BFITS Bright Future International review: Corrupt Business 30

I understand your frustration, and accusations of corruption are serious. However, I can offer a perspective based on my experience with BFITS.

I worked at BFITS as a temporary cover teacher from 2021 to 2022. During that time, I never encountered any issues with my salary. It was always paid on time and accurately. In fact, when I left to pursue a different career path in 2022, I was even surprised and grateful to receive a performance bonus from BFITS.

This positive experience makes me hesitant to believe accusations of widespread corruption. Perhaps your situation is an isolated incident, or there have been recent changes within BFITS.

Hopefully, this adds a different perspective to the conversation. It's important to remember not all experiences are the same.

At the heart of BFITS lies a culture of support and excellence that permeates every aspect of their operations. As a cover teacher, I was impressed by the level of support extended to ensure my success in the classroom. Whether it was providing comprehensive teaching materials or offering guidance on classroom management strategies, BFITS spared no effort in equipping me with the tools necessary to thrive in my role. Moreover, their open-door policy meant that help was always within reach, fostering a sense of security and confidence in my abilities.

Transitioning into a full-time permanent position at SBW province was a testament to BFITS' unwavering commitment to excellence. From the moment I stepped into my new role, I was greeted with warmth and encouragement, reaffirming my decision to be part of such a reputable organization. The support extended beyond the classroom, with opportunities for professional development and career advancement readily available. BFITS recognizes that investing in the growth and well-being of their teachers ultimately translates into better outcomes for students, and this ethos permeates their approach to education.

As an educator with almost two decades of experience in Thailand, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of BFITS' dedication to excellence. Their proactive approach to support and their unwavering commitment to quality education set them apart as an industry leader. I wholeheartedly endorse BFITS to any teacher seeking a fulfilling and rewarding teaching experience in Thailand.

I had the opportunity to work with BFITS, and it has been nothing short of an incredible journey. From the moment I joined their team, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism, setting the tone for an enriching experience that I will cherish forever.

One of the most striking aspects of BFITS is its commitment to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for its employees. From the first day of orientation, it was evident that the organization genuinely cares about the growth and well-being of its teachers. The training sessions were comprehensive, equipping us with the necessary skills to excel in the classroom and make a positive impact on our students' lives.

The teaching resources and materials provided by BFITS are top-notch, making lesson planning a breeze. Whether it's interactive presentations, multimedia content, or educational games, these resources enabled me to engage my students effectively and enhance their learning experience. This, combined with the freedom to tailor lessons to suit individual student needs, made teaching a rewarding and enjoyable process.

Moreover, the staff at BFITS, both at the head office and in schools, were always there to offer guidance and support. Any concerns or questions were addressed promptly, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among teachers. The sense of teamwork and collaboration was truly uplifting, making me feel like an integral part of the BFITS family.

Furthermore, BFITS' dedication to creating a dynamic and diverse learning environment is commendable. The exposure to various cultures and teaching styles not only enriched my own understanding but also allowed me to learn from my colleagues and grow as an educator. The cross-cultural experience was undoubtedly one of the highlights of working with BFITS.

Another standout feature of BFITS is its focus on professional development. Regular workshops, training sessions, and feedback assessments were conducted to help teachers continuously improve their teaching skills. This emphasis on growth and improvement not only benefited us as educators but also had a positive impact on the overall learning experience of our students.

Lastly, I cannot overlook the level of appreciation and recognition that BFITS showed to its employees. Whether it was a simple thank-you note or acknowledgment for a job well done, these gestures boosted morale and made us feel valued as part of the organization.

In conclusion, working with BFITS has been an immensely gratifying experience. The support, resources, and opportunities for personal and professional growth provided by BFITS have truly exceeded my expectations. I can wholeheartedly recommend BFITS to any educator seeking a rewarding and fulfilling teaching journey. Thank you, BFITS, for making my time with you unforgettable!

Well “Looking to teach in Thailand”, no doubt by your name you have chosen and the **years of experience** you have accrued under your belt through the hard face of Thai education, one can only assume you are just the right person to comment on both the credentials of the people writing here and education in Thailand. One wonders how it worked out for you and BFITS. They are of course very open to new teachers with no experience since they can be moulded into the BFITS way of doing things. Anyone else would have problems fitting in, and anyone with any amount of experience would not put the level of interference from them.

