Teach English in Thailand

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  • Overview

    Living abroad in Thailand will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in everything this country has to offer. As a teacher in Thailand, you will be directly affecting your students and their futures, helping to break the cycle of poverty that many Thai children are born into. From gorgeous beaches to stunning temples, and all the pad thai and curry in between – read more about why you want to make this country your new home!

    Greenheart Travel’s program is ideal if you:

    • Love the idea of making an impact in a local community
    • Want to experience a culture completely different than what you are used to
    • Love trying different and new foods
    • Can’t wait to embrace the Thai culture. Bring it on!

    Program at a Glance:

    • Guaranteed paid English teaching positions throughout Thailand
    • Average salary of 32,000 Thai baht per month (~$910 USD) for degree-holders
      • Guaranteed minimum of at least 30,000 Thai baht per month (for degree holders)
      • Guaranteed minimum of at least 25,000 Thai baht per month (for nondegree holders)
    • 1-week orientation
    • Couples and friends can be placed together!
    • Placements in kindergartens, elementary, middle, & high schools.
    • Monthly start dates, year round

     

  • Costs and Inclusions

    Teaching Placement Only: $1,910 USD
    Ideal if you’re already TESOL certified or have teaching credentials

    Teaching Placement +  Online TESOL certification course: $2,160 USD
    Ideal if you don’t have a TESOL yet, or don’t have classroom experience. 

    Teaching Placement +  TESOL certification course: $2,660 USD* (Offering a $100 discount on this option for all 2024 start dates)
    Ideal if you don’t have a TESOL yet, or don’t have classroom experience

    Summer 7 Week Program: $1,800 USD
    Ideal for qualified teachers looking to spend their summer break abroad

    *If you do not have a Bachelor’s degree there is an additional $200 fee, due to the increased difficulty to place non-degree holders. All non-degree holders must do the program with the TESOL in Thailand.

    Packaged into the Price:

    • Guaranteed teaching placement in Thailand with an average salary of 34,000 Thai baht (~$1100 USD) per month
      • Guaranteed minimum salary of 30,000 Thai baht per month for degree holders (25,000 Thai baht for non-degree holders)
    • Arranged accommodation prior to your arrival at your placement
    • 6 Months of Medical Insurance
    • TESOL Certification Course – in-person or online (if chosen): classroom, instructors, learning materials
    • 1-month of accommodation during orientation week and TESOL course in Thailand
    • Airport pickup and transfer to hotel
    • Transportation from Bangkok to Hua Hin (Chiang Mai teachers fly to Chiang Mai)
    • One-week group orientation upon arrival including all excursions
    • Group Dinner during orientation
    • Access to Greenheart Travel Facebook groups to connect with alumni and others on your start date ahead of your program.
    • Greenheart Atlas Program 

    Our Support and Services: 

    • Visa Assistance in applying for the visa ahead of arrival, including visa paperwork and extensive directions and support.
    • Extensive pre-departure advice and support from your program managers! They will be able to answer all your questions and tell you what teaching and living in Thailand is really like! They will be with you from your first inquiry, all the way through preparing to leave and your arrival in Thailand.
    • Online webinar logistical orientation before you leave
    • Highly experienced team of 20+ in-country support staff members
    • 24 hour in-country and emergency support for duration of the program, including 24 hour emergency phone numbers to reach a program manager at any time.
    • Free Program Extension – You never have to pay a program fee again if you extend your contract past your first semester – it’s a one-time fee!
    • Lifetime job placement assistance in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Costa Rica, Japan, or Myanmar upon successful completion of first contract.
    • Opportunity to apply for a Greenheart Grant to give back to your community at home or abroad

    Additional Expenses You’ll Need to Cover (Estimates):

