bus station with
intercity buses?

Grand Palace, Bangkok

YOUR FIRST SEMESTER 25

<RXØYH PDGH LW SDVW WKH æUVW ZHHN Playing sports is one of the
and now know your way around easiest ways to connect with
the school – congrats! That’s a feat people. Staying active or helping
GHæQLWHO\ ZRUWK FHOHEUDWLQJ 1RZ to coach a team is a great way to
that you’re a semi-pro, it’s time to get involved.
really get to know your co-teachers,
the department, and even your Your school will likely have
director! foreign teachers from many
other countries. Take time to
School Community spend time with them – you’ll
be surprised by how much you
Here’s your chance to show you’re can learn from them.
more than just a teacher. Ask your
coordinator if there are other ways Work Atmosphere
for you to get involved at school. Are
there students looking to get extra Your time working at school may
tutoring help after class? Maybe be the most memorable moments
you’re interested in hanging out you have in Thailand. You may have
with some of the teachers outside of helpful co-teachers, an unbelievably
school? These are just a few ways for supportive coordinator, or well-
you to feel more included: behaved students. Or you may have
all three!
Many teachers opt to tutor
after school to make some extra Every workplace has its own unique
money. It’s also the perfect circumstances and dynamics, and
opportunity to learn more schools in Thailand are no different.
about your Thai students. Don’t be surprised if it takes you
TXLWH D ELW RI WLPH WR æW LQWR \RXU
The community will know you school’s work culture. Sometimes,
as a teacher – embrace it! Take your work environment will be less
any opportunity to have dinner WKDQ LGHDO ,I \RX æQG \RXUVHOI LQ DQ
with your neighbors as it’ll unfriendly work environment, and
give you great insight into Thai feel a bit lost, we’ve got your back.
culture.

26 1 Try talking to your coordinator information about symptoms of
about your experience at school. culture shock.

Explaining certain situations can

go a long way. Of course, if you 4 It’s important to realize that a

have a supportive coordinator, work environment may just be

this may be easy. If you feel toxic on its own. Each school may

distant from your coordinator, have its own culture, politics, and

you may feel uncomfortable problems. It may have nothing to

approaching him or her about do with you. At this point, feel free

your experiences. It’s important to reach out to OEG with your

to make sure you let someone concerns. Feeling a bit lost is

above you know how you feel. okay – letting it linger is not.

Otherwise, you can’t expect

changes if you’re unwilling to “When a student of mine came to
share what’s wrong. ask for after-school tutoring, I was

2 If talking to your coordinator surprised. Flattered, but shocked.
doesn’t help, try reaching out She was my best student – in fact,
to colleagues and see if they’re she took a year to study abroad
experiencing the same issues. LQ ,GDKR $IWHU RXU åUVW VHVVLRQ ,
Rallying with a group of co- realized why she came to me. She
workers who understand what was afraid of losing her English.
you’re going through can make Without practice and without a
working at school more enjoyable. native English environment, she
ZDV WHUULåHG RI ORVLQJ HYHU\WKLQJ

3 Make sure to document she had worked so hard for. So, for
everything. Sometimes, what the next few months, Someo and I
seems like an unfriendly would spend an hour after school
encounter to you could just be twice a week. I would help her with
simple miscommunication. It’s tests like the SATs and IELTS, and
normal to expect some kind of she would teach me Thai. It wasn’t
communication breakdown in a enough for her that she was my best
place where language, culture, and student – she wanted more than
habits all differ. If you document just the grade. For Someo, I was her
your experiences, you’ll be able native English environment.”