Considering most schools are on the outskirts of Bangkok, and probably pay around 70000 Baht per month to BFITS they expect God himself to walk through with his credentials. You would be better off trying to go it alone and getting the job yourself than going through BFITS.

Oooh a dating website... "looking to teach" in Thailand. Who would have thought anyone would use a dating website in Thailand..? No doubt by the adverts by BFITS this year they struggle to find teachers because of the unreasonable requests, and high work load situated yes in the middle of nowhere.

I was looking at BFITS and, after the interview, I was impressed with how much information they gave. I came here to do some research and there are some very strange posters that make me wonder about the teaching profession.

Having read through the most recent “Marky Narky” (or is it “Bryer the Niar”? multiple accounts but the language and subject is the same) long list of complaints, I would have to agree with “Ajarn Henry”. Marky Narky/Bryer the Niar sounds extremely bitter, defensive and unprofessional.

The biggest tell is another complaint Marky Narky (click on his username to see other comments he posted) made against Badoo in July, 2015. Notice the same foul language (“bunch of arrogant [censored]”) and same thin-skinned, defensive response (“I gave as good as I got”).
And this is over a fight on an online dating site! Classy.
“Badoo blocked me recently as well after some Thais got snarfy with me and I gave it back to them as good as I got it. They then blocked me and I opened another account and they have blocked me again. It seems that badoo wants more and more for you to pass over your credit card details, and it is getting worse. How can one or two arguments online get you locked and I have no recourse to defend myself. They just decide and you have no way to fight back.. a big thumbs down to badoo... bunch of arrogant [censored]... Date in Asia is better…”

His language and comments continue to come across as defensive, unprofessional, uncaring, and downright rude in the school comments:
“You can shove your opinion in the proverbial Henry.”
“They rarely deliver unless you are in Bum F…”
“And when you don’t fit into their culture or just simply do not kiss a**, they get upset and get rid of you.”
“If one class says they do not like you (or a few kids in the class) and they get the whole class to gang up...”
“..the kids can get you out overnight and then a Filipino is waiting in the wings to take your job (and they make more money) and which they will do.”
“(I sent) an email explaining my view on things and asked them if they were doing themselves any favours. How is that discrimination? One thing that always amazes me is how quickly Thai kids will say they do not understand even when they have not written it down, or even attempted to understand it.”
- That is a great path to take, as a teacher, with 12 and 13 year old kids that say they don’t understand something. Send them an email asking if they are doing themselves any favors and then say it is all the student’s fault for not trying to understand. So which is it? Is it the material is too difficult or that the student are “not even attempting to understand it”?

This company is now operating as SINE - Sine Education Service Co., Ltd.. It is the same company. They have the same offices. They have the same management. They have the same ethos. More and more agencies take over work in Thailand and there is no reason to work for them. The work load is gruelling. Especially for these guys. It would be better to approach the schools directly with your CV in hand. This way you can negotiate a better deal, and not be blind sided by being told you are leaving the school "today". This is another common practise. To switch you from school to school the same day if there is such an option. These companies are very sensitive about their reputation and they think by changing their name they are able to avoid responsibility. They are advertising constantly as people come and go.

it may have to do with the ethos at the schools to be fair, they do not want to upset the little darlings. But given the work load, the expectation that you can get through the work, a massive book fit for an American University, marking system every week for everything - participation, homework, quizzes, bookwork etc... there is no blagging it, unless you just outright lie. The schools are partly to blame. Because the EP kids are the so called special kids if there is any conflict between you and them, you are gone. They will lose you in a heartbeat in a day. Any hard challenge or not enough fun in the classroom and you are out the door. And given this is quite a difficult subject to teach, quite difficult to understand, exceptionally hard book to get through with head office breathing down your neck about the marks, and then stubborn and lazy kids, this is no easy gig.Thai's just love easy and nice, and getting through this is nigh impossible.