    • Airfare to Bangkok or Chiang Mai ($800)
    • Visa fee or any costs associated with obtaining documents required for the visa ($100)
    • Background check ($30-$50)
    • Degree legalization ($50-$150)
    • Meals and daily transportation in Thailand ($5-$7/day)
    • Rent during your teaching contract ($200/month)
    • A deposit for your orientation or course accommodation electricity and water usage ($70). Just don’t use your air conditioning like crazy and you should get most of this back 🙂
    • A laptop:  Teachers are responsible for bringing a laptop computer to Thailand with them for lesson planning
    • Startup cash to hold you over until your first paycheck ($2000-$2500)

    Payment Details:

    • $300 Application Fee due to move onto the interview  
      • Refunded if you are not accepted 
    • $300 Commitment Payment due after acceptance 
      • Confirms your spot on a start date 
    • Remaining Balance Due 60 Days Prior to Start Date:
      • Placement Only: $1,310
      • With TESOL course: $2,060
      • Summer Program: $1,200

    Wondering where exactly your program fee goes? Here’s a breakdown:

  • Eligibility

    Basic Eligibility:

    • Fluent English Speaker*
    • Ages 20-58
    • Citizen of the US, Canada, UK, EU*, Aus, or NZ
    • Be in great mental and physical health
    • No criminal record (with the exception of traffic or other minor violations)
    • A passport with at least six months of validity AFTER you plan to leave Thailand
    • An adventurous attitude and strong flexibility are a must

    If you have a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree:

    • A completed degree equivalent to a U.S. 4 year Bachelor’s degree (if you are not American, you will have to have completed a degree that is equivalent to a Bachelor’s in your home country)
    • A TEFL/TESOL certification is required unless you majored in Education (but you can add this on as part of your program if you don’t have one yet!)

    If you do not have a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree**: 

    • TESOL Certification (must be completed through this program in Thailand)
    • Be very open, as not all schools will hire non-degree holders
    • Only applicable for citizens of US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, and Ireland

    *For those from the EU (and not Ireland) you will need to provide proof of your English fluency at a C1 Level. We also may require that EU citizens come to Thailand on certain high peak hiring start dates, like April and May.

    Still need your TEFL/TESOL certificate?

    Add on a 3-week 120 hour TESOL certification course in Hua Hin or Chiang Mai, Thailand on ANY start date. The TESOL course is required for those participants who did not major in Education or have a formal teaching license. Those who take the course will continue their training for three additional weeks after the one week cultural orientation upon arrival. More than 90% of our teachers that do this program also take this TESOL course in Thailand, upon arrival.

    Why should you take the course in Thailand?

    Taking an in-person course instead of an online course is highly preferred by hiring schools not just in Thailand, but all over the world. By taking the course in Thailand you will get hands-on experience with Thai students and the Thai curriculum, as well as personal and helpful guidance from your TESOL teachers. You’ll also get to spend an additional 3 weeks in Hua Hin or Chiang Mai with all of your new friends taking the course before you spread out into your placements – and it’s a lot of fun!

    If I need to take the TESOL course, do I arrive 4 weeks before my chosen start date?

    No, we have TESOL courses on EVERY start date listed on the website so the date you choose on your application will be your first day in Thailand. We run courses every month, all year long. Everyone (regardless of if they need to do the course) will start to do the 1 week orientation together, and those taking the course will stay an additional 3 weeks after orientation.

    Does the location of your TESOL course affect where you end up being placed?

    No. Your placement could end up being anywhere in Thailand, regardless of where you take your course (Hua Hin or Chiang Mai).

    Accreditation Information

    This TESOL course is internationally accredited by the Online TESOL and TEFL Standards Agency (OTTSA). The course is audited quarterly by OTTSA staff, and will qualify you to teach anywhere in the world that requires or prefers a TEFL or TESOL certification. The certification lasts for the rest of your life!

  • Start Dates

    Our Teach in Thailand program has a 1-week orientation, followed by the option to add on an additional 3-week TESOL certification course for those who are not yet certified (or did not major in Education). Everyone will still start the 1-week orientation on one of the start dates below, and those that add on the certification will have their orientation followed by 3 extra weeks of coursework. We run an orientation and TESOL course every month, on every date listed below.