to rationally share your concerns. Õ -HVVLFD 'XQODS
Keep in mind cultural differences Teach in Thailand 2016
and culture shock can have a

big effect on how you feel in the

workplace. See p.36 for more

Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai

28 BASICS OF THAI CULTURE

VISIBLE

INVISIBLE

Culture is transmitted through include: beliefs, manners, rules
social learning; it’s not something about standing in line, punctuality,
we are born with. Therefore, there bathroom etiquette, and more.
is no wrong or right culture, only
the beliefs and behaviors taught by Here are a few examples of invisible
societies. culture in Thailand along with their
“positive” and “negative” readings:
There are two main aspects of
culture: the visible and invisible. The “Thai Smile”
These two aspects of culture Thai people are generally polite and
are often likened to an iceberg. friendly, so smiling is important. In
Visible culture is the small part Thai culture, smiling is appropriate
of the iceberg that’s visible from for almost every occasion. Smiling
the surface. These are the obvious relieves tension, so it is common to
aspects of culture such as food, see Thai people smile even in serious
art, architecture, music, and even situations.
bathrooms. However, the invisible
parts of culture are things that Thai people are approachable,
hide beneath the surface. These are friendly, and polite.
usually the most interesting aspects
of culture and often the source of 7KDL SHRSOH FDQ EH GLèFXOW WR
most cultural misunderstandings. read. Even if they are upset,
Some examples of invisible culture they may not express it.

Personal Space Head & Feet 29
Thai people tend to give each other a Don’t touch or get too close
reasonable amount of personal space. to someone’s head. The head
Social rules about physical contact is considered the most sacred
are complicated. Physical contact is part of the body and is not to be
most common between close friends touched without permission, with
of the same gender or between the exception of young children.
family members. Public displays of In contrast to the head, feet are
affection are not common for Thais. considered the lowest part of the
body and should not be used to reach
Thai people are very polite, wait for or pick up items. Pointing your
their turn in lines, and are not feet toward someone as you sit is
pushy. also considered very impolite.

Showing affection in public is Thai people are conscious of
frowned upon. their body language, and are
very aware of how they are
Buddhism sitting (or standing) so as not to
The majority of Thais are Buddhist. offend anyone.
The usage of Buddha images or
æJXUHV DV GHFRUDWLRQ RQ FORWKLQJ ,W FDQ EH GLèFXOW IRU IRUHLJQHUV
or for tattoos is offensive and not to remember to be aware of
acceptable. Buddhism generally does their body position and actions,
not prohibit the worship of other therefore it may be easy to
beliefs, however, most Thai people accidentally offend someone.
will not be familiar with other
religions. Saving Face
The values of self-respect and respect
Aspects of Buddhism – of others in society are deemed very
including mindfulness, important, and are used to maintain
kindness, passiveness, and proper etiquette without causing
thoughtfulness – permeate embarrassment in social situations.
Thai culture.
Thai people are sensitive to
Even if you are not religious, maintaining homeostasis in
you are expected to be social situations.
respectful of Buddhism and
attend ceremonies offered at
your school.

30 Losing control of your Fear of Offending
It is very important to Thai people
emotions, raising your voice,
to search for common ground
and not presenting yourself as
in interpersonal relationships.
calm and collected can cause
It’s important not to disturb,
you to “lose face.” Most Thais do inconvenience, or offend others,
not use direct confrontation as a especially in a hierarchical setting.
VWUDWHJ\ IRU UHVROYLQJ FRQçLFWV
Thai people will go out of their

Respect for Hierarchy way to ensure others are not
Seniority is one of the core values uncomfortable or upset.

of Thai culture. Respect must be Thais can be very sensitive and
given to those of higher social status, considerate of others.
and to elders. Showing respect to

someone older (even just a year

older) is expected in Thai culture. The fear of offending can lead
The elderly, as well as people with a to a lack of trust.
certain social status, such as monks,

teachers, and parents, are highly Tolerance & Indirect Communication
respected in Thai culture. Seniority Thai people are very tolerant and
is one of the core values of Thai understanding. They don’t often
culture. express their needs or demands to

others, especially when they feel that

Society is orderly because those demands would make someone
seniority makes it easier to spot feel uncomfortable.

who’s in charge.

It’s easy to be part of a Thai

work environment.

Younger or more junior people

are expected to be submissive.