Maths Teacher for Banphai (Khonkaen)

Full Time Position

Sine Education Service Co., Ltd..
Bangkok
At least 40, 000 Baht/month
We are looking for a qualified maths teacher to work in a government high school for term two. You will be planning and teaching three hours for each level of Matthayom for a total of 18 hours per week. (3 hours - 2 other subjects - with no or nearly non existent material)

The successful candidate will:
• work closely with the Thai mathematics teachers to identify and agree topics to be covered;
• prepare and submit lesson plans on the agreed topics to the Head of Mathematics;
• keep copies of lesson plans and teaching materials on file and available for inspection by the Program Manager or Head of Mathematics as required;
• review and mark course books and homework; and,
• draft, review and mark all mid and final tests and submit marks to the Head of Mathematics.
Benefits
• 40, 000THB per month for a native speaker / 30, 000THB per month for a non-native speaker
• contract through to end of March 2016
• BUPA health insurance
• Visa and work permit processed and paid for on receipt of a clean Non-B visa
• Full-time SINE coordinator in the school to help with communication
Qualifications
• Here native speakers means UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland
• Bachelor degree in relevant field
• TEFL qualification an advantage

Henry Lotz’s opinion counts for little. Many people who have been through BFITS have the same opinion of the organization where they will do little for you, expect the earth, and give no recognition in return. On one particular day I had 7 lessons because in all their wisdom they sent all the kids away on a camp to Saraburi. This was the last day before the exam. I have also never sent discrimatory or racist emails to kids, but rather an email explaining my view on things and asked them if they were doing themselves any favours. . How is that discrimination? One thing that always amazes me is how quickly Thai kids will say they do not understand even when they have not written it down, or even attempted to understand it. I still hold the same opinion.

Henry also teaches English. I was teaching Maths. I need Henry’s opinion like I need a hole in the head. Stick to English Henry and you might be better off. After one Semester we got through 1 section. There were 12 more to go. We got through one of them. Out of 13. And still they were complaining they did not understand it. Added to this onerous marking to be entered into the system and they wanted marks for every single section – participation, classwork, homework, and quizzes. I met someone else the other day who worked for BFITS and they had the same opinion as me. A nightmare to work for. Expect the earth there is not appreciation; they are far away, loads of work and loads of complaints to go with it, despite what to do to help others – new teachers for instance who do not know their ### from their elbow. Part of the problem is the so called “head teacher” or perceived head teacher who has not been given that function officially but still thinks it his place to comment on something he knows nothing about, never taught the subject, but still want to say how it should be done. In short there are too many bosses there or people who think they are. You can shove your opinion in the proverbial Henry.

BFITS routinely lie and embellish their information. They pay you according to the calendar days. If you work 10 out of the 20 working days in the month they will pay you from when you started – say the 20th of the month and work out your salary that way and then pay you for 11 days out of 31. Anything where they get an extra buck in their pocket. My current employers are more understanding, will try and help you, you can slow down the material if you think they do not understand it. And in any event a spot test always wakes them up, and gets them to think a little harder. Am I the only one to have these problems? The truth is the agency could care less about you and your problems, as long as they get paid. If you work all night or all day, or if the material is too hard when they chose the book, they will tell you has nothing to do with them. They will then insist you get through all the material. It was just an impossible task and anyone would be recommended to stay well away from BFITS. The only people who support them are those too scared to lose their jobs and as one guy said on here “kiss their ###”. Too true. The book I currently have is less than a quarter of the size at BFITS. Still they find it challenging but at least we can slow down if we need to. No such choice at BFITS.

And when you don’t fit into their culture or just simply do not kiss a**, they get upset and get rid of you. No problem. I found a better school to work for. What they don’t mention is that my Math’s project came 4th out of 20 schools into the North Bangkok Area, when I had 2 weeks to do it, and others had 2 months and that says everything, Thank god I am rid of you, that School, and BFITS. Henry Lotz.

My comments to the above messages are as follows.

What has been discussed in these wonderful essays (if I may call it so) is absurd.

It started when the students complained to the Thai teachers and me that Martin Leigh was not very helpful and that they do not understand him at all. I explained to the students and the teachers that I will discuss the issue with him, which I did. After the discussion, his approached was very negative toward the students and indirectly acknowledged that he knows best. He indicated the students were the problem and not Martin himself. The more I advised him about the situations and his management skills in class, the less he did to improve himself. I came to the conclusion that Martin likes and is set in his own way of doing things and does not accept that he has any short comings and therefor it was difficult to work with him. After many occasions, I was trying my best to give him advice as to what he should do and to adopt a more student centered teaching approach, but to no avail. I have mentioned it to him that the students are going to complain. However, the parents on the school board contacted the academic assistant director regarding Martin's teaching styles. In order to fit in, the new teacher has to change to accommodate the students and not vice versa.

The material we use in the English Program is of a high standard and it can be confusing for students not to understand certain concepts and vocabulary. However, I informed him that he has to simplify the materials and randomly ask and check for understanding among the students. As to my knowledge, it was not enforced.

