This article takes a raw and honest looks at fake university degrees in Thailand, which have existed in Thailand as far back as the 1970s. This article was originally considered too controversial for the Education section of the Bangkok Post; however, a different version did make it to print in a special catalog for international schools.
This chapter looks at a period when I taught English in South Korea. For the first time in my life, I was able to save money and dream of a future. I wondered what hope could I offer Korean children for a better future. At the same time, Koreans’ anger against Americans was rapidly increasing due to actions near the US military base in Seoul — and, once again, ghosts from an American past return for a haunting. (more…)
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is bringing thousands of Japanese youth into the global limelight with its volunteer-based development projects. This article explores the complications of Japanese graduates struggling to use toold such as English in a global environment. (more…)
Dragging my students into Buddhist Hell can lead to an interesting educational experience. In this article, I take them to Wat Muang, an amazing temple in Anthong. The goal is to coax them into using English by explaining the meanings behind all the surrealistic statues and images. (more…)
This is the introductory article to my novella about teaching in Ayutthaya. It first appeared on www.ajarn.com. I start by describing all the ghosts that float around this city and ask if my students can bring the town back to life. (more…)
Korean is infamous for its “hogwon” schools scamming teachers. It happens to everyone who stays in Korea long enough. This chapter studies the different techniques for cheating English teachers and breaking contracts. It also explores ways to get revenge. This essay is a mandatory read for anyone wanting to teach in Korea. (more…)
Culture shock and expatriate nightlife … (more…)
The Roots of Asia’s EFL industry… (more…)
Just published but still unemployable in the United States, I promptly went back to life on the streets once again. This introduction traces the chaotic path of a vagabond — from low-paid labor on organic farms in France to squatting penniless in Berlin parks. Ultimately, this chapter tells the story of why I decided to teach in Korea once again. (more…)