Overview
Thailand has always been a favorite among TEFL teachers worldwide, and the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai, is an unmatched place to plant yourself for 4 weeks of in-class teacher training before beginning your placement.
Nowhere else is the gentle, easy-going nature of the Thai people on more display than in chilled out Chiang Mai.
This culture hub promises adventure of all kinds—waterfalls, temples, street food, meaningful friendships—and puts you right in the heart of hill country culture.
Whether bemusing golden Buddhas, bartering at night bazaars, or befriending elephants, TEFL internships in Chiang Mai, Thailand promise an experience unlike any other.
There are two Internship options available: Guaranteed placement in Chiang Mai or Guaranteed placement in a Northern Thailand provincial town.
Guaranteed Chiang Mai placement full price US$2,650 ($900 deposit due at booking, the remainder of $1750 due 4 weeks prior to arrival)
Placement Thailand Nationwide full price US$2,450 ($900 deposit due at booking, the remainder of $1550 due 4 weeks prior to arrival)
Fully Inclusive Programme
- 120 hour on-site TEFL course in Chiang Mai
- Arrival orientation & hotel
- 5-month teaching placement
- Accommodation assistance
- Sponsored work visa
- Ongoing & emergency support
Your Trip Itinerary
Getting there
On arrival to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) where you’ll be picked up by our in-country team, and taken to your orientation hotel.
Orientation
You will have a full four-week TEFL training course and orientation upon arrival, while staying at a central Chiang Mai hotel.
Your singe room B&B hotel stay is the perfect way to forge new friendships. After class you can relax by a nearby pool (it only costs a few Thai baht), get competitive over a game of ping pong or grab an ice-cold mango smoothie at the cafe.
Your first week of classes will prepare you to deliver engaging English lessons and you’ll learn all of the tools that you will need to make an impact in the classroom.
By week four you will have put your new skills into practice and have teaching practice sessions at local schools. Your last day of training will be devoted to discovering Thai culture, Buddhist customs and the local lingo.
Your teaching experience
Placements are in formal Thai schools around Chiang Mai and surrounding provinces, but will vary from kindergarten to college-level institutions. Your students’ age group will depend on the availability and need of our partner schools. Expect to work Monday-Friday, from ~7:30am to 4:00pm.
Once you’ve finished your TEFL training it can take between 1 to 2 weeks to begin teaching at your school, depending on your placement preferences. Previous interns use this time to get settled into new housing, sight-see and really begin to feel at home.
You’ll lead ~15-20 hours of English classes each week, leaving you plenty of time for extracurricular support, prepping future lessons, or grading your students’ latest essays. Since the learning goes both ways, enter each day eager and humble. Follow professional norms by dressing neatly to honor the hierarchy within schools and the monarchy.
On weekends off and your salary to enjoy you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the areas around your placement town or city. We also recommend budgeting time after your internship to see more of Thailand and check off your Thai bucket list.
After your internship
Congratulations, you did it! Make sure to celebrate this achievement. It’s time to decide if you’d like to see more of Northern Thailand, traveling or teaching (or both).
You might decide to extend your stay in ‘The Land of Smiles’ and teach for longer by renewing your contract. The possibilities are endless for you now as a confident and experienced TEFL teacher.
Essential information about this trip
What our interns say
Discover if teaching English in Thailand is for you with the help of Seb and Amber's stories. They were inspired to take their careers in new directions.
Locations
You will spend a semester gaining hands-on teaching experience in one of a variety of locations in Northern Thai provinces such as Chiang Mai, Khampaeng Phet, Utthai Thani, Phayao, Phitsanulok, Fang, Mae Hong Son and Nan.
Want to learn more about this placement? Drop your details below & we'll get in touch very soon!
How it works
Before you go, you’ll have an application form to fill out and documents to submit, you may have a video chat and then you’ll be on your way.
Cultural excursions
Wondering what you’re going to do with your precious free time? We’re glad you asked! We know your adventure bucket list is long, but make sure you tack these recommendations from past TEFL interns in Thailand towards the top!
Chiang Rai
Food
Activity
Questions and Answers
What help is there to find an apartment?
Your local school representative will arrange viewings of suitable apartments. Condo-style housing can start from as little as 3,000 THB US$100/€95/£85 monthly.
TIP: For those seeking a more plush pad, you can upgrade accommodation in some locations, budgeting in the region 6,000 THB.
How can I earn the upper pay scale?
Experienced teachers can expect to earn the upper end of the 30,000 – 34,000 THB (US$995- US$1,125/€890-€1,000/£760-£860) pay scale. A handful of schools offer salaries up to 40,000 for applicants with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) such as primary or high school teachers.
For newly qualified ESL teachers, a salary of 30,000 THB offers a very comfortable life with the opportunity to save money each month if you want.
Where will my teaching placement be?
After your 4-week classroom TEFL training (including 30 nights of bed & breakfast accommodation at a central Chiang Mai hotel) you will take a bus to your placement location.
There are both urban and more rural placements throughout Northern Thailand locations including Chiang Mai (city and province), Khampaeng Phet, Utthai Thani, Phayao and Phitsanulok.
Can I teach for longer than a 5 month semester?
Yes absolutely. After your 4-week classroom TEFL training you’ll typically have a couple of weeks of free time before your first day of teaching at your school placement.
You will teach for one 4-5 month long semester in a local Thai school. If you love it and never want to leave you will be able to extend your teaching contract and renew your visa easily.
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