Decisions must come from the It’s not uncommon for Thai

top down, so decision making is students and colleagues to fail

often a slow process. Those in to express their discomfort

a position of authority have the or concerns directly to you. If

æQDO VD\ LQ PRVW VLWXDWLRQV something goes wrong or there

is a problem, it may take some

time for it to surface and be

resolved.

Thai Image of Teachers 31
In the past, Thai teachers were often
monks, and students learned not
only reading, writing, and math
from them, but also learned about
morals. Today, students are usually
not educated by monks, but teachers
still hold a very high position in Thai
society and are highly respected.
They are seen as role models both in
and outside of the classroom.

Your students and community
respect your role as a teacher
and educator. This respect will
be shared with you as a person
if you earn it.

You will be expected to behave
as a teacher in all places within
your community – once a
teacher, always a teacher.
Behavior such as smoking,
drinking, etc. (within view
of the community) could be
looked down on by parents and
colleagues.

Phu Thap Boek, Phetchabun

WESTERN CULTURE 33

Naturally, this program creates Equality & Fairness
strong cultural connections between We value schedules, contracts, and
teachers and their schools. Just as promises. We stand up for what we
you struggle to understand Thai believe in, even if it means being
culture, schools in Thailand struggle WHPSRUDULO\ LQ FRQçLFW ZLWK RWKHUV
to understand our perspective. Here Everyone is fundamentally equal
are some “positive” and “negative” regardless of social status or age.
readings of Western culture:
3HRSOH ZKR æJKW IRU ZKDW WKH\
Independence believe in have strong character.
Being self-reliant and independent
means you are able to provide for &RQçLFW XSVHWV VRFLDO KDUPRQ\
yourself and take care of your own and can make relationships
needs without assistance. Westerners uncomfortable and strained.
move away from their parents You have to earn what was
at a young age and take care of promised to you. Being
themselves while still in their late stubborn about what you
teenage years. are owed could cause you to
look greedy and “lose face.”
You can depend on yourself and Disrespect for hierarchy
work independently without and direct confrontation is
too much guidance. inappropriate.

Independence makes it more Adventure & Travel
GLèFXOW WR DVN IRU KHOS ZKHQ Seeing the world is an important and
it’s needed. Thai colleagues may exciting experience. Most teachers
seem nosy and pushy with their who come to Thailand want to make
care and concern. Thais live the most of their time and try to
DQG ZRUN WR EHQHæW WKH ZKROH travel as often as possible.
population, leading to a dislike
of people who think they are Travel can teach you to
better than others. They are adjust to different situations.
often very generous and kind, Unique experiences enrich
and expect the same from you. understanding of the world.

34 Teachers who travel too often “Culture hides much more than it
reveals and, strangely enough, what
are thought to not care as much it hides, it hides most effectively
about their local community from its own participants.”
as they do about adventure.
School, students, colleagues, – Edward T. Hall
Thai culture, and community all American Anthropologist
come second to adventure.

Patterns that exist in different
cultures have been passed on by
respected elders, parents, and
teachers, and they have become
normalized over time. They are
considered by members of society to
be good, natural, and accepted.

When something that you regard
as fundamentally important
is disregarded, it can become
YHU\ SHUVRQDO &RQçLFW DQG
confrontation of core values is
usually accompanied by tension.
Living and teaching abroad, which
promotes encountering cultural
differences and, hopefully, crossing
cultural boundaries, can sometimes
be uncomfortable and even
incomprehensible.