    Thailand School Calendar (exact dates vary by school):

    First Semester: May – end of September
    break for October
    Second Semester: November – February/March
    break for March and April

    Peak Season Start Dates

    These peak season start dates are ideal for both degree and non-degree holders. Teachers will start working at the beginning of a semester and have a 4-5 month contract with a school. Teachers arriving on these dates are also eligible for pre-placement and will receive a Non-Immigrant B visa prior to arriving! Pre-placement is contingent on a teacher’s ability to submit proper documentation by the deadline – teachers who are unable to submit all documents on time will find out their placement location during orientation week in Thailand.

    Non-Degree Holders: If you do not have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree you can only arrive on these start dates listed here. Non-degree holders are also ineligible for pre-placement and will be placed upon arrival in Thailand during their TESOL course.

    Start Date Availability
    April 1, 2024 Open
    April 29, 2024 Open
    May 27, 2024 Open
    September 30, 2024 Open
    October 28. 2024 Open

     

    Off-Peak Start Dates 

    The above-listed start dates are the best times to arrive (peak hiring seasons). If you cannot arrive on one of these dates, however, we do offer off-season start dates on these dates listed. If you arrive on one of these dates you will NOT be placed before you arrive in Thailand, and you will obtain your placement during orientation or the TESOL course. Non-degree holders cannot arrive on off-peak start dates. The benefit of an off-peak start date is a shorter contract, as you are arriving in the middle of the semester after school has begun – or during a school break. 

    Start Date Availability
    November 27, 2023 Open (limited availability)
    January 2, 2024 Open
    January 29, 2024 Open
    June 24, 2024 Open
    July 22, 2024 Open

    How long is my contract?

    Your initial commitment is only for a semester, but it’s freeto extend if you want to stay longer! More than 50% of our teachers end up staying longer than their first semester. 

    *Please note each school has a different schedule and exact start and end dates, especially in March (end of the school year). Flights home or vacation travels should not be booked or planned until you sign your contract with your school and know your exact end date. We recommend arriving in Thailand on a one-way flight.*  

    Your initial contract will be until the end of the current semester that is in session when you arrive (until either September or March). We have start dates once per month, so if you arrive during the semester, you will jump right into the school year whenever you arrive and be expected to stay until the end of that current term.  

  • Accommodation

    Training Period

    Greenheart Travel packages in accommodation for all participants during the training period in Hua Hin or Chiang Mai, as part of your program fee. For those taking the TESOL course, this means you have hotel accommodation provided for around a month when you first arrive in Thailand. For those who don’t need the certification and are doing “Teaching Placement Only” – your first week during orientation is packaged in.

    We also provide accommodation in Bangkok for one night for those doing training in Hua Hin, on arrival day, so that everyone can go down to Hua Hin together the following morning.

    In Your Placement City

    Accommodation, once you arrive at your placement, is provided, but it’s your financial responsibility to pay for it out of your paycheck. Your school will often have an apartment waiting for you when you arrive to your placement. Sometimes if an apartment is not ready at the point of your arrival to your placement town, you will be housed by your school for a few days at temporary accommodation and during this time you will be able to look for your permanent accommodation. Most often, teachers live in basic, studio, furnished apartments near the school. You can reach out to our team at any time for assistance in finding accommodation.

    Teachers will pay rent to their accommodation directly, from their monthly paycheck. Rent is very cheap in Thailand and usually ranges between USD $150 and $300 per month.

    Paying rent instead of having an apartment provided “rent free” as a part of your contract or program gives you flexibility. If you want to leave that apartment and move somewhere else after a month or two, you’re free to do so. Leases are not the same as you might be used to, and many accommodations are month-to-month so some teachers make friends (new roommates!) or find an area of the city they like better after a few months and decide to move. That’s totally fine! It’s your paycheck!

    Utility bills range between 1,000-2,000 baht ($30-65) per month, but can definitely be less if you choose to use fans, rather than air-conditioning.

    Curious about what your apartment might look like? What Are Apartments and Houses Like in Thailand!?

