The island of Phuket

Phuket is a great mix of tropical paradise, sophistication, nightlife and fun.

Located approximately 862 kilometres south of Bangkok, Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is often called the 'Pearl of the South'. Its limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it Thailand's most popular island. It's one of the most renowned diving regions in the world, enjoying a tropical climate with average water temperature of 24ºC (78º F) with an unmatched variety of aquatic life.

The southern beaches of the Island offer superb vistas and some of the most glorious sunsets in the world. Many of the best hotels and restaurants in Phuket and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are located here.The southern coastline is blessed with magnificent mountains covered with lush jungle forest that stretch out to meet the azure blue sea and are framed with white powder sandy beaches and fringed with coral reefs.

The north part of the island is less developed and gets only a tiny fraction of the visitors to Phuket. The rugged beauty of the northern beaches can only be enhanced by the feeling of having them all to yourself.

Phuket is also a night clubber's dream. There's an amazing variety of nightlife venues to choose from. Phuket has a thriving night life and it’s one of the main attractions of the island. There are plenty of places to party including lively Thai style nightclubs with live bands, Western discos with dance music, small beach side bars, sedate pubs.

Thailand country facts

• Capital (and largest city): Bangkok
• Official language(s): Thai
• Government: Democratic (Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy)
• Area: 513,120 sq km (198,115 sq mi)
• Population: 65,998,436
• Currency: Baht (THB)
• Time zone: (UTC+7)
• Drives on: the left
• Calling code: 66

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The EBC TEFL course training centre

All EBC International TEFL certificate courses in Phuket are given in our purpose built, training centre in the centre of Phuket.

We offer well equipped training rooms and facilities. All rooms are air conditioned with data projectors, audio equipment and white boards. After class you can relax in the study room, surf the internet or watch a movie down in our reception area.

Phuket town is well located for teaching positions, with many schools, polytechnics and two universities. The Training Centre is conveniently located in the centre of Phuket town, minutes walk from the bus terminal, shopping areas and old Phuket town. In this historically rich part of town you will find shrines, temples (Buddhist and Chinese), ornate and beautifully preserved 'shophouses', quaint cafes, tiny printing shops, impromptu private and public museums.

Phuket City is an exciting mix of old and new. The activity in Phuket City is nearly around-the-clock. In the early morning, monks can been seen walking through the streets on their daily alms round and the markets are busy with restaurant owners buying ingredients for the day's meals. Non-stop bustle characterizes the daytime, and lasts well into the evening. Nights are reserved for enjoying good company, whether at a restaurant, a disco, a quiet bar, or a combination of all three.

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TEFL jobs in Thailand

The EBC TEFL course training centre in Phuket also runs a language school. Subject to availability, you may get offered an English teaching job by the language school at the end of the course.

A few facts about teaching in Thailand

• Demand for teachers - VERY HIGH
• Main job availability regions - Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
• Main types of teaching - Usually through private and public universities and colleges, state primary and secondary schools, international private Schools
• Busiest periods - all year
• Qualifications - university degree, an accredited TEFL/TESOL certificate
• Job duration - the full academic year or the remainder of the academic year
• Teaching hours per week - 20 to 30
• Salary - From 20,000 Baht to 55,000 Baht per month depending on the number of hours worked
• Freelance work - from 500 Baht per hour
• Average basic monthly expenses - 20,000 to 40,000 Baht

It is easy to find teaching jobs in Thailand if you have an accredited certificate.

Thailand is a great favourite for EFL teachers.

With nearly all educational establishments offering English language courses, there are numerous teaching positions available throughout the Kingdom of Thailand.

Schools, colleges, universities, and language schools all employ English teachers in varying numbers.

Our Thai Training Centre has many contacts with local Educational Institutions and Government agencies and is very well paced to assist you in job placement.

So far, all students that have studied with EBC and then wanted to stay on and work in Thailand have done so.

It is, however, almost impossible to organize a job in Thailand before going there. Language schools have become stricter, and most will now demand a TESOL TEFL qualification and/or some teaching experience. In addition, almost all schools will expect to interview you face-to-face before making a job offer.

This is one good reason to choose EBC.

We have direct contacts with many language schools. We ensure that your CV/resume is available to potential employers on the last day of the course which should then result in interviews and job offers.

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Visas and flights

Visas

Visitors to Thailand are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and a tourist or student visa.

BEFORE you travel, please check current visa requirements with your nearest Thai embassy or consulate.

Tourist Visa

We recommended that you apply for a Tourist Visa allowing you to stay for sixty days. This can be extended for an additional thirty days at the discretion of the Thai Immigration Office.

Holders of Tourist Visas are required to enter the country within ninety days of the visa being issued.

Student Visa

If you want to apply for a student visa that will allow you to stay in Thailand for up to one year, this can be arranged if you take a 200 hour Thai language course. More information below.

Flights

You will have to arrange your own transportation from your home country. Click here for a list of student and discount travel services. We would also advise that before traveling to Phuket you look at our travel advisory page.

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