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As we are getting closer to your arrival in Thailand, OEG is sure that you are busy preparing for your departure!
This Pre-Departure Quick Guide will cover the important information you need to know to ensure a smooth journey to Thailand. However, OEG suggests that all teachers read the full Pre-Departure Packet (can be downloaded at the bottom of this page) to help you prepare for your departure!
(Click the topics to quickly navigate to each section)
** OEG SUGGESTS THAT ALL TEACHERS READ THE FULL PRE-DEPARTURE PACKET
In order to work legally in Thailand, you must – WITHOUT EXCEPTION – bring the following documents when you come to Thailand:
*Photocopies of the above are not acceptable.
All of these documents are equally important and required in order to work legally in Thailand. OEG cannot assist teachers who forget any required documents. It is your responsibility to bring all necessary items.
OEG ensures that accommodations are provided by your school. The pictures you see on your school profile are likely to be your home. OEG works closely with schools to obtain accurate information provided in the school profile. At times, accommodations may change with little to no warning due to unforeseen circumstances. More information will be provided during orientation.
"LINE" is the most popular messaging app in Thailand. LINE is a very quick and easy way to reach OEG! Click the buttons below to download LINE and add OEG as a friend. You can use this tool to contact OEG, including any questions or concerns you may have!
For a native English speaker, Thai can be quite difficult to learn - don't let that discourage you! Instead, let it motivate you to start learning prior to your arrival. By taking the time to learn how to communicate, you'll have the opportunity to see -- and hear -- so much more of Thailand. At orientation you'll take Thai lessons from a native Thai speaker, however, it's never too early to get started!
Here are some resources to start you off:
You’ll get paid your first month’s salary at the end of May. Your salary will be prorated and only reflect the days you worked. Make sure to bring enough money to cover expenses during this first month. These expenses include and are not limited to: housing deposit, stuff for your new home, food, utilities, and other miscellaneous items. OEG recommends that you bring around 30,000 THB for these costs.
If you haven’t already, contact your debit card or credit card provider and inform them of your move to Thailand. Make sure to be specific about how long you expect to be in Thailand and whether you’re interested in visiting other countries. This helps minimize the chances of your bank blocking your card for security reasons.
There are no required vaccines to travel to Thailand. Some foreigners choose to get optional vaccinations while others do not. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t look into it. Ultimately, it’s what you, your doctor and your family are comfortable with. We advise you review the updated recommendations from the CDC and consult your doctor before making a decision.
Your orientation is scheduled between May 9th - 13th. Orientation will be held in Bangkok. During orientation, we will cover teacher training, the Thai language, Thai culture, working legally in Thailand, and much more.
Some sessions of your orientation will continue after you are settled in your new home. OEG will set up Zoom sessions at a later date to go over some of these topics such as the Visa process between you and your school as well as opening bank accounts and additional Thai language classes.
During orientation, feel free to dress casually as there are only a few occasions where you’ll need to follow a dress code: the trip to a Thai cultural site, your “Welcome Dinner,” and your first meeting with your school coordinator. For the cultural trip, jeans or longer dresses will be okay (no shorts, or tank tops) accompanied by a shirt provided by OEG. For the “Welcome Dinner,” feel free to wear your Sunday best (and if not, be prepared to wear something semi-formal). Finally, you may be meeting your coordinator on the final day of orientation, so use your best judgement to make a good first impression (conservative dress is viewed best in Thailand).
Before you get started, we recommend that you type out a packing list to ensure that you aren't missing anything necessary. It's also a good idea to bring that list with you as a resource for when you return home. That way, you won't leave anything in Thailand!
At school, you will be expected to dress conservatively and politely. Business or business casual attire is usually a good go-to. You can find your school-specific dress code guideliness in your school profile. The full Pre-Departure Packet describes what you can expect most schools to follow. Be sure to read it, so you can pack accordingly!
Deciding what you shoud bring could be a confusing task. Here are a few tips as you start to pack:
Douple check to make sure you have all of your documents to enter Thailand prepared and organized. It might be nice to keep them in a single folder. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the largest airports in Asia, so take comfort in knowing the staff at information desk speak English. If you need assistance at any time, you can call OEG emergency phone (+66 83-509-4760), or (+66 99-079-2559).
OEG will provide a shuttle to meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel between 12:00 PM and 03:00 PM (last shuttle bus). Upon entering the public meeting area of the arrivals lobby, please look for OEG staff at Gate 4 on the 2nd floor. The staff will be waiting for you with the sign below.
You will be staying at Shewin de Bangkok Hotel and all orientation sessions will take place at the same hotel. The orientation will be taking place from Thursday, May 9th to Monday, May 13th. Orientation sessions will be broken up into small groups depending on what is being covered that day so follow your schedule given to you by OEG.
Please refer to the full Pre-Departure Packet for detailed information on the orientation hotel
Here is a quick glance on what to expect during the orientation in Bangkok.
*Please note that this schedule is subject to changes.
We have designed these checklists to keep you on track with all necessary tasks you need to complete before your arrival in Thailand. We know that this time can be hectic and stressful, so use these checklists to your advantage to help keep you organized through your preparation. This handly checklist is on the last page of the full Pre-Departure Packet (downloadable below).