Saraburi, Thailand

36 CULTURE SHOCK

Everyone who’s traveled, or knows • Identifying only with your own
someone who’s traveled, feels like culture and comparing a new
they understand culture shock. culture negatively to your home
It’s seeing scorpions and bamboo country.
worms for sale on the street next to
french fries. It’s misunderstanding • Unable to solve simple problems.
a simple conversation. It’s feeling • Feelings of inadequacy, lack
unexpectedly agitated about
something small. RI FRQæGHQFH LQVHFXULW\ ORVV
RI LGHQWLW\ QRW æWWLQJ LQ DQG
These are examples of culture shock, doubting your ability to succeed.
but culture shock can take even • Developing stereotypes about
more unusual and unexpected forms. culture and the host country.
Believe it or not, the following are • Feeling unable to have a normal
symptoms of culture shock: conversation with anyone.
• Having a feeling of helplessness,
• Insomnia, or a desire to sleep too and thinking you need help from
much or too little. people in your own country.
• Being afraid to do new things or
• Preoccupation with your health. go to new places.
• Aches and pains such as stomach
At some point while living
aches, headaches, or allergies that and working abroad, everyone
you don’t usually have. experiences some degree of
• Developing different obsessions culture shock. If you’ve had any
such as: over-cleanliness or over- or all of these feelings, know that
eating/over-drinking. it’s completely normal and will
• Changes in your temperament, eventually pass.
getting angry easily at things
that usually wouldn’t bother you, Here are a few tips that can help
depression, feeling vulnerable, and overcome culture shock when it
feeling powerless. strikes:
• A feeling of sadness or loneliness.
• A feeling of being lost, overlooked, 1 Be aware of the symptoms. Once
exploited, or abused. you realize you are experiencing
• Trying too hard to absorb culture shock, you can then take
everything in the new culture. steps to deal with it.
• Homesickness.

2 What are the situations that 6 Continue improving your 37
confuse or irritate you the most in ODQJXDJH SURæFLHQF\ SUDFWLFH
your new country? learning Thai with books, apps,
• Are you misunderstanding the movies, and music).

host people’s treatment of you? 7 Have a sense of humor.
• :KHUH FDQ \RX æQG PRUH Allow yourself to see the
humor in misunderstandings or
information about this aspect of embarrassments. Laughter heals.
the culture?
• Behavior that seems rude to 8 Remember that some culture
you may not be intended as rude. shock is a normal part of adjusting to
Polite customs are different for a new country.
each culture. When situations
seem senseless, remember that 9 Find a place where you feel
hosts may be following social rules comfortable and spend time there.
unknown to you.
• Ask questions about social 10 When problems seem to be
customs. building up, mentally step back from
them. Divide your problems up,
3 If you are still bothered by a understand each one, and work on
VLWXDWLRQ æQG ZD\V WR PLQLPL]H WKH them one at a time.
irritation. Is the situation necessary?
11 If headaches and stomach aches
4 Develop friendships with the other become a constant problem, realize
teachers at your school – not just that they may be a sign of emotional,
those from your home country. not just physical problems.
• At times, friendships with
12 It is important to maintain regular
culturally different people can life patterns. Eating nutritional
seem very taxing. It’s important meals at regular times, sleeping, and
to have people from your own exercising regularly help to reduce
country to spend time with, but stress.
getting to know people from other
cultures can be rewarding. 13 When you begin to feel down, ask
yourself, “What did I expect? Why?
5 Talk to people from your home Was my expectation reasonable?”
country about your stresses and ask
how they have dealt with the same
situation.

38 14 Disregard your old assumptions you are normally with your family,
and expectations. Be open to friends, and other loved ones. Yes,

learning new things. Explore new you are in Thailand. Yes, you just

ways of living and compare these to spent last weekend at a waterfall

your own. Become more aware of with your friends. Yes, you should be

both your values and attitudes, and happy, but you still feel a little down,

those of your host country. and that’s ok. Even with all of the

crazy highs of this experience, it’s

15 If you need more help, don’t be normal to feel some lows. If you let

afraid to ask for it. Contact OEG yourself feel and acknowledge that

for recommendations for medical you are experiencing a low time, you

professionals or counselors. can move past it. Feeling down won’t

last forever.