As the senior teacher, I belief I did my best to try and persuade him to fit into the school system as the rules varies from school to school. It does not mean that what you do at another school, you can do the same at my school. I have instructed our coordinator to notify all teachers regarding any activities, events, and last minute changes in policies and decisions from the school.

The conclusion is that Martin is not a team player. His improper behavior and foul language were unacceptable. I simply will not allow him to use me nor the students as a reason because he cannot perform his duties accordingly.
Martin Leigh is solely to blame for what had happened to him at my school. Besides the above, it is pathetic for and individual who occupies the position of a teacher, to forward discriminatory emails to the students. If you have a grudge against someone then you should look at yourself first. This is unprofessional behavior in every way.

I have been employed at BFITS for 6 years. I never had a dispute with my colleagues (Thais, Filipinos, or Foreigners), managers, or directors from BFITS or the school. We strive for professionalism in the workplace. My fellow colleagues and I worked very hard to be successful and to make a difference in the lives of students and we will continue to do so. We have built a strong relationship based on mutual respect and understanding between Thai and foreign teachers.

I would like to express my gratitude of appreciation to all the teachers and employees at BFITS for their support over the years. Thank you for going the extra mile for teachers and for accommodating us where possible. I have been paid on time for twelve months including a 13th check and visa issues were arranged well before time. BFITS is an agency that you can rely on and trust for a great career.

