Experiences and Challenges Perceived by Indonesian EFL Teachers as Non-Native English Speaker Teachers (NNESTs) in Thailand

Abstract

<p>This study investigated the experiences and challenges perceived by Indonesian EFL teachers as the NNESTs in Thailand. The study used a questionnaire and interviews to collect primary data from seventeen Indonesian EFL teachers in Thailand. The study discovered that most of the Indonesian EFL teachers are eager to teach English in Thailand to have teaching experience abroad, to improve their English skills, and to earn higher salaries. Besides, the Indonesian EFL teachers did not find difficulties in adapting to the new cultures in Thailand, even though adjusting to the teaching environment became a challenge. Moreover, third, the Indonesian EFL teachers were treated equally as the NESTs, although their salaries were lower than those of NESTs. Lastly, the study reported issues in English classes, such as students' motivations, linguistic gaps, and plagiarisms, which trigger the creativity of Indonesian EFL teachers in English classes.</p>

‘I feel like I am more respected here in Thailand’: Indonesian EFL Teachers' Experiences and Challenges in Thai Elementary Schools

“…Indonesians have also joined this community, contributing to the growth and diversification of foreign English teachers in Thailand (Putri, 2020).…”

“…There have been a set number of studies focusing on the experiences and challenges of Indonesian EFL teachers in recent years. Putri (2020), for instance, conducted a study that offered valuable insights into the perceived experiences and challenges of Indonesian EFL teachers functioning as Non-Native English Speaker Teachers (NNESTs) in Thailand. Furthermore, Fauziyah, Hidayaati, and Abdulllah (2021) explored the perspectives of Indonesian pre-service teachers during teaching practicum in diverse Thai schools.…”