  • Summer Program

    In addition to our traditional semester contracts, we also offer short-term summer positions with all of the same basic program details, just short term (7 weeks!).  If you only have the summer off, this is a perfect way to get abroad for that time! This is geared towards teachers who have summer vacation and cannot commit to a full semester in Thailand but want to travel during their summer vacation.

    Learn more about the Teach in Thailand Summer Program here.

  • FAQs

    Why do I have to pay for a job?

    Programs like this one in Thailand don’t have direct government funding, so teachers who want to teach there must cover some of their own expenses. When programs cost money, we do try to keep them as cheap as possible (we are a non-profit!) but there are some costs associated with running a program when it does not have any direct funding. The program cost covers things like support from your program manager, the support of 20+ staff in Thailand upon arrival, insurance, orientation and excursions, accommodation during orientation (and the TESOL course if you add that on), airport pickup, transfers, administrative costs of placement and support, etc. Program staff will be available to answer any questions before and after arrival, and you’ll have access to 24/7 support if needed while in Thailand. Read more here.

    It is also free to extend your program for additional semesters or take your skills to another country! As a Thailand program alumni you are entitled to lifetime job placement in Thailand, Japan, Costa Rica, Vietnam, South Korea, or Myanmar. You are welcome to stay in Thailand for as long as you like, or come back later down the line, as long as you maintain the correct visa and immigration status through your school. You never have to pay a program fee again if you extend your contract past your first semester, it’s a one-time fee!

    Am I guaranteed a job placement?

    Yes, acceptance onto the program means placement is guaranteed once you are in Thailand. We have a 100% success rate in placing our teachers, and would not accept you onto the program unless we were sure we could place you.

    You will submit placement preferences ahead of arrival to Thailand. The placement team in Thailand will be your liaison with Thai schools and agents, and while we ask everyone to remain open-minded and flexible, we’ll try our hardest to place you somewhere where we think you’ll be happy. At the end of the day, we cannot force a school in a certain city to hire you, so we will try our best to match your preferences as best we can – but we ask that you remain flexible and open-minded.

    Will I be the only foreign teacher?

    As a Greenheart Travel teacher we can guarantee that you will always have at least one other foreign teacher in your placement city

    How many other teachers live there completely depends on the placement, but most people have many friends or other English teachers close by. We place people all over the country of Thailand, so every placement is going to vary. Some teachers are at the same school as up to 5-10 other teachers, but some teachers might be at their school as the only English teacher but have others placed in the same city or town.

    Also, remember that Thai people in your community and at your school can become some of your best new friends too!

    Is Thailand safe?

    Thailand is a very safe country. In fact, most of our participants report feeling safer in Thailand than they do back in their home countries. Just like in any country, you should exercise some caution: be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, don’t walk alone late at night, etc.

    Do I need to know Thai?

    It is not necessary to speak Thai to apply for this program. In fact, the schools prefer that you only use English in the classroom to create a complete immersion experience for the students. However, having some knowledge of the local language will, of course, benefit your day-to-day life, help you negotiate, understand the culture and allow you to connect with your students and people in your community. You will receive some introductory lessons to the language during orientation, and your Thai teachers would love to help you learn the language once you are at your school!

    Can I talk with alumni or current participants from the program in Thailand?

    Of course! Please join our Facebook community specifically for teachers in Thailand, or check out our reviews on GoOverseas.com or GoAbroad.com!

    Can I apply with my friend/spouse/significant other?

    Yes, we welcome friends and couples to apply and we can place you so that you can live together! Every applicant can note in their application who they are applying with. We can guarantee placements together so that you can live together, but you may work at different schools within the same city.

    Will I have insurance in Thailand?

    You will be covered by comprehensive international medical and accident insurance through Greenheart Travel for 6 months of your program as part of your program fee. This will cover you for most medical expenses you could incur, like prescriptions, ER visits, doctor visits, dental accidents, and hospitalizations. We provide insurance for 6 months as it’s the average amount of time a teacher is in Thailand on this program. If you want to extend your coverage, we’ll provide the link to purchase additional coverage.