BFITS also routinely lie in their advertising. They say it is a 12 month contract when it is in fact 11 (or maybe 10 and half). In runs from March to March but as a new teacher they will employ you in April or May so they save themselves 2 months or a month and half and you are then expected to get up to speed with the kids. Most places have an contract from May – April (12 months), or May to March and will tell you they will not pay you for April That is honest. What BFITs does is less than honest and the only people who support them have been there for years and still walk on egg shells. This is not free ride.
They also have the biggest books I have ever seen in my life. I thought this would be a good thing but when you think that you have to teach 13 sections from it, and test all of them on it, it suddenly becomes clear this is an impossible task to do. Then at any moment he kids can turn around and simply say they “do not understand and you are out the door. From one day to the next you will move schools. Literally. If one class says they do not like you (or a few kids in the class) and they get the whole class to gang up you are out the door. I was amazed that they could think, having schools so far away they thought they could fill the position. I went into the office when I gave back the laptop, and there was a new guy there looking for a job. I asked him where he was applying for and he said Samut Prakan. I told him it was “not good”. He thanked me for the heads up. I want this to be known.
I think the school thinks that having an agency means they can easily find teachers. In reality what happens often Filipinos take the jobs for a lot less (maybe 30000 Baht). They is what they are advertising and put up with the crap. SINE is the same company. And for the agency this is a money spinner. They had a white face, they tried, they gave it a shot, and now cannot find another (white) teacher to take your position, and so they give it to the Filipinos who are more than happy. I have seen a lot of complaints from the schools who I think are under the illusion it is easy to find a teacher.
You also have to pay for the laptop which they thrust on you and insist you take it. You have to pay a minimum of 1500 Baht a month for it which you may or may or get back. I know some teachers who did not get it back. Anthony was the account manager who was fired summarily over the weekend about 2 months ago, and he apparently was getting into their server and taking their materials. They also think they can thrust anything they like on you like they told me I had to teach history and health. With literally no material or material that was way too hard, you are just on your own to come up with something.
It is not a good company, easily to be fired or move schools, the schools are far away, really far away most of them anyway, they have unrealistic expectations and competitions which you have to participate in. And on the day of the competition they sent some teachers at 5.30 am off to Saraburi, 100 Km away.
You do have an assistant to help you, and Internet access and a laptop (which you pay for), and which they insist upon and all the material is locked and copyrighted (not theirs by the way). But frankly I could do without all of it. It just means the expectation is like an International school, you have to work school holidays (you may get 1 week off) and the rest of time you will be at the head office to prepare materials. So even if you do have a 12 month contract, expect to get 1 week off other than the Thai holidays which everyone gets.
It is not a great company, and given the expectation, salary, corruption (you have no rights) – don’t even think you have it is not a good company to work for. Avoid them. They promise a work permit, teacher’s license, Thai cultural course. They rarely deliver unless you are in Bum F… nowhere. In the all that counts is if the kids like you, who have no idea the expectation on you. The marking is onerous and was told if I put it in late “I would be looking for another job”. Everyone walks on egg shells around Goh and Michael it seems.
They think they are the best agency but offer no protection, have unrealistic expectations, the kids can get you out overnight and then a Filipino is waiting in the wings to take your job (and they make more money) and which they will do. Avoid them.
An example of the history text with no pictures or books is like rocket science to them.
The Importance of Religion (pages 46–47)
A. Religion gave the Egyptians a sense of security and timelessness. The Egyptians were
also polytheistic. Two groups of gods—the land gods and sun gods—were especially
important.
10
Daily Lecture and Discussion Notes
Chapter 2, Section 2
Did You Know? The funeral boat used to transport the body of
King Khufu from Memphis to Giza was 141 feet long.
Archaeologists have reassembled the craft according to the shipwright’s
original instructions, which were discovered with the
craft’s pieces next to Khufu’s tomb.
turn
Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
B. The sun was worshipped as the source of life. The sun god was named Atum or Re.
The Egyptian ruler was called Son of Re, the sun god in earthly form.
C. Two important river and land gods were Osiris and Isis. They were husband and wife.
Isis brought Osiris back to life after his brother, Seth, had cut up his body into 14
pieces. Osiris had an important role as a symbol of rebirth, whether after physical
death or through the rebirth of the land when flooded by the Nile. Isis’s bringing
together the parts of Osiris’s body each spring symbolized the new life that the floods
brought.
Discussion Question
Why were the Mesopotamian and ancient Egyptian religions polytheistic? (Answers will
vary. Perhaps the best answer is that the polytheism reflects the idea that the divine is in or controls
different forces of nature. Different deities are identified with the different forces. Later,
contrast this view with the Hebrew God, who creates nature but is not in it.)
III. The Course of Egyptian History (pages 47–51)
A. Historians divide Egyptian history into three major periods of stability, peace, and
cultural flourishing: the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom.
Periods of upheaval fell between them.
B. Egyptian history began around 3100 B.C. when Menes created the first royal dynasty
in Egypt. A dynasty is a family of rulers. Their right to rule is passed on through the
family.
C. The Old Kingdom lasted from 2700 to 2200 B.C. Egyptian rulers became known as
pharaohs. Pharaoh means “great house” or “palace.”
D. Egyptian pharaohs had absolute power. However, they were aided first by their families
and by then a large bureaucracy—an administrative organization of officials and
regular procedures—that developed during the Old Kingdom.
E. The vizier (“steward of the whole land”) held the most important position next to the
pharaoh. The vizier headed the bureaucracy and reported directly to the pharaoh.
Egypt was divided into 42 provinces, each with its own governor.
F. The pyramids were built during the Old Kingdom. They served as tombs for the
pharaohs and their families. They contained food, weapons, artwork, and household
goods for the person in the afterlife. Egyptians believed that a person’s spiritual body
(ka) could survive the death of the physical body if the physical body were properly
preserved through mummification.

If you want the real deal with BFITS. Here it is with as little embellishment as possible. The salary is around 38000 Baht. They sometimes give you a travel stipend to travel (around 2000 Baht to travel to their schools) because they are honestly miles away. One teacher’s car broke down, and he had to take a taxi to work and had to 500 Baht to get there one way. Be under no illusion the schools are far away. They sometimes have a minivan to take you the extra leg but be under no illusion getting it is no picnic. The traffic is murderous and you have to be there at a certain time. It is easier to make there on your own steam if you can. The schools must pay nearly double what they pay the teachers. That is almost standard now, and most agencies pay under the table to keep the contract. Either in benefits to the Thai teachers or in direct money gifts (bribes). This means almost all the Thai teachers now think they are your bosses, and you have to walk around scraping and wai-ing them, and making sure you know your place in the scheme of things. You always have to make sure that as a foreign teacher you know you are the bottom of the rung. I knew a teacher who worked for a Government school for 5 years, and on the picture board he was almost placed below the lowest Thai teacher. It was made absolutely clear that you were the lowest of the low despite the fact Thai teachers cannot teach English and do not have the latitude to adapt, and they then stick to boring grammatical lessons which most of the kids never get, and in the end become convinced that English is so difficult they may as well give up.
So it is with BFits run schools. Also given the school is now paying maybe around 70000 Baht per month for the teacher, they expect god to walk through the door with his credentials. Then you have the marking, the marking system, you have to enter your marks online for every section, sometimes almost every lesson is expected. Half the time the system is not up and running. The schools also seem to think they can change their mind at any time, and get a “new teacher” well because they think this one is not working out. Given the distance, the expectation, the salary, and volumous amount of marking and testing to be done, I think it is simply not worth it. They like new teachers who have just landed in the country and have nothing else to go to, and will jump in and be moulded by them even if they do not know what they are doing. Maybe they will last and maybe they will not and hopefully the older and more experienced teachers will be around to help them. It is not an easy place to work for, and bosses and assistant Directors will be coming down to your school. Heaven forbid if the kids do not understand what you are teaching.

