Looking for some suggestions advice etc. on my plan?
I am moving over to Thailand next year and I am wondering what experiences people have had in obtaining work.
I am going to study more Thai, full time for about 6 to 10 months after I arrive. Right now my speaking will get me by, but it is not even close to business caliber, I can read the words I just don't know all the grammar and vocab . My writing will need a complete overhaul but I think that it should come quickly if I put the time in. I would like to take the Chula intensive Thai classes but can't find anyone that has studied there (the intensive Thai courses not just the school, I know a few former students) to tell me what the classes are like (are they worthwhile?).
I am not really interested in Teaching ESL but I have about 3 years of experience so that is my contingency if money ever gets tight. I am more interested in other work like business consulting, management, marketing etc. I have an MBA and have worked for a Fortune 500 for a few years now. It seems that if I want to go for any other job, the posts that I have found are usually looking for a Thai national only.
Has anyone obtained a job from overseas or is this a pipe dream? Are Farang even considered for a job that is basically being offered to Thais? Should I even be applying for Thai companies or just go for the international firms?
Some of my Thai friends seem to think that I should get a job from overseas first, come over for the job and then study more Thai in the evening. I think this would be nice but just about impossible.
Does the group think that speaking Thai fluently gives me a huge advantage when searching for a job?
Any other advice on my plan would be greatly appreciated. ขอบคุณมากครับ