    I identify as LGBTQ+. How will I be supported?

    It is hard to generalize Thai people as a whole, but each year Greenheart Travel sends many LGBTQ travelers on this program. As a country, Thailand is generally a very accepting and open-minded country when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights.

    Our staff and in-country partners are also very welcoming and accepting of all gender identities. We can provide extra support if needed. 

    During the application process we are happy to provide information on the cultural norms of our destination countries and are prepared to advise you on the best programs based on your needs and interests. 

    Please read more here.

    I am a certified teacher/majored in Education, should I still take the TESOL Course?

    While the course won’t be required for you, we still do recommend it. You’ll learn methodology specific to Thailand, as well as cultural things that will help you succeed at your school (like how to interact with your new coworkers!).

    The biggest reason to take the course outside of what you’ll learn, is the relationships and friendships you’ll make during that first month. Most everyone says this is one of the most important parts of the extra time in Hua Hin or Chiang Mai, since you’ll be able to spend that time with other teachers who have just arrived and are in the same boat. From there, you’ll have friends to visit and travel with for the rest of your time in Thailand.

    I’m a certified teacher but chose to go ahead and do the TESOL course as well. I’m glad I did! Yes, some parts of the course were repetitive to things we may have learned in college, but there was plenty of new techniques introduced, as well. The method of teaching here to speakers of other languages is a much different approach than how I taught back in the states. I think the TESOL course did a good job preparing me for this new way of teaching, and I felt much more confident when stepping into the Thai classroom for the first time, especially because the course gave us the opportunity to be in several classrooms to practice teaching before being sent to our placements.

    I also am glad I did the course because it allowed me to have more time to adjust to being in a new country and to get to know the other group members better, as opposed to being sent off to a placement right after orientation week. Another thing to think about–many other countries require a TESOL certification to teach, and so if you think you might want to travel and teach in another country after Thailand, the certification wouldn’t be a bad idea!! –
    Lindsay Gall, Greenheart Travel alum

    When should I apply?

    We take applications as far as one year in advance and accept applicants on a rolling basis. We can usually accept you within 2 weeks of applying, no matter how far in advance you’re wanting to leave. Deadlines are 2 months before each start date or once all spots have filled for that start date.

    Do we have to find our own accommodation?

    Your school will provide you with an apartment when you arrive at your placement location, so you don’t need to find the accommodation on your own. Most apartments and accommodations are month-to-month so if you don’t like your provided accommodation you can always find something else after that first month. You will pay rent, which is on average around $75-150 USD per month. What Are Apartments and Houses Like in Thailand!?

    How do I get a visa?

    We will supply you with the necessary visa paperwork you need prior to your arrival into Thailand. Depending your qualifications, citizenship and what start date you chose, you will either arrive on a Non-Immigrant B, Non-Immigrant O or tourist visa.

    The visa cost will be $80 USD or $100 CAD. The entire process to apply and be approved just takes 1-2 weeks and is very simple and straightforward. We will provide all the paperwork, directions, and help you through this whole process so it’s nothing to worry about!

    What if I want to stay longer than one semester? How do I extend?

    Your school will usually ask you at the end of your first semester if you want to stay for another, in most cases. If for some reason your school does not ask you to stay, we can find you another placement in Thailand! You do not have to pay the placement fee again in order to stay another semester, it’s free to extend!

    What vaccines do I need?

    Greenheart Travel strongly recommends that travelers be vaccinated against COVID-19. A COVID-19 vaccine is no longer mandatory for placement. However, some schools still request it, so the teachers just need to be flexible in terms of placement location.

    While there are no other required vaccinations for Thailand, we recommend that you see a doctor or travel clinic for advice on vaccinations. We highly recommend obtaining Hepatitis A and B, as well as Typhoid before arriving.