I've worked for three agencies in Thailand. BFITS are the best I've come across by far. Maybe as i'm in a small town where BFITS have an office I feel that they are there for me. They drive me to the immigration office, sort out all the paperwork, pay on time, pay twelve months (if you include the bonus), have staff working in the school with us to communicate with he school so we know what's happening. I actually feel like I have support. My last two agencies I had none of the back up and support that BFITS have. I think BFITS are pretty good.

Sorry "they actually create all of the jobs they are offering themselves" is referring to them securing the contracts with the Thai schools, just to clarify

Bfits is a great company. It is true that a lot of people making complaints about bfits have poor grammar. Obviously teaching an English or mep subject like science is not the right thing for someone with poor grammar to be doing. No bfits did not pay me to write this and I do not work for them anymore. All I can say about bfits is that they are an honest legit education business who hand picks teams of either highly skilled teachers or teachers with high potential. They are excellent at taking care of visas. They did everything that needed to be done to get me a work permit except for physically dragging me out of bed. Yes I did have to pay a small amount and do a bit of traveling at first but I am confident that there is not an employer in Thailand who is more helpful than bfits in that department. Most employers are not anywhere near as professional as bfits with visas from what every teacher I have met has told me.
Next, all of those people employed in that luxury office which are a complete waste of money and a display of wealth. That team takes care of the things that teachers would have to do for themselves. I don't know about the admin that it takes to run a school but I most certainly know that there is a lot of it. Who would cover for you on your one time mandatory visa run without that team? Who would take care of your insurance? They actually create all of the jobs they are offering themselves. They also supply teachers with new laptops.
I just finished working for them and they informed me that I was getting my laptop deposit back WITH INTEREST! They also informed me of some more money that they were paying me which I had completely overlooked when signing the contract. I have to say that I am a happy camper right now and the only reason I am writing this is because I deeply appreciate all the help they have given me with integrating into Thailand and I hate to see people who have helped me being wrongfully slandered. I was just raised that way.
I have been informed that I am receiving my check next week and if there is any problem collecting it I will be sure to post the details.
Philip

Also, I never have to worry about money disappearing from my paycheck. BFITS always pays me on time and pays me what I am owed. They has never taken money out of my paycheck except to pay for a deposit on the notebook computer and for income taxes, both of which I knew about and agreed to. I have spoken to other teachers who assure me that they return the computer deposit with interest when a teacher leaves.

BFITS is, in my opinion, a reputable company. I have worked for them for years and have had no issues. Contracts are always honored, bonuses always paid, vacation always given, contracts always renewed with a 3% raise (and additional bonus money and vacation each year) if you are a decent teacher, and my work permit always renewed. It is true that they do expect that teachers conduct themselves professionally in the classroom and continue to improve their skills. If someone is looking for a "temporary contract" because they just want to hang out in Thailand, it is not the place for you since their programs (EP) are academically rigorous. With regards to them taking a cut from teachers salaries, why is no-one mentioning that BFITS supplies a coordinator at every school to assist in photocopying and completing the grade books for the school as well as to ensure that all the supplies needed are available: markets, pins, erasers, coffee, toilet paper, printer, ink, science and project materials, etc. BFITS also supplies lesson plans, curriculum, wireless internet at the school and a lot of teaching materials to draw from. Yes it is true, the teaching material can be raw in that any teacher should adapt it to their teaching style rather than just open it the day of the class and pray that it is what they want it to be. And the office in Shangri La, they have been there over 14 years before there was a BFITS (it started as just BiTS) and the only reason they are in the building is because of the relationships with the hotel and the need to conduct corporate classes through BiTS (corporate teaching) that involves Thai computer training so they need space to do those classes. Granted, we do get to use the conference rooms when we meet at the end of the year and, scandalous, they even provide refreshments for teachers when they are in the office. Yes, their starting salary for an EP teacher is not as high as other private schools that hire directly (39, 000 baht) but they do offer multiple types of bonuses, reimbursable sick days, BUPA medical and dental insurance, guaranteed raises and additional benefits and more. They even paid us when schools were closed during the flooding a year ago which not many teachers can say. Those that say they are bribing schools...I don't know what to say to this because I just don't see it. It is just rumors. All in all, what a horrible, crooked place to be!?! Not in my opinion. I think it a good company to work for because I am not always wondering if there is going to be some "trick" played with regards to my pay or bonuses and when I need help, I can ask and they listen. They don't always agree with me but they will listen to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AeltrR-rGU&feature=youtu.be

