Looking for a short-term opportunity to teach and travel this Summer?
George Mason University’s Global Education Office partners with TravelBud and XploreAsia to place participants in a paid nearly 3-month summer teaching internship for academic credit program in Thailand. While this program is run through George Mason University, students or alumni from other universities are eligible as well. Participants spend one month completing a TEFL/TESOL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification course and are placed in local schools for the following 7 weeks, when they will be paid a stipend. Throughout the program, participants will take an online, asynchronous Mason professional development class reflecting on their internship.
If you are an active student, you can ask your university's Study Abroad Office about how these may apply to your degree and what financial aid/scholarships are available. If you are not an active student, you would still take these courses but they would not count towards a degree.
During the TESOL course, students will study and work five days per week while living in shared housing in Hua Hin, Thailand. Once at their guaranteed teaching placements throughout Thailand, students will live in their own private room or share with another teacher. Students will gain valuable global work experience and professional skills while learning teaching strategies and having the opportunity to teach English and/or the STEM subject they have studied. There are also invaluable opportunities for intercultural learning and self-discovery which students will gain throughout this experience. They do all of this while also earning Mason credit, and enjoying the culturally rich, historic sites of Thailand. During the program, TravelBud and its partner staff offer student support services in-country, such as an in-depth culture and language orientation, many group activities, 24/7 staff support, cultural excursions, and more.
There is a lifetime teaching placement guarantee for successful alumni of this program in any of our partner’s 7 international locations. Students must still meet the eligibility requirements for each of these locations.
The program dates are 5/29 - 8/11/2023.
Eligibility:
Mason and non-Mason undergraduate and graduate students, including those who graduate in Spring 2023; Also open to individuals who have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree previously
Are between 20 - 55 years old by the start date of the program
Meet the GPA requirement as an active student or their past degree (2.0 for undergraduates, 3.0 for graduates)
Are a citizen of one of these countries: UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand. This is due to Thai English teacher visa specifications with the Thai government, particularly with short term programs.
Are able to complete an intensive teaching program which includes standing in front of a classroom for the duration of an hour-long period and facilitating physical classroom activities
Are able to adapt to new and challenging circumstances
Are open to different teaching placement opportunities, whether in a small town or a city
Can pass a background check
Finances:
Program Cost for Summer 2023: $4660
You will make anywhere from 28,000-40,000 baht back when you begin teaching for the 7 weeks. 28,000 baht is the minimum and here is the conversion rate to US dollars. This varies slightly based on cost of living in the placement location and the school's salary.
Program Cost Includes:
Tuition (6 credits undergraduate or 3 credits graduate credits)
Shared housing during orientation and teaching: Interns stay in shared housing in Hua Hin with other teachers during the TEFL/TESOL course. This is also helpful for sharing teaching ideas and growing a support network as students develop lesson plans. Once placed in a school, TravelBud staff will assist students in securing housing near their respective placement and help them settle in to their new home. Housing details vary by location.
120 hours of TEFL/TESOL instruction and a certification
In-depth Thai culture and language orientation
Cultural excursions
Internship placement teaching at a school
Airport pickup upon arrival
Transfer to Hua Hin for TESOL course and to internship placement thereafter
Return shuttle to Bangkok airport
Fluent English on-site support
Pre-Departure Orientation including cultural activities
Visa and pre-departure guidance and support
24/7 in-country support
International Emergency Medical Insurance
Check out great scholarship opportunities under External Funding here.
How to Apply:
Check out more internship details and apply using the link here by February 1st. We encourage you to apply early as there are limited spots. Email Kelly McNulty (she/her) at gointern@gmu.edu with any questions.
Note: If you are a trained teacher, it may be possible for you to skip the TEFL/TESOL certification portion of the program and solely teach during the Summer. Check out this program for Trained Teachers https://masonabroad.gmu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&;Program_ID=10595" target="_blank">here, which is in line with many US public school calendars.
To apply, email gointern@gmu.edu