English language schools in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has far fewer English language schools than Bangkok and newcomers often have to settle for part-time work before landing something permanent. Many juggle a couple of positions until something comes up.
Altogether there are about a dozen schools and the level of professionalism among them varies. Some of the schools are run strictly as profitable businesses with little concern for educational standards. Those that have some international endorsement and foreign management tend to have a much more favourable environment for effective teaching.
Since the schools are inundated with backpackers hoping to hang around in Chiang Mai for a few months earning money, the schools can be quiet sticky with applications. However, the more effort it takes you to secure a job, the better the language school is likely to be, providing decent course books and resources, placing the students at the right levels, monitoring your class preparation and paying on time.
At the bottom of the ladder are fly-by-night operations that take the money and run, shoving a mismatch of kids into a classroom with no materials and calling on the teacher at the last minute. This can be very challenging and no fun at all.
AUA Language Centre In the old town on Ratchadamnoern Road. The American University Alumni is the oldest language school in Chiang Mai and serves over a thousand students each term. The school hires before the beginning of each six-week term after conducting a two-week trial, so don't expect a quick start here. They expected a degree and a TEFL qualification. Wages are 300-350 baht an hour, with regular hours, a full time contract and usually a work permit. They are extremely professional and quite strict with their teachers.
Chiang Mai University On the outskirts of town on Suithep Road, west of the city. Supposedly the best university in Northern Thailand, with thousands of students, and located in beautiful surroundings, the university is a pretty decent place to work. They have all kinds of pay scales that can seem a little confusing. Starting salaries are 300 baht an hour. If you are full time, then you'll be paid about 20,000 monthly.
When you add it up, you actually get less per hour working full time. The bonus is you get long paid holidays and a work permit if you decide to sign up as a full time teacher. CMU has a large English teaching staff and hires at the beginning of each semester. There are plenty of summer courses, so it's possible you could work most of the year. Being a Thai government institution, they won't hire you if you don't have a degree, although they don't care either way if you have a TEFL or not. Jobs are plentiful here, though some teachers have expressed frustration in dealing with the Thai department managers.
The British Council Out of town on Bamrungrat road, east of the moat. The council is well known throughout the world for its superior quality. They hire native English speakers of all nationalities if you have a TEFL cert and some experience, paying 300-450 an hour (depending on seniority and volume of teaching). The council has excellent resources and facilities and very good students. There's also a good opportunity to work elsewhere in the world for this organisation. They have a strict hiring process, taking only those with degrees and TEFL qualifications.
If you don't have a TEFL or some experience, the following schools may hire you, as they have a higher staff turnover rate and a less desirable teaching environment.
NIS / Baan Pasa Also known as the New Zealand school of English, they are reasonably professional and fairly busy at their Nimmanhemin branch but the other school on the northeast side of the moat struggles. Sometimes they hire, paying 200 baht per hour with no guaranteed hours. The school has decent students and some useful resources, and aren't too strict with their teachers.
CEC Nimmanhemin road / main branch, soi 13 Srimankalajarn rd. A busy, Thai run school with a heavy Christian theme, focusing more on kids and activities. The owner, Khun Amporn, is very professional and dynamic, though they tend pay little attention to syllabi and neglect to use decent course books. They are always hiring for bit work, preferring well presented and mannered people regardless of whether you have a TEFL or not. Pay is 180 - 250 baht an hour depending on class size. Three branches, including one near Payap University.
ECC Huay Kaew road, near CMU This is a national franchise, with individual ownership of each branch, resulting in mixed quality among the schools. Chiang Mai branch is better than most, and is busy with university students. Newcomers often have success finding a job here, though part-time and at 200 - 250 baht an hour. Little direction is given to teachers and course books are often quite unsuitable.
London House This wholly Thai run outfit is located in the old town near Wat Phra Singh and is quite new. Some consider this to be a last resort and teachers are paid modestly. Worth a try nonetheless.
There are other smaller independent schools, especially for young kids, but openings are few and conditions aren't great.
For a very good virtual tour of a Thai school visit the excellent site put together by the students and teachers of Sriwittayapaknam school.
Training to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL)
There is one school in Chiang Mai that offers a TEFL certificate course, which will greatly increase your chances of finding a job as well as making your initial teaching experience much easier. Anyone wanting to come and teach English is advised to take this course. The Siam Educational Experience (SEE) offers a four-week intensive course which includes 6 hours of real classroom experience. Five courses are offered a year, and they include some basic Thai and cultural understanding lessons. Many who have studied here have been placed in local schools afterwards. Chiang Mai is also a far cheaper place to take this course (for living expenses) than elsewhere such as Bangkok. More details.
Tips for landing a job teaching English
Look and act professional, arrive with all your documents ready, and be dressed for a possible immediate interview.
Thais are sticky about appearance, dress conservatively, wearing a tie or conservative skirt.
If you don't have a TEFL certificate, then show some proof of previous teaching experience.
Bring a CV (of relevant experience only), copy of your degree/tertiary diploma (this is considered a pre-requisite for permanent positions).
Be genuine with your intentions to stay in Chiang Mai for a reasonable time.
Be flexible, often openings are for part-time weekend staff.
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