Any agency who changes teachers contracts mid term to lower bonuses and witholds departed teachers documentation so as to make it difficult for them to obtain a work permit in the future deserves a vote for worst agency. Therefore i would like to cast my vote for worst agency in favor of BFITS.

I don't know whos is to blame here between this BFITS agency or the nature of the corrupt governmental system in Thailand. However any experienced teacher would know that being directly employed by the school especially private or bi lingual school is the best route. I taugh at Assumption Samutprakhan EP Program and my starting salary was already in the 45 thousand baht range. I do feel sorry for those guys who have to teach those complex subjects in the English Program and only being compensate with such a lowly salary range of 37k. A pay increase is definitely in the order !

@LifeyLife Seriously how much did BFITS pay you to write this review ? Because if you care to search about BFITS online background via google, you will find that this particular corporate entity is notorious in writing false reviews about themselves in a positive light.

Secondly no one in their right mind would continue working for a company knowing that they would provide a mediocre salary of 37, 000 to 39, 000 baht a month teaching advance subjects such as calculus, physics and chemistry while BFITS would make literally 20, 000 thousand baht net profit or more from me as a teacher. I do understand that agencies in general needs to make margin in order to operate. However BFITS and Siam Computers are the only two companies in Thailand that still obscenely charges government school literally 55000 THB or more for their teachers and curriculum and this is governmental school we are talking about where the less half of Thailand go for education.

Of course you said they have to make a "profit", however do you realize that BFITS would use those money from the poor public school students in order to bribe the school official to maintain their multiple years contract ? Of course LifeyLife you are oblivion to these fact because at the end of the day, you just another brown nose who cares about your own paychecks and your precious non-b visa. Do you realize that there is a surmountable body of evidence that the Anti National Corruption or DSI to launch an investigation on their embezzlement ? Of course you wouldn't know because you are just another low rank butt kisser for BFITS. and Goh the only reason he still can do what he does because of his "mommy" connections that I don't need to go in to the whole politics.

It's pathetic that you are so blind within their system of corruption and monopoly, you fail to see the fact of who has everything to lose here in the education system. It is those poor students who have to pay higher tuition in order to continuing paying to BFITS services. In turn those "launder" money will be use to bribe to their respective school officials from Academic Head all the way to the Director of the school. You and Goh are part of the poisonous system that has gone far too long and that office river side office next to the Shangri la hotel are built upon tainted money from those poor students.

Completely disagree on numerous points.

From the start - Goh interviewed me, I have had no problem with his manner, his ego, or his transparency in regards of what the job entails. At the point of interview he emailed me the timetable, a copy of the contract, sent me the contact details of the Head of Department so I could speak with him in more depth about the school, a map to the school, and told me in no uncertain terms that this job was not in central Bangkok and I should expect to travel at least 1-1.5 hours to school if I accepted the position - not a very desirable commute, but he was clear about it from the start.

For anybody complaining about the money BFITS makes by taking, in some cases a very large, cut of the salary.. I can't believe this is a legitimate complaint. ALL agencies take a sizeable cut, this is called making a profit and is quite common in business. Good luck finding one in Thailand that doesn't make money that way. Yes, it's annoying to know that if you were being employed directly be the school, you could earn that extra 5, 10, 15, 20k - so what's stopping you approaching other schools directly? Schools with EP, CEP, ICEP and international programs will often accept applications and if the teacher is an ideal fit employ them directly. But do not kid yourself that you will get paid the full salary the agency does. The school will try to save money, after all, when they employ a teacher directly, they do not have the same guarantees provided by an agency i.e. if you are sick there is no cover, they have to deal with all the visa and work permit paper work and they will also push the boundaries of the contract a lot more because there is less precedent. At least BFITS is consistent in their pay scale, benefits, holidays and bonuses.