Adjusting to a new culture requires

a good amount of re-examination of Be Present

your own values and outlook. Try to It’s easier said than done. One of the

do that as you slowly adjust to your central teachings of Buddhism is to

new life in Thailand. live in the present moment. Living

in the past or the future can cause

SOURCE: English in Taiwain pain and longing. The only way to

avoid this is to be present in the

Advice for Holidays PRPHQW 7KLV LV HVSHFLDOO\ GLèFXOW
Abroad during a holiday season, especially
when you are far from people you

Homesickness, loneliness, and love. Teaching in Thailand is an
culture shock are all normal opportunity for you to create your
symptoms of living a life abroad. own holiday traditions and enjoy a
These symptoms usually seem to familiar time of year in a new place.

feel worse when an important date, Embrace New Traditions
ELUWKGD\ VLJQLæFDQW DQQLYHUVDU\ RU Do Thai people celebrate Christmas,
holiday come around and reminds us Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa? The answer
we are far from home. is that if they do, it’s certainly

Here are a few tips for how to deal not going to be in the way you
with holiday blues: expect. Thailand loves to celebrate,
and they’ve adopted quite a few

Acknowledge Your Emotions traditions from other parts of the
Know that it’s okay to feel a little world, so it’s not uncommon to
XQVWHDG\ DW VLJQLæFDQW WLPHV ZKHQ see Christmas trees popping up in
November. However, you can be

sure that even if it’s familiar, it won’t However, it’s important to keep 39
be the same. Accept and embrace the some perspective that they probably
differences. Maybe this is the year feel the same way about your Thai
to spend Thanksgiving camping in students and travel pictures. Social
a National Park or New Year’s on media makes it possible for us to
the beach? Who knows, maybe next feel like we’re part of our family’s
Christmas you’ll be having sticky activities and traditions, even if we
rice with your turkey back home!? are thousands of miles away. Make
sure to stay in touch and up to date
Send Holiday Cards with the ones you care about, and
Who doesn’t love postcards? Keeping share your life in Thailand with them
in touch with a fun postcard from a in return. You can connect to those
beautiful place in Thailand or even close to you as you explore and learn
from your new Thai hometown, is more about yourself and the world.
a great way to keep your traditions
alive and make you feel connected. Remember Why You Came
If you’re feeling down and have a
(Pro-Teacher Tip: Have your Thai case of the holiday blues, it’s easy to
students at school make Christmas cards forget the reasons that brought you
for your family and friends back home! WR WHDFK LQ 7KDLODQG LQ WKH æUVW SODFH
Everyone gets to be involved – the more This is the most important time to
the merrier!) remember them! Did you come here
for the experience? For adventure?
Spend Time with Locals To get to know a new culture? To
Traveling around the holidays can be spend time with Thai kids? Now
lonely no matter how many people is the perfect time to reassess your
you have by your side. Instead of personal goals for this program and
spending Christmas Eve in your make an effort to meet them in the
apartment, why not spend it with coming months.
a local family or with your OEG
buddies? If you’ve made connections
with a local Thai family, this is
a great way to exchange culture
and feel included in your local
community.

Make Time for Loved Ones
It’s hard to look at family and
friends’ social media and not have
FOMO (fear of missing out).

Hanoi, Vietnam

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 41

OEG Contact In Case of Emergency
Information
What constitutes an emergency?
We are here to support you In many circumstances, a problem
throughout your program in can normally wait to be solved until
Thailand. Contact us using the the start of normal hours at the
following information: 2(* RèFH 3OHDVH XVH GLVFUHWLRQ
ZKHQ FDOOLQJ RXWVLGH RI RèFH KRXUV
*hN 1BSL $IVMB and limit calls to true emergency
'MPPS $IBSPFO .VBOH 3PBE
situations only. An emergency may
8BOH .BJ
1BUIVNXBO include the following:
#BOHLPL
- - • If you are a victim of crime or
assault
[email protected]
• If you have been arrested
Please use for • Political unrest or uncertainty
day-to-day program needs and
for after-hours about safety
emergencies. • Medical emergencies or death
• Moments of extreme personal
101 Moo 14, Soi 6 Suthep Road,
Mueang Chiang Mai 50200 stress
- -
In an emergency, contact the
[email protected] appropriate Thai emergency
services listed on the next page.
Please use for Please contact OEG and your
day-to-day program needs and school coordinator immediately
for after-hours after. It is important for us to know
emergencies. if you require emergency assistance
so we can support you as best
Our normal business hours are as possible. We can also provide
Monday to Friday from : a.m. you with helpful and necessary
to : p.m. information.

