- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Thai culture
- Health / Illness
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Discrepancies
Smoking
Smoking is not accepted at any time on school grounds and/or during
school hours. You are free to smoke in your own time outside of the
school. *It is very uncommon for professional females to smoke in Thai
society. Basically, in Thai society, “respectable” females do not
smoke in Thailand. This does not mean that you cannot smoke, but you
should be prepared for even more than the usual stares and subsequent
repercussions (E.g. not getting a tutoring job because someone saw you
smoking - they (Thai’s) wont tell you this directly, but it may be the
case)*
Top
Alcohol
The use of alcohol is not accepted during school hours. Only during
school sponsored activities/parties is the use of alcohol acceptable
on school grounds. Use of alcohol or being found under the influence
of alcohol on school grounds other than specified and arranged times,
is grounds for immediate dismissal. Alcohol consumption outside of the
school is under the discretion of the teacher with the reminder that
being a teacher carries responsibilities and expectations from the
community. Excessive alcohol abuse is not considered acceptable
behavior for a teacher in any country. *Again, the same stigma is
attached to females who drink excessively as is for smoking
Top
Drugs
The use of illegal drugs at any time is grounds for immediate
dismissal and possible prosecution under Thai laws. Thailand has
extremely strict regulations and subsequent penalties regarding the
use and trafficking of illegal drugs. * It is the foreigner’s
responsibility to understand the laws and regulations of the country
that they choose to visit or live and work in
Top
Thai culture
Thai people are extremely proud of their culture and are generally
passionate about sharing it with foreign teachers. It is expected that
foreign teachers make an effort to learn about Thai culture. While
this is not a requirement, it is a healthy suggestion that will
improve your standing as a teacher and person within a Thai government
school and community. Also, a greater level of understanding and/or
acceptance (at the very least knowledge) of Thai culture will make
your time in Thailand that much more enjoyable. All teachers are
expected to respect all aspects of Thai culture and act accordingly.
Expressing anger or having confrontations (which results in a “loss of
face”) are avoided at all costs and are not considered acceptable
behavior in Thai society. By expressing anger towards someone,
especially to someone in a higher position than you and particularly
in public, you cause not only yourself but the other person to “lose
face”. This is extremely negative in Thai society. It is strongly
suggested that you will express and discuss problems that you may
encounter with us in a similar fashion. NO Thai person responds
positively to anger, insistence, and yelling
Teachers are expected to understand this element of Thai society or at
the very least respect and accept it. While this and many other
elements of Thai society may seem “ridiculous” or even “stupid” to
some foreigners, it is a part of the culture in which you choose to
live and therefore must be accepted.
A calm, friendly, understanding, patient and smiling person will
achieve far greater things in Thailand than someone who is hot-headed
or quick-tempered. Expressing anger will only be taking steps
backwards in any situation.
Top
Health / Illness
It is not uncommon for people who choose to live in a foreign country
to have difficulties regarding health in the initial stages while
their bodies are adapting to a new climate, diet, and way of life. It
is therefore strongly recommended that all teachers purchase
travelers/health insurance for a minimum of 3 months to cover
emergencies. Health care is extremely cheap in Thailand relative to
most Western countries. Health care in Thailand also meets a
relatively high standard. Basic services such as medication and doctor
visits are very inexpensive. Basic Thai Health insurance is obtainable
through various organizations such as BUPA or AIA.
Teachers are allowed paid sick days for the semester. Sick days
exceeding this limit: teacher’s monthly salary will be reduced at a
rate per day. Teachers may be required to provide a doctor’s note
proving illness in the case of any discrepancies (E.g. frequent
illness on Mondays/Fridays/before or after long weekends). For any
unexplained absences, the teacher’s monthly salary will be reduced at
a rate of 2000 baht/month. *Excessive illness without doctor’s
certificate may be grounds for dismissal.
Teachers must notify both the school and the company before 8:00 am on
the day that they will be absent. It is highly appreciated if teachers
phone the evening before so that preparations can be arranged to cover
your classes. Failure to notify both the company and the school before
8:00 am of the day of absence will be considered unexplained
There are no substitute teachers in some schools. Standard procedure
is for other teachers, when they have a free period, to teach in place
of the absent teacher. If a teacher is absent, foreign or Thai, you
may be asked to substitute in your free periods (no teacher should
teach more than 5 periods without a break). In the case of an extended
absence, overtime will be paid (see contract) Keep in mind that the
same courtesy will be extended to you and your classes when you are
absent. In some cases, a spare teacher will be arranged by us.
Top
Extra Curricular Activities
There are often many school activities/parties/special days that may
or may not fall during regular school hours. You may be asked to join
in these activities. It is strongly recommended that you join at least
SOME of these activities or it will be thought that you don’t like the
school or the teachers in the school. Often these are great fun and a
way to meet important people in the community. Activities may include
staff parties, field trips to other areas of Thailand, weddings,
dinner invitations, after hours work (paid), etc.
Top
Discrepancies
As many of the schools we work with have never had foreign teachers or
have had little exposure to foreign teachers and cultures, there will
undoubtedly be some ‘hiccups’ along the way. Any discrepancies that
arise between what the school asks you to do and the contract you have
with us should be reported to our Coordinator. Often times these
discrepancies result from a communication error. By allowing the
school and us to discuss the matter, it is hoped, and been proven,
that most of these issues can be resolved much easier, faster and with
less cultural tensions than if you attempt to resolve them alone.
Often these schools want you to do many extra little things because
they want to take advantage of the fact that they finally have a
foreigner working at their school. It can be easy to get frustrated
and angry, but this will get you nowhere in Thailand. *If you don’t
mind doing a few extra little things… great, AND this is the best way
to get involved and score extra PAID work after school hours. The more
involved you are, the more liked you will be and the more people you
will meet, thus more opportunities will arise. However, we all need
our own time and you will need to know when to say “Sorry, I can’t do
that”.
Top