Talking of visas and work permits - I think that either those making complaints did not fulfil the necessary requirements and hand in the essentials forms and payments on time, or have gotten their companies confused. My visa and work permit process was as smooth as silk. And carried out during the floods, despite the fact that I had evacuated and the provincial labour office was underwater. I am also not the exception to the rule, as I have 4 very close friends working for BFITS and they all had the same experience.

The comments about the staff being unfriendly? Ridiculous. People who feel that way should perhaps take a long hard look at themselves in the mirror and consider why people would be unfriendly. Unprofessional, unkempt, unprepared teachers is my personal guess.

And the BFITS teaching methods? If the teaching methods imposed in your class are not post-1960 then you are absolutely at fault. The company provides the raw materials for you to adapt, develop, build on and rejuvenate - they are not meant as the be all and end all of your lesson. I have had so much fun, yes fun, working in a classroom where I can be creative with projects and presentations, multimedia, games and activities independent of the BFITS material, the statement that teaching methods are outdated is completely untrue. Only a lazy teacher will turn up to school, use the lesson plan, power point on their (BFITS provided) laptop and give out worksheets without any edition or new activities.

My last point is in response to something quite petty - the 'pompous' terminology used by BFITS to describe their service. I do not think it is pompous. I think it is an accurate representation of what they do. An agent will provide a teacher to a school with an EP or ICEP, and the teacher will adopt the syllabus, structure, methodology of that school and from there on have very little contact with the agency. An educational service provider, i.e. BFITS, provides ALL the teachers, ALL the structure, ALL the materials, THE WHOLE syllabus for EP/ICEP -They ARE that program. If you removed BFITS from my school, there would be no EP. If you remove an agency teacher from an EP, they will be replaced with another teacher and life will generally continue as normal.

Overall, the poor grammar in these posts, quite laughable points about teaching methods and materials, and continuous reference to ego (and I have never seen evidence of this egotistical company and staff mentioned) leads me to believe all of the above unhappy former employees are either not telling the full story or are ill qualified to have been offered the position in the first place. Lucky for BFITS and the schools and students involved that your contracts were not renewed by either yourself or the company.

Overall they are a fantastic company to work for - I will say that I find their training days patronising and condescending, but alas, I also found that I was working with several people this year who didn't know how to use Power Point or complete a lesson plan. As least they offer some training, so that those who might benefit from it, get the chance to.

I can’t recommend working for BFITS.

The man who interviewed me and who eventually was my boss wasn’t an honest person. He withheld important information about the job until after my contract was signed. I was told I’d be working in air conditioned classrooms. After he signed my contract he sheepishly told me the school was “mostly” air conditioned. The truth was that mostly it wasn’t air conditioned.

The interviewer neglected to tell me that the students I was being assigned had already had 2 teachers within the last few months and that they’d both left the job. It’s not easy being the 3rd teacher in a single term, especially when it’s your first job teaching.

The interviewer (who later became my boss) had almost no teaching experience. How can you manage employees who are more experienced than yourself?

Overall not a good experience. Stay away!

Comments are all over the place here. BiTs work never happens? but I got it and like it said – You must pass a general grammar test and also meet BiTs requirements which are not the same as BFITS. The corporate work is nice but the companies are VERY particular about the teacher that is sent to them.

With regards to guy who said he worked for them for 3 years, well that is enough said. Who works for 3 years for a company that is “intimidating” and “petty”? With regards to pay raises, I know that they write in the paperwork that the basic raise is based on cost of living which is usually 3% and the rest is meritorious. That is light years ahead of my last place that wouldn’t even tell me if I had a job next year!

With regards to contracts being taken home, I have been on interviews where you have to beg to see ANY contract. And most people know that competitors send out employees to “shop” the competition so most keep the paperwork close to home.

Regardless, I guess people should just meet them and make their own decision.

Everything the man said in the audio recording is true. BFITS teachers are paid between 30-38k per month when the school has actually paid 60-70k baht for the teacher. BFITS keeps the difference IN ADDITION to what the school pays them for finding the teachers etc. Furthemore some of the difference in the teachers salary is kicked back to the school administrators.

If you are well establshed in Bangkok with a residence, have knowