Dress for success
Your school probably has a dress code. Don’t just meet it, exceed it. Your average Thai administrator places a lot of importance on a teacher’s appearance so you might as well keep them happy. This is probably the easiest way to stay clear of your boss’ scrutiny.
Say ‘Yes’
It’s Friday morning and the boss wants you to come in on Saturday–say ‘Yes’. Your HoD needs you to submit two weeks’ worth of lesson plans tomorrow? Can do! Extra gate duty while standing on your head twirling a baton? No problem!
It’s common for seemingly ridiculous, last-second directives to come across your desk. Often, they’re put down as quickly as they come up so why make a fuss if you don’t have to? Just don’t go the Western route and try to argue that it’s not possible or that it’s not in your contract. You may be right but saying so in the wrong manner will make your boss lose face and that’s the last thing you want.
If need be, have a quiet word with a long-term employee to find out how to deal with the issue.
Expect the unexpected
Inside or outside the classroom, on or off campus, this is the only way to keep your sanity. If the gardener feels like the best time to mow the garden outside your class is during your listening lesson, switch things up and play a fun game. If your class gets cancelled and no one told you about it, sit back and enjoy the downtime.
All eyes on you
Your Thai counterparts may not tell you if you’ve done something wrong but the staff are observing you and they are talking about you.
If you’re meant to be on campus all day, stay there. If you’re meant to be on gate duty, be there. Obviously, you have to do your job in the classroom. Students talk to parents; parents talk to teachers and teachers talk to their superiors. Just don’t expect your supervisor to talk to you about it.
If it’s bad enough, don’t be surprised if you do something seemingly innocuous and you’re fired as a result. It’s not within the local culture to address a problem head on. If it seems as if you’re not wanted after a while, you probably aren’t and it’s time to look for a new job.
Make friends through food
The way to a Thai co-worker’s heart is through their stomach. Buy some fruit on the way into work and share it with your office mates. Buy some snacks at lunch and spread them around generously before the last hour of the day. Thais routinely do this between themselves so join the party and never turn down the chance to try something new–even the stinky stuff.
Learn Thai
Learning the local language is a good idea anywhere and Thailand is no exception. In fact, there are few countries in the world where you’ll find people who are happier to hear a foreigner speak their language. It helps lessen language barrier frustrations and you’ll earn office cred amongst the staff.
A TEFL trainer since 2007, Eric Haeg welcomes all questions and comments: eric@teflcampus.com