    Malaria Pills:

    All teachers need to consult a qualified medical practitioner or travel doctor about taking malaria medication when traveling to Thailand. However, even in the more rural locations, you will still be working in a town where malaria is less prevalent. We have not had any teachers suffer from malaria, but we cannot guarantee 100% that you will not catch it.

    What are my start-up costs?

    In addition to the program costs, you will need to buy your plane ticket to Thailand, which averages about $500-$800. We also recommend you bring living expenses for your first month (around $2,000 to get by until you get your first paycheck). Teachers will also need to purchase their own visas, which cost $80 USD or $100 CAD.
    All teachers will need to bring a government-issued criminal record check with them to Thailand in order to obtain a formal work permit. This can range from free to around $50 USD.

    Will someone pick me up at the airport?

    Yes, you will be picked up at the airport, unless you are traveling independently before the program begins.

    Are flights included?

    No, flights are not included in the fee, and you are responsible for arranging your own flights/transportation to Thailand. We recommend booking a one-way flight, and purchasing your return flight later. The Non-Immigrant O visa you arrive on will allow you to enter with a one-way ticket. You may book your flights once you’re accepted onto the program, and we will let you know when you can do so!

    When is the first and last day of school?

    It depends on the school and each school will have it’s own set schedule. Each school will have their own EXACT set start and end dates, but will mirror the calendar below very closely:

    First Semester: beginning of May – end of September
    break for October
    Second Semester: beginning of November – February/March
    break for March and April

    Please note each school has a different schedule and exact start and end dates. Flights home or vacation travels should not be booked or planned until you sign your contract with your school and know your exact end date. We recommend arriving to Thailand on a one-way flight.

    How will I get from orientation to my placement?

    During orientation, you will be given information about your school and teaching location, along with contact details and instructions on how to get there from Hua Hin or Chiang Mai. You’ll be greeted upon arrival by your local agent or school coordinator. Usually, teachers take a bus to their placement location and program staff will make sure everyone knows how to get to their cities.

    Will there be a book or curriculum to follow?

    This depends mostly on the school, but in most cases, you will have a curriculum and a book to follow. In most cases, course books are provided, but lesson planning will still need to be done in order to properly supplement the course book.

    What is the most common level of English ability for the students?

    Age can often be a deceiving indicator of English ability among Thai students. For planning purposes, we recommend preparing your expectations for lower ability students (no matter the age level) ranging from elementary to advanced beginner.

    Will teachers be teaching alone or will there be assistant teachers?

    Some private primary schools will have Thai co-teachers, but it is best not to expect a co-teacher – you will likely be leading your class on your own.

    What is the dress code for teaching?

    For men: Dark colored pants and light colored shirts, closed formal shoes and a tie. For women: Dark colored skirt or dress that hits under the knee, light-colored shirts and formal closed shoes.

    What meals are provided?

    You will be required to pay for your own meals. Breakfast and lunch at the school should cost no more than THB 40 (USD 1.25) Some schools might offer free lunch depending on their budget and the luck of the teacher! Meals are also not included during orientation (or TESOL course) but meals in Thailand are very cheap, and usually will cost around $1-2 USD. During orientation and the course most teachers tend to eat cheap Thai meals at places like the Hua Hin Night Market, where the cost of a delicious plate of pad thai will run you around 30 baht ($1).

    Can I bring my children and/or pets?

    No, you cannot bring your children or pets.

    Will I have access to internet?

    Internet is easily accessible throughout Thailand, and most of the schools have wi-fi internet connection. Most accommodations have internet access, but the cost will be up to you and what speed you’d like to have installed. Data plans for your cell phone are available for about 800 THB ($20 USD) per month so you will have access to data on your phone as well. We will provide you with a Thai SIM card during orientation in order to officially get data working on your phones (Google Maps is key!). During the orientation and TESOL course you will have access to the wifi at the accommodation for free.

    Will I have access to a phone?

