Teaching in Thailand: Language Schools vs. International Schools
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If you’re exploring your options for teaching in Thailand, you’ve probably come across two main routes: language schools and international schools. Both offer completely different experiences — from salary and schedules to lifestyle and long-term growth.
I’ve worked in both settings during my 10 years of living in Thailand and have close friends who’ve done the same. Here’s exactly what to expect from each, and how to know which one’s right for you. The right option depends on whether you want flexibility and travel now, or higher pay, benefits, and career growth long-term.
| Factor | Language Schools | International Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | EFL teachers, CELTA/TEFL teachers, flexible schedules | Qualified teachers, long-term career growth |
| Schedule | Evenings/weekends | Weekday school hours |
| Pay | Lower/moderate | Moderate to very high |
| Holidays | Usually shorter | Usually longer |
| Students | Kids, teens, adults | School-age students |
| Benefits | Varies – likely flights | Often stronger insurance, flights, housing allowance |
| Career growth | Possible, but more limited | Stronger pathway |
| Lifestyle | Great for weekday travel | More stable routine |
My First Job Teaching in Thailand: Language Schools
My first job in Thailand was with the British Council, which functions like a language school. I taught mostly Thai students — kids, teens, and adults.
Language school hours are usually evenings and weekends. But I actually loved that schedule. I finished work Sunday night, hopped on a night bus, had Monday and Tuesday off, and came back Wednesday. It gave me a mini weekend every week and was perfect for travel.
That schedule does come with some drawbacks though. If your friends are on a different timetable — like working in international schools — it can make it harder to coordinate travel or social time. That started to affect me once many of my friends moved into daytime roles.
Trying to decide between language schools and international schools in Thailand? Join our free Thailand moving group and ask your questions about qualifications, salaries, school types, visas, benefits, and what teaching life here is actually like.
What Qualifications Do You Need for Language Schools?
To teach in most language schools in Thailand, you’ll usually need a TEFL, CELTA, or Trinity certification. Some of these are very basic — literally just weekend courses. Others, like CELTA (which I did the same year I graduated from university), are intense one-month programs that give you more classroom prep and confidence.
It’s worth asking what kind of resources are provided in your language school. Do they give you a laptop? Do they provide a set curriculum or past lesson plans? You shouldn’t be building everything from scratch — especially if you’re new to teaching.
Language schools often offer the chance to teach a mix of subjects. You might teach general English, business English, or exam prep classes. IELTS is especially popular in Thailand — it’s used for university admissions and visas in countries like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
While I was at the British Council, I trained to become an IELTS speaking examiner. It turned into a great side hustle and gave me a break from the classroom.
Teaching Hours, Pay, and Work Permits in Language Schools
Language school jobs do count as full-time work. You need to teach a minimum number of hours to qualify for a work permit. I believe it used to be 8 or 12 hours per week — definitely check with your employer.
Language school salaries are generally on the lower end of the scale. They’re enough to live on comfortably in Thailand, but you won’t be living in luxury. That said, I was still able to travel regularly and enjoy my time here — even on a modest income.
The right school type is not just about the highest salary. It’s about whether the salary, rent, transport, insurance, flights home, hobbies, and savings all work together. Before accepting a job offer, use our Thailand Cost of Living Calculator to check what salary you actually need.
Teaching in International Schools in Thailand
There’s a huge range of international schools in Thailand — from lower tier to top tier. The school you choose will make a massive difference in your experience.
Lower tier schools may accept shorter qualifications but often have tighter salary caps. The Thai government has been cracking down, so check that your qualifications match what the school can legally accept. Some might try to push you into getting a certificate that doesn’t align with your goals.
I was hired at my international school with a DELTA (a master’s-level qualification). Since then, I’ve completed an IPGCE and earned QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). My school supported me financially and provided a mentor, which made a huge difference to my development.
That’s one of the biggest perks of international schools: career growth. Good ones invest in their teachers and support your progression.
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Workload, Schedule, and Lifestyle in International Schools
Workload at international schools is generally manageable. My school caps class sizes at 22 students. I know others that go even smaller — especially for younger year groups. Some kindergarten classes only have 10 to 15 kids.
The work day starts early — I’m at school by 7:15 a.m. But we can usually leave earlier in the afternoon, depending on meetings or marking. As someone who’s not a natural early riser, that took some adjusting. But it’s now part of my routine and I wake up early even at the weekend…dammit!
International school contracts are usually two years. You should definitely ask to speak to current staff before accepting a position. If a school is hiring last minute, ask why. Emergencies happen — but you want to rule out red flags.
Salaries, Benefits, and Perks at International Schools
Salaries at international schools vary widely. Lower tier ones might pay similar to language schools. But top-tier schools can pay what you’d make in London — while living in Thailand, where the cost of living is much lower.
Some international schools offer a yearly flight home or every two years, depending on your contract. There are often bonuses for completing your contract, which helps with retention.
Health insurance is typically excellent. Some schools even include dental. You’ll get access to top private hospitals in Thailand, which feel more like hotels than clinics.
Housing allowances are common, too. Many schools give you a set monthly amount for rent. If your rent is cheaper than the allowance, you can keep the difference. It’s one of the most generous perks, and a big help with quality of life.
Red flags to ask about:
- visa set up
- unclear work permit process
- no written contract
- vague health insurance
- last-minute hiring with no explanation
- refusing to let you speak to current teachers
Which Teaching Job in Thailand Is Right for You?
If you want flexibility, a mix of students, and a travel-friendly schedule, language schools can be a great entry point. But expect lower pay and a bit less structure.
Choose a Language School If…
You want a first step into Thailand teaching.
You have CELTA/TEFL/Trinity but not a full school teaching license.
You like teaching adults as well as kids.
You don’t mind evenings and weekends.
You want weekdays free for travel or hobbies.
Choose an International School If…
You are a qualified teacher or want to become one.
You want higher salary, benefits, and holidays.
You are looking for long-term career growth.
You prefer a school calendar and weekday routine.
You can handle higher expectations and more formal structure.
If you’re in it for the long term and want career development, higher salaries, and better perks, international schools are worth the extra qualification requirements. They’ll challenge you more — but also support you more.
I’ve worked both ends of the spectrum and had amazing experiences at each stage. What’s right for you really depends on where you are in your career, your goals, and the kind of life you want to build here in Thailand.
Your Next Step if You Want to Teach in Thailand
If you’re still unsure which teaching route fits you, start by asking in our free Facebook group. It’s the best place to sanity-check your qualifications, school type, salary expectations, and job offer questions.
If you’re already applying for jobs, use the Thailand Cost of Living Calculator before accepting an offer so you know whether the salary will support the life you want here.
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