canadhist wrote:
> Can any teachers (new or returning) shed some light on the situation in
> Thailand? We are due to arrive with our kids in a week, and it seems that
> the situation with Covid is getting worse every single day. We are coming
> from the US where everything is open, schools will be in person, and
> vaccine rates are high. We and are kids are feeling that we are taking 10
> steps backwards with this move, and are seriously considering backing out.
> Is it really as bad as it looks? What is it like for teachers?

Hi, Canadhist,

Apologies, as I am not in Thailand, but certainly follow developments:

You say you are in the US 'where everything is open, schools will be in person' but this is not because all is well. Delta has taken off while vaccination rates are plateauing and 'herd immunity' hopes are starting to look permanently out of reach. Vaccine availability and supply are not a problem, but stubbornness and politics are - plus, to be honest, quite a lot of corruption and stupidity. Even pro-Trump, anti-vax Republican leaders are starting to change their tune due to the looming threat, yet it is doubtful how much things will change. Delta is far more dangerous to young people and children, and I fail to see how having schools and 'everything' open is such a positive thing. It should also be remembered that the situation is worsening during the low-transmission hot summer months - and that soon enough, with all those kids back in school, the weather will change.

It Thailand you won't have to worry about winter at least that much. It's true that vaccination availability is well below that of the US, but people will certainly get their vaxxes when they can. Thailand will probably surpass the US in per capita vaccinations. Yes, the Delta onslaught is also underway, but people are sure to be a lot more careful generally compared to in the US, where mask-wearing is political rather than a reasonable or medical thing. Overall, Thailand had done quite well up 'til now with Covid, unlike the US. I have a family too, am not from Thailand or the US, but know both well. All things being equal, I would head to Thailand.

A bit of your discussion (original post) hinges on black/white designations of being 'qualified' or not and NQT which, like QTS, become less relavant abroad - outside perhaps of the 'internationalised British' schools using the England NC, which could well be your target. If that is the case, although I do not work at such a school, my impression is any pre-qualification experience would would certainly be a plus, def not a negative, but not be taken 'too seriously' often, as unfair as that can be. I would say so long as you have a basic qualification - your PGCEs - you can tick the legal box for work visa requirements which is 1 of the 2 main things. NQT years or QTS's may make some people/schools happy, but along with having a 'qualification' which is much more important often is just a track record of experience and references. There are quite a few accomplished people in schools with what might seem to be inadequate qualifications within your national system, yet with a good professional 'pedigree' which has got them good positions in time.

Agree with the post above that, getting a first 2-3 years experience in your home country is a good stepping stone, if you are beginning your journey from your home country.

Side note: Those not brought up in the system of QTS and NQTs tend not to know what they are, nor be interested. Those who have come from that system tend to overemphasise them and assume others know what they're talking about when they don't. They're not international qualifications, and other countries may have similar designations/qualifications which are not discussed as much or known or assumed to be known.

You also asked about your 9-year-old son. Well, visa situations will very much depend on the country you go to. I am not sure about Thailand or Vietnam, but usually your son would enter on your dependent visa in most countries. As a student attending an international school of some type, in some countries he may be an accompanied student on a student visa.

Sorry, Spawnboy, as I can't really comment informatively on what you've written. I'm familiar with the NPQH but have not heard of an 'international' version. I googled 'International Qualification for Headship' as you have written, but came up with nowt. It is definitely a cheaper route to a qualification than doing, say, an MA in leadership of some sort. Where is it being offered?...

Correction: Tried again and this time found it by including the fee you quoted, the 'National Professional Qualification
for Headship - International' offered by Outstanding Leaders Partnership. I do not know the privider and so probably am not saying anything useful, but this certainly looks like a low-cost way to 'get a qualification' but you might be getting what you pay for too.