The school year in Thailand is not on the same timeline as Western schools, so some start dates are better to arrive than others. We have start dates every month, so you’re welcome to choose ANY time to come to Thailand, and we can place you, but there are some things to consider when choosing a start date. Keep in mind the Thai school year is as follows:
First Semester: May – September
Break: October
Second Semester: November – March
Break: some of March and all of April
The best times to arrive are at the beginning of either semester, so either April/May (beginning of school year) or September/October (beginning of 2nd semester). Those will be our biggest arrival times!
We also only run our Chiang Mai course on our biggest start dates of the year (at the beginning of each semester) with starts in April, May, Sept, and October. Read on for more information about the benefits to each start date we have coming up soon:
Please note our Chiang Mai start dates are already full for Fall 2019.
September 30, 2019 – This is the big one.
Hua Hin training location only
The Thai semester starts at the beginning of November so if you can arrive to Thailand on ANY start date this fall, this would be the best choice if you want to do the TESOL course.
These will be our biggest start dates of the year, as completion of the TESOL certification lines up perfectly with the beginning of the Thai semester – so this is when demand is HIGHEST in the fall for hiring teachers. Those who need to be certified will take the TESOL course until the end of October, and then begin your contract from November until March.
This start date will be full, so we recommend applying well ahead of time if it’s your intended choice. These dates could fill up early, so it’s important to apply early.
Orientation group in Hua Hin
October 28, 2019
Hua Hin training location only
The Thai semester starts at the beginning of November so if you can arrive to Thailand on ANY start date this fall, this would be the best choice if you want to do Placement Only.
This date in Hua Hin is the best option for those who have their TEFL/TESOL certification already, or their teaching license and want to do the “Placement Only” program. You will have a one week orientation, and then begin your placement at the beginning of the Thai semester as well. Your contact will end in March, with the option to stay longer if you want.
If you want to take the TESOL on this date, school starts at the beginning of November, but arriving a few weeks into the semester is no problem at all. Many schools actually prefer to get started before hiring their foreign teacher, since the first few weeks of school can be hectic. Demand is still VERY high during November.
PRO TIP: The Thai lantern festival, Loi Krathong, is celebrated on November 13th, 2019. It’s a really great time to be in Thailand.
Celebrate Loi Krathong in Thailand
November 25, 2019
Hua Hin training location only
This start date is perfect for those looking to teach abroad, but aren’t ready to commit to a full semester. The semester is over in March so for those who are already TESOL certified, it’s a 4-month contract and for those taking the course in Hua Hin, it’s only a 3-month contract!
December 30, 2019 – shortest contract option!
Hua Hin training location only
This start date is great for those who want something short term. You’ll start your Thai adventure with a New Years party on the beach during orientation.
The semester is over in March so for those who are already TESOL certified, it’s a 3-month contract and for those taking the TESOL course in Hua Hin, it’s only a 2-month contract!