42 OEG Emergency Contact Numbers: It is your responsibility to
XQGHUVWDQG WKH VSHFLæF SROLFLHV
Chris Hillstrom of your insurance, be able to use
your insurance in the event you are
unwell, or in an emergency. Please
Bangkok Office E-Cell share your policy information with
OEG (if you haven’t already), so we
will be able to assist you in the event
Chiang Mai Office E-Cell of an emergency.

iNext Insurance

Thai Emergency Services: If you have iNext Travel Insurance,
your insurance is valid for one
Police year from the start date of your
191 program. iNext is a claims-based
insurance plan – you’ll pay hospital
Tourist Police (Engish) fees up front, keep all receipts
1155 and documentation, and then
submit them to iNext as a claim
Bangkok Hospital Network for reimbursement request. iNext
1724 is secondary insurance. If you have
other insurance that will cover you
Fire Department LQ 7KDLODQG \RX VKRXOG æOH D FODLP
199 ZLWK \RXU SULPDU\ LQVXUDQFH æUVW

iNext Questions
(+1) 855-578-6398

Insurance iNext Email Address
[email protected]
Comprehensive travel insurance
that covers the duration of your Making a Claim
time in Thailand is a required part of (+1) 866-723-3063
your participation in the program. (+1) 727-412-7378
If you do not have it yet, please talk
to OEG staff as soon as possible for File Claim Via Email
recommendations for suitable types [email protected]
of insurance.

In an emergency situation, if you withdraw. (NOTE: Even if you have a 43
are admitted to the hospital or have Thai bank account, you will be charged
an outpatient procedure that costs an out-of-town withdrawal fee if you
86' RU PRUH L1H[W ,QVXUDQFH take money out of an ATM in a
can arrange to pay the hospital different province than where your
directly through its partner, Generali account was opened.)
Global Assistance. To open a case
with Generali, please use the contact Transferring Money
information below:

Collect/Outside US If you need to transfer money back
(+1) 240-330-1548 to your home account for whatever
reason, there are a few options you
Toll Free/Inside US can explore: bank-to-bank transfer,
(+1) 866-506-5304 Western Union, and PayPal. The
easiest and least expensive option is
Generali Global Email Address most likely transferring from one
[email protected] bank to another, although it likely
includes an international transfer fee.

Banking Phones

Banking in Thailand is very quick Phones in Thailand require a SIM
and simple to navigate. Some schools card in order to receive service from
will require you to set up a bank a Thai phone provider. If your phone
account because they pay by direct doesn’t have a SIM card slot, you
deposit, while others will pay in cash. won’t be able to get service from a
Either way, in order to set up a bank Thai phone provider.
account in Thailand, you will need
the following documents: Additionally, if your phone is locked
by your provider in America, you
1 Passport will need to get it unlocked before
2 Work Permit being able to use it in Thailand.
3 First Deposit
If your phone is incompatible with
ATM machines can be found all Thai providers, and you don’t have
throughout Thailand and – more an international plan, the best
typically than not – accept thing to do is to buy a new phone
international debit cards to in Thailand. You may also use your
phone with Wi-Fi only.

44 There are two main ways that our WKH æUVW VHPHVWHU VWDUWV LQ PLG 0D\
participants pay for their phones: and goes through late September/
early October. The second semester
1 Top Up (a la carte) starts in early November and goes
2 5HæOO SUHSDLG PRQWKO\ SDFNDJH through late February/mid-March.

