Jonathan Fowler is now the lead teacher English Teacher of Phuket Wittalaya School in PhuketTown where he delivers English lesson to the teenagers at one of the busiest schools in Phuket.

Having known John for a few years (having had this personable American chase me round the football pitch) I thought he would be an interesting teaching to put in the hot seat as he loves his job, has gone from an Biz Analyst in the states to working as a Divemaster in the notorious streets of Pattaya to finally settling on an English teacher……what the hell happened to you!

With the students

Well, I was living it up in a Chicago hi-rise, making some good money, driving a Saab, wearing Burberry ties, I had it all right?  Then after seeing an Interpol concert in the park I had a little kid come up and put a gun to my head.  The people I was with gave them their stuff and after it all happened they were so upset to lose their ‘things’.  At that moment I knew I better start living life because you never know when it’s going to end.

What happened next?…….I had a great opportunity to leave the bank and even got them to pay for my diving internship in the notorious Pattaya.  Got divorced, gave away my dog (this is starting to remind me of a country song I used to spin as a DJ) and moved to Thailand, originally for 3 months but after 6 months I knew I wasn’t ready to leave.  I went home for a visit and after 15 minutes I was ready to leave.  All my friends were talking about ‘stuff’ and money and TV shows and I never felt more isolated.  I ended up playing pool with the Mexican bus boy because at least he had an interesting story.  Back to Thailand for me.  I decided to move to Phuket to get away from the life in Pattaya.  Needless to say I haven’t left in 5 years.

A typical teachers meeting

What’s it like being a ‘farang’ teacher…the dirty rotten facts please Well the simple fact is it’s a real job and is quite respected in Thailand.  It takes a commitment and to take the job seriously.  The simple fact is it’s the best job I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot).  There is never a day that I don’t want to go to work and the students are very genuinely nice and respectful and a lot of fun to be around.

How do you keep yourself busy after school ? We only teach 3 to 5 hours a day and have to stay for 8 hours.  I enjoy talking with students and playing sports with them.  We also have to be creative with the lessons but there is a lot of information on the internet to help.

Do you run any extracurricular activities? I’ve had Football clinics (American Football that is).  I also help in preparing the students for competitions and even had my own debate club.  

5 main differences between schools in Thailand and schools in the States ? Well it’s much different to say the least.  First we usually have around 50 students in a class but that’s not as daunting as it sounds.  The students are genuinely respectful to the teachers.  We jokingly call it ‘Thai time’ because the students are never on time and we have a lot of activities that keep them out of class.  The students are well behaved, I’ve seen 1 fight in 6 years and that wasn’t much.  Finally I get to work in a positive environment with very lovely local people, experience the ‘real Thailand’ and have Have you ever thought about doing a Bachelor of Education or PGCE and going after a job in the big international schools ?   I actually was going that way before I went into banking but the low pay, low respect and general disregard for the education system always kept me out of it.  My grandfather was a professor and my mother a high school science teacher so it’s always been in my blood.  My mom came to my class when she was on holiday and was very surprised by the system and even said ‘you would never have this positive of an experience if you were a teacher in the states’.

Jonathan’s 5 best tip to teachers looking to work around the world ?

Network!  Find out from people actually in the positions what it’s like. Have some cash so you don’t have to stress about it while your looking and starting off, there are a lot of hidden costs when you first start (usually beer prices!) Be professional in the interview, even though  it’s hot here, wear a tie and a clean shirt and ladies make sure to cover the shoulders (and tattoos), you’d be surprised about how many potential teachers never make it based on just appearance. Do some research on the schools and area before you decide where to go maybe even take your TEFL certification where you intend to teach. And I guess the best tip is ‘just do it’.  You can always return home and pick up where you left off.

What kind of wheels do you drive ?

I love wheels!  I currently have 2 motorbikes.  2 push bikes (although I try never to push them, how do you English come up with this stuff?) a skateboard that I made out of Thai rubber tree and some rollerblades.  The locals love fitness and have met many great people while cycling (over 6,000km so far) around Thailand.

Favourite quote I maybe the only American that has a family crest tattoo and it’s translated to ‘you can if you think you can’.  I also like ‘you will be the same person you are today that you will be in 5 years except for the people that you meet and the places that you see’.  That quote from a regular at the bar that I worked at started me off travelling.

You’re a well travelled man, what’s your most culturally embarrassing moment, preferably a teaching story :  I am trying to learn the language and began to write the letters.  One day I was trying to impress my students and wrote 2 letters on the board, I didn’t realize that I had written ‘boobs’ on the board.  Everyone had a good laugh about it.

Anything regrets? Or things you would have done differently?  Nope, my life continues to evolve into a perfect life for me, I consider myself very lucky.

Best and worst teaching experience to date. Everyday is a great day, knowing that I make a difference, seeing my students grow and hearing from them after they have moved on to university.  The worst would have to be having a confrontation with a student.  I realized a few things from that though.  I keep in mind that there are behind the scenes politics and I am not responsible to discipline them, I refer all serious issues to their Thai teacher or the discipline room and let them handle it their way.

You have been known to marry people and play the high priestess, any comments ? I love it, and am  happy to help in anyway I can !

Anything else you would like to add !  I just bought a Robbie Fowler jersey from the Muangtong United football club in Thailand, I plan on wearing it and chasing you around the football pitch when you come back.

What can I say, if you want to talk to a guy that is permantly impressseds with life, , then this is the chap for you ! A really good guy on so many levels...should you wish to teach English or any other subjects, then Jon is the man to talk to, email me ian@jobteach.com and I will be delighted to put you in touch

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