    We’ll help you get set up with a plan during orientation and we will provide a Thai SIM card for you. You can bring your own phone to use in Thailand, as long as it is unlocked and able to use a new SIM card. If you aren’t bringing your own phone, you can purchase one in Thailand for about $20 USD. Plans are pre-paid and very inexpensive. Calls to the US costs about 30 cents per minute on the cell phone plans, but we recommend using FaceTime, Skype, or Google Hangouts with wifi (which is free!).

    We recommend obtaining a Thai carrier during orientation (we will help with this) and canceling your plan (or suspending it) that you have back home. US-based plans like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc. are VERY expensive to use in Thailand.

    What holidays will I have off?

    You will have all National Thai holidays off! Please remember, Thailand is mostly a Buddhist country, so you might not get time off for holidays like Christmas or other similar holidays. Thai schools usually do have some time off for New Years.

    How am I paid? Can I save money?

    Yes! Of course, the amount you save will depend on your personal spending habits, and where you are placed. When it comes down to it, it will depend on your lifestyle. Most of our teachers report being able to save more than 40% of their salaries each month! Most of them use this to travel or backpack after their teaching contract before heading home.

    Once you are in Thailand, program staff will take you to open a bank account. This account is where your salary is deposited at the end of every working month.

    Major credit cards are accepted by hotels and large stores, but cash is the ideal method of payment almost everywhere. Typically establishments will only accept credit cards for large purchases, so plan on paying for most things in cash. You can use your ATM card to withdraw cash from a bank account back home if you need access to more cash before you start being paid.

  • Orientation

    All participants will participate in a week long orientation upon arrival, whether you are taking the TESOL course or not. All participants who are already certified or majored in Education will have their orientation in Hua Hin, while those taking the TESOL course will have their orientation in their chosen TESOL course location, either Hua Hin or Chiang Mai.

    You’ll have the opportunity to meet many other new like-minded and adventurous teachers who have also just arrived! By the end, you’ll have new friends scattered around the entire country. Orientation includes important activities and classes on what to expect on your program, Thai language, and local culture. Accommodation is included for the duration of orientation, as well as for the duration of the course for those staying an additional 3 weeks for certification.

    Orientation week is full of fun activities and excursions, which are included in the program:

    • Thai Culture and History lessons
    • Muay Thai lessons
    • Thai cooking class
    • Visit to our Stray Dog Rescue Project for those in Hua Hin
    • Basic Thai language classes
    • Market tour with the Thai staff, to help learn basic phrases and how to buy items at a market
    • Beach BBQ at Khao Takiab beach (Hua Hin) or Welcome Dinner at a local Thai restaurant (Chiang Mai) on the last night of orientation
    • “Chat” with a monk to learn more about meditation, Buddhism, and Thai culture
    • Visit to Buddhist temples or shrines in the area (Khao Tao temple in Hua Hin and Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai)

    The game changer for me was the opportunity to take the orientation and TESOL course with other teachers after arriving in Thailand. I knew people in the country immediately and had people to rely on afterward for friendship and teaching resources. This is so valuable when you are alone in a foreign country.” — Maria Civantos, Greenheart Travel alumni

    Orientation group in Chiang Mai

    Orientation group in Hua Hin

    See More: Some Things You Might See During Orientation in Thailand

  • Placements

    Placements will be made all over the country of Thailand in over 100 towns and cities throughout the country. Your students’ ages, class sizes, and their English proficiency will also vary from school to school. As you can see below, over 50% of our teachers are placed in central or southern Thailand, and over 60% are placed in medium-sized to large urban areas.

    As a Greenheart Travel teacher, we can also guarantee that you will have another foreign teacher living in your placement city. This might not be someone from your orientation, but instead might be someone who has been living there for a while. Most cities have anywhere from 10-15 teachers, while cities like Bangkok obviously have a lot more than that.

    Check out our list of past Thailand placements to see where our Greenheart Travel teachers have been placed!