Topping up means going to your Calendars in Thailand are more
service provider, or authorized çH[LEOH DQG DUH VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH
seller, and paying to continue your with little to no warning. Many
service. If you don’t select a monthly schools have English Camps or
package, money will be taken out for other activities in between semester
every phone call that you make, text breaks, which are important for
message that you send, and MB that foreign teachers to attend – yes, you
you use of data. Once you run out, will be paid for days that you work
you will no longer be able to make during the break. Before making
calls, send texts, or use data until you travel plans, it’s best to speak to your
top up again. coordinator and ask them about
GDWHV $IWHU \RX FRQæUP ZLWK WKHP
Selecting a monthly package is (written evidence is best), feel free to
slightly different than the former start planning!
option. Your monthly package can
include minutes, text messages, and Remember, you are here to teach
data (high speed for a certain number – traveling should come as an
of GBs and then unlimited at a much DGGLWLRQDO EHQHæW <RXU PDLQ
lower speed). In order to continue responsibility is your school and
your package, you need to make sure your students.
WKDW \RX KDYH UHæOOHG \RXU DFFRXQW
before the monthly package resets. Thai Holidays
Otherwise, you’ll need to register
for the package again. If you’re Thailand has many national holidays
interested in canceling or changing throughout the year, please see the
packages, let your current plan run chart of holidays on the next page.
out.
Please note that national holidays are
Academic Calendar not guaranteed days off from school.
,WØV DOZD\V EHVW WR FRQæUP GDWHV ZLWK
Each school has its own unique your coordinator.
academic calendar. Typically,

Thai Public Holidays 45

New Year’s Day January 1

Chinese New Year Late January to Mid February

Makha Bucha Day Full Moon in February or March

Chakri Day April 6

Songkhran Festival April 13, 14, 15

Labor Day May 1

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Usually in Mid May

Visakha Bucha Day Full Moon in May

H.M. Queen’s Birthday June 3

Asahna Bucha Day (Buddhist Lent) Full Moon in July or August

H.M. King’s Birthday July 28

Mother’s Day August 12

Day of Mourning for King Bhumibol October 13

Chulalongkorn Day October 23

Father’s Day December 5

Constitution Day December 10

New Year’s Eve December 31

If a Thai public holiday falls on a weekend day, then there will be a
“substitution” holiday on the next weekday.

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country, and therefore Buddhist
holidays are national holidays. Thai law prohibits the sale of alcoholic
beverages on these holidays, so usually bars and other nightlife spots will be
closed out of respect.

Sometimes your colleagues will assume you know more than you do. Don’t
take it personally if they forget to tell you about a holiday in advance. Just
keep up as best you can and try to be proactive in discussing the school
calendar.

Samut Prakan, Thailand

HEALTH & SAFETY 47

Your health and safety throughout expensive. Travel clinics that OEG
the program is of utmost importance recommends are:
to OEG, your school, and yourself!
We advise that you listen to your Thai Travel Clinic
school coordinator and Thai 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Rajthewi
teachers, as they know your Bangkok 10400, Thailand
community the best. Having said 02-306-9100 ext. 3034
that, Thais have a way of being 02-306-9145
RYHUSURWHFWLYH VR æQG D ZD\ WR
balance what they say with your gut Monday-Friday: 8-3 p.m.
feelings. Monday & Tuesday: 4-7 p.m.
Saturday: 9-12 p.m.
If you need medical advice or
assistance, please contact your school Kriengsak Pediatric and Family
coordinator. Many schools will ask Medical Clinic
for a doctor’s note when taking 4 Padaed Road, Padaed,
a sick day, so please make sure to Amphur Muang
comply with your school’s policy. Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
If you end up going to the hospital, 085-106-0576
please also notify OEG so we can 053-282-970
pass on information about your
insurance (p.42), and keep tabs on Monday-Saturday: 8-12 p.m.
your well-being. Monday-Saturday: 5-8 p.m.

