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Thai Special Project -
Expectations
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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)*
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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