    Below, you can see our top 5 placement locations and a bit more information

    Placement Process

    A few weeks before you leave for Thailand, you will be able to submit a form explaining your placement preferences. We cannot guarantee your placement preferences can be met 100%, but we will try our hardest to place you somewhere where you will be happy. The more open with your preferences you can be, the easier it will be for them to be met. For example, “I’d like to be placed in a mid-sized city where I can learn about Thai culture” is an easier preference to meet than “I want to be placed in {particular city}”. The placement team is a team of both Thai and Western staff, and they are experts at matching participants with placement cities they think are a great match. Placements are final and we do not change placements or give program refunds based on preference.

    If you are arriving on a peak hiring season start date you will obtain your placement before you leave for Thailand, usually around 1 month before departure. We highly recommend that you remain open and flexible about where you are placed. This program is first and foremost about the students and schools that need teachers, and we have schools all over the country that are excited to have you!

    If you arrive on an off-peak start date or are a non-degree holder you will receive your placement information once you arrive in Thailand, during the orientation or TESOL course. During your first week in Thailand, you will have a one on one meeting with a member of the placement team to review the placement preferences you submitted.

    Let Greenheart Travel staff members Kara and Savannah give you all the deets on what you need to know before going to Thailand! 

  • Why Greenheart Travel?

    Greenheart Travel has been working in Thailand for many years, and there are advantages of applying for this program through us:

    • 33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs
    • Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program managers.
    • Connect with alumni and others on the program via our Greenheart Travel only Facebook forums, before you even leave!
    • We try and make our program fees as inclusive as we can. We include things like extensive medical insurance for 4 months (medical maximum of $150,000 and prescription coverage with $0 copay) and accommodation for the entire TESOL course in Hua Hin or Chiang Mai, so you don’t run into any hidden fees down the line.
    • Greenheart Atlas Program. The Greenheart Travel Atlas is a cultural training interactive guidebook alongside five videos where you will find three main topics covered: Personal/Professional Development, Cultural Understanding, & Environmental Awareness.
    • Guaranteed job placement. Take the stress out of finding a job, we 100% guarantee we’ll find one for you!
    • Our alumni recommend us! GoOverseas.com Reviews // GoAbroad.com Reviews
    • Hands on support and personal attention every step of the way
    • 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
    • Pre-departure “Culture Shock and Adjustment” Webinar before you leave
    • Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs
    • We are a non-profit, mission based organization
    • Continued support throughout your contract

    We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel teachers and alumni!

    Greenheart Grants

    Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here.

    Greenheart Alumni Program

    We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange!

    Greenheart Global Leaders Conference

    Each August Greenheart offers full ride scholarships to over 40 alumni to attend our annual conference in Washington, DC. Participants even get a chance to advocate for cultural exchange in a presentation to the US Department of State. You can see more about what GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.

  • Application Process

    1. Start Your Application Here. You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application.

    2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

    3. Submit your Application Fee: A $300 fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee. If we are unable to accept you following your interview (very unlikely!) we will refund your Application Fee in full.

    4. Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

    5. Skype Interview: Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.

    6. You’re Accepted! Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews.

    7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $300 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

    9. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to Thailand!

    Required Documents To Apply:

    • Terms and Conditions (signed virtually in portal)
    • Copy of Passport
    • Resume
    • Criminal Record Check
      • Greenheart Travel runs this for Americans as part of the application for acceptance onto the program. After acceptance, however, Americans will have to obtain a government-issued check to bring to Thailand with them to submit to their school.
      • Those from the UK are required to submit an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) and bring a copy with them to Thailand
    • Copy of your University Degree or Transcript
      • If you are a current university student graduating in the future, you can upload current unofficial transcripts

    Physical Documents

    You will need to bring the following physical documents with you to Thailand in order for the school to process your work permit. We will provide extensive directions on how to obtain these after your acceptance to the program:

    • Authenticated Bachelors Degree
      • Those from the UK are required to have their degree notarized, apostilled, and legalized by the Thai Embassy in London.
    • Government Issued Background Check (local, state, or national level)
    • Transcripts from your Bachelor’s degree, sealed in the envelope
  • Schedule a Call

    Have questions or want to talk to program manager? Set up a time to have a phone call below.

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