Vaccines If you are not able to get these
vaccines in Bangkok or Chiang Mai,
OEG advises participants to follow they are most likely available at a
the recommendations of the Center hospital or clinic near your school.
for Disease Control. Please visit the
CDC website for the most up-to- Rabies
date information. If you did not get
all of the recommended vaccines Stray animals are abundant
before departing your home country, in Thailand and most are not
don’t panic, they are also available in vaccinated. OEG advises participants
Thailand and are usually less

48 against petting stray animals, and LV HDV\ WR æQG æOWHUHG DQG ERWWOHG
we do not advise you to feed or pet water everywhere you go in Thailand

monkeys. Dog, cat, and monkey bites – and it’s quite cheap! If you go to a

are common in Thailand. If you are restaurant and see a pitcher of water

bitten, you will need to undergo a RQ WKH WDEOH GRQØW ZRUU\ LWØV æOWHUHG

series of vaccines against rabies that and the same goes for ice. If you

can be tedious and expensive. æQG \RXUVHOI LQ D VLWXDWLRQ ZKHUH

æOWHUHG ZDWHU LV QRW DYDLODEOH \RX

Mosquitos can boil the tap water. A rolling boil
for one minute should do the trick.

Mosquitos are known to be carriers Tap water is safe to shower and even
for many different types of diseases. brush your teeth with, although be
The most notable are Malaria, careful not to consume too much.

Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, Remember that Thailand is a tropical
Chikungunya, and Zika. Please country that is close to the equator.
note that although these are not Make sure to drink lots of water
common in Thailand, there have and stay hydrated! It’s really easy
been reported cases. The best way to get dehydrated and not even
to protect yourself from mosquito- notice, especially due to Thailand’s
borne illnesses is to limit your humidity.
exposure with the following steps:

• Use fans, air conditioning, Foodborne Illness
mosquito nets, and/or window
and door screens Don’t be surprised if you experience
food poisoning or some of the
• Wear mosquito repellent V\PSWRPV ZLWKLQ WKH æUVW IHZ ZHHNV
• Wear long sleeves or pants during of arrival. So what are the common
culprits of food poisoning (or
the time of day or season when similarly uncomfortable symptoms)
mosquitoes are most prevalent and what can you do about them?
(evening/sunset, Jun-Oct)
• Avoid uncovered standing water Causes:
around your home 1 Contaminated food – poor
sanitation and unsafe restaurant
Water practices. In most cases, street food
in Thailand is delicious and safe to
In Thailand, it is best to avoid eat, however, use your judgement.
drinking tap water and ice that is not If it looks dirty, or if you have a
PDGH IURP æOWHUHG ZDWHU (YHQ 7KDL sensitive system, don’t eat it.
people do not drink from the tap! It

2 Spicy food – It’s sad but true, Thai When to Seek Medical Care: 49
chilies can have an unstable effect on • Prolonged fever and chills
your stomach. Introduce spicy food • Severe dehydration – unable to
into your diet gradually.
retain liquids
3 Thai Beer – Thai beer is produced • Severe symptoms lasting 24 hours
DQG æOWHUHG GLIIHUHQWO\ IURP EHHUV
back home, and this can be hard on or more
the stomach. Remember to take it
easy, especially in the beginning. Infections

In most cases of foodborne illnesses, Thailand is a hot and humid climate
you’ll be able to recover without where germs and bacteria thrive. If
medical help and with a quick trip to you have a wound (including tattoos)
7/11 or a pharmacy. it is important to keep the area clean
and dry in order to avoid infection.
What To Do:
• Stay hydrated If you suspect you have an infected
• Take Electrolytes wound, seek medical care at a
• Use medicated charcoal or Flying pharmacy, clinic, or hospital to have
it professionally cleaned. Small
Rabbit (Thai Pepto Bismol) infections can become serious if not
looked after properly.

Also note, heat rash, a small infection
of the pores caused by sweating more
than usual, is common in Thailand.
If you have an itchy rash that you
suspect is heat rash, make sure you

are showering twice daily with soap.

Be Mindful of the
Environment

Whether you are on a beach or in the
mountains, do research and make
yourself aware of potential hazards.
Here are some examples…

• At the ocean… Be aware of aquatic
wildlife. Do not underestimate the
power of strong currents in rivers

and the ocean.