School Expectations

You must be wondering what kinds of behaviors are expected from you as a teacher in Thailand. MK has compiled and listed societal and school expectations you are expected to comply.

Smoking Smoking is prohibited at all times on school grounds. Generally, smoking in Thailand is not highly regarded, especially for those working in the field of education because educators are considered to be positive role models for young adults. However, it is within your rights to smoke in a discreet manor as long as you are away from school grounds and the presence of young adults. Not following this guideline will result in your dismissal from the school.

Alcohols Similar to smoking, the use of alcohols is prohibited during school hours. Teachers who are found with the presence or under the influence of alcohols on school grounds will face an immediate dismissal. Excessive alcohol abuse is not recommended or an acceptable behavior for a teacher

Drugs The use of illegal drugs will result in your immediate dismissal and persecution under Thai laws. Thailand has extremely strict regulations and subsequent penalties regarding the use and trafficking of illegal drugs. Please keep in mind that once you are in Thailand, you are expected to comply with Thai laws. The Thai law enforcement officials have the right to arrest, detain, and persecute you for engaging in illegal activities.

Thai culture As foreign teachers, you are expected to learn and understand the Thai culture. Thai people talk about their culture with pride and are generally passionate about sharing it with you. While this is not a requirement, committing yourself to learn about the culture will facilitate your interactions with the rest of the local community. Thai people always appreciate when they know you are interested in their ways of life, willing to learn, and adapt yourself to it. Also, a greater level of understanding of Thai culture will make your time in Thailand much more enjoyable. It would be in your best interest to avoid expressing anger or having confrontations with the locals, especially those who are in a higher position or older. Publicly expressing anger towards someone will result in your own humiliation, as well as the other person’s. This is a very negative behavior in Thai society. It will be most appropriate if you speak with that person in private while keeping your voice down and your tone cool. Otherwise, you may express and discuss problems that you may encounter with MediaKids in a similar fashion. 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 in. Similarly, 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 Living in a foreign country may be a challenge for you as your body has to adjust to the new climate and environment. This depends highly on your health history. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase a health insurance for a minimum of 3 months to cover any emergency situations. Thai health care meets the high quality of Western standards while keeping the cost affordable to foreigners. You can either purchase your health care from your country of origin or obtain it after arriving in Thailand. Many of our foreign teachers purchase their health insurance plan from the American International Assurance here in Bangkok.

Foreign teachers are allowed three paid sick days per semester. In case if this amount of days are exceeded, we will deduct your monthly salary at a rate of 1,500 baht/day. However, keep a proof of your doctor’s visit with you as you may be asked to show it. Please keep in mind that excessive absence without doctor’s note may be grounds for dismissal.

Teachers must notify both the school and MediaKids Academy before 8:00 am on the day they will be absent. It is highly appreciated if you contact us the evening before so that preparations can be arranged to cover your classes. Failure to notify us and your school before 8:00 am of the day of absence will be considered unexplained. Any unexplained absences will result in a reduction of the teacher’s monthly salary at a rate of 2000 baht/day.

There are no substitute teachers in Thai government 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). 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 MediaKids .

Discrepancies As many of our partner schools have never employed or have had little exposure to foreign teachers, there may be some ‘hiccups’ along the way. Any discrepancies that arise between what the school asks you to do and the contract you have with MediaKids Academy should be reported to a MediaKids Consultant. Oftentimes these discrepancies result from a communication error. By allowing the school and MediaKids to discuss the matter, most of these issues can be resolved much faster and with less cultural tensions than if you attempt to resolve them alone.