u/CrazyGeologist8408

Hi everyone,

I’ve been considering for several years moving into international teaching, and I am now at the point of making it more concrete.

I have been accepted onto a QTS course at St Mary’s University (London), which is a 10-month online programme. I also likely have a placement lined up at a strong international school in Bangkok starting in 2026.

I understand this will be a financially challenging year, as the placement is unpaid and I will also be covering course fees and living costs in Bangkok.

My background is a BA documentary Photography from a UK university. I initially assumed I would naturally go into teaching Art and Design to make my future job applications stronger, but I now have some doubts about long-term employability and whether there is flexibility to teach other subjects in the future. I would not mind other subjects such as Geography and social studies. (although I have already applied for my QTS in Art and Design)

I would ideally like to build a life in Asia long term, particularly Thailand, although I am open to other countries in the region. My main uncertainties are around career stability, job demand, and whether this is a sustainable long-term path.

The reasons I am considering this path are:

• I enjoy school environments (I have worked at the University of the Arts London for 6 years in a non-teaching role)
• I am attracted to the lifestyle and quality of life in Thailand compared to Western Europe
• I value the longer school holidays, as they would allow me to continue developing my creative work in photography, videography, and storytelling

I would really appreciate honest insights from people already working in international schools:

• What is the reality of the job day-to-day?
• How stable is this as a long-term career, especially starting later in life and in the art field?
• Is it possible to move beyond your original subject specialism?
• Overall, do you feel the lifestyle trade-offs are worth it?

Thank you in advance for any advice.