Hi from a kiwi chick...

Post by **Hails** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 3:55 pm

Hi all

Thought I'd make my post a separate topic so I could take this opportunity to say a massive thanks to those who run the show and those also who contribute. What a wealth of info! Most everything I need to know is under this one roof and I think thats amazing, so, many many thanks.

I am from NZ and next year my 7yo and I will be coming to Hua Hin (I decided on HH after much research). I have a TESOL with Business, experience teaching ESOL, and various diplomas and certificates, though no degree. I have read differing opinions on the no-degree factor, but I think ultimately it comes down to supply and demand, and the other qualifications I have that will go in my favour. A quiet 25k job in HH will suit me just fine as a parent, and I will have cash in the bank to supplement if need be.

As for schools, it would be great if we could both rock along to Somtawin (sp?) each day but the differing opinions I've read on this school makes the decision tough! Haven't heard much about others though they must exist.

Have seen some nice houses on sites like Hua Hin Property Centre for 10k/month though I think these places are a bit out of town. Guess I'll suss that out when I get there. Though even choosing a guest house to stay in when we get there is tough - there are so many!

Just one question - I have been told that schools often recruit in March, shut down in April, and start in May. If I was in HH in early March, would I be likely to secure a position, go off on holiday, and come back and start in May? Or does it not actually work like that?

Thanks so much all,

Hails

Post by **Hails** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 3:59 pm

Just to clarify, when I mentioned schools, I was meaning for my daughter to attend. For me to teach in I know there is also weci...

Post by **lomuamart** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:02 pm

Hails,
I don't mean to be a dampener on your intended move, but :
You'd be happy on 25k a month and spending 10k for accomdation? That leaves you 15k.
How are you going to educate your daughter?
Sorry, but I think you'll find it really tough even allowing for any savings you've got. Those will just disappear.
Just a thought.

Post by **Hails** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:31 pm

Hiya, well a home under 10k would be great. Though I do want somewhere nice...

I think schooling for her may cost around 70k for the year?

Money is not an issue, I've been living rent free for a year, and translating that into baht... is a lot.

Thanks for your concern though!

Post by **Hails** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:34 pm

Looking on other threads, seems I could get somewhere nice for 5 - 8k. That would be better. Do you usually wait til you get there and ask around?

Post by **lomuamart** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:06 pm

Ok, so here you go, based on what you've told us
Accom 8-10 (lets say 10) ?
Bills 2- 3 (lets say 3)?
Education 6

That leaves you with 6k per month to live, based on 25 a month.
I would factor in another 15k per month spending with your daughter. 500 per day.
So, that's the reality. Others here may disagree, but I'm only trying to give you a steer.
Total, 34k. You might as well think about it as 40k if you want a "reasonable" lifestyle.
Hope that helps. Don't come over with pie in the sky.

Post by **Lev** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:13 pm

Hi Hails, welcome to the board.
Have a read of this one:
http://www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/vi ... php?t=1276

There are a few topics on schools, renting and incomes etc. Any specific questions fire away.

Post by **Hails** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:18 pm

Hey, no, thats good, been wanting to sort out a budget.

Schooling for her won't come into the budget, I'll pay for that at the start with my savings. We will eat out a lot as I hate cooking but I won't be buying expensive westerner food, we both love simple ethnic food. And that will be it for spending really, I won't be going to pubs, being that I have my daughter to look after, and I won't be going out looking for Thai girls either hehe. As long as I have an internet connection and the beach nearby I'll be happy. I think my biggest expense will be travel and sightseeing, but again I have more than enough in the bank.

Don't worry I don't expect to make any money in LOS!

Post by **Hails** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:22 pm

Thanks Lev, I did read through that, it's great, answered lots of my questions! Funny though how differing opinions can be, so still feel bit vague about some things, such as is Somtawin school ok or not! Guess I'll suss things for myself when I get there...

Post by **canthai** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 9:42 pm

I have looked into the schools in Hua Hin who offer an English or International program. You will find that iit will cost around 150,000 Baht.

Post by **Hails** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:46 am

According to the info I've found on here, Somtawin is not an international school, it is a private school, and the fees are 70k.

Besides, if I'm teaching there, I'd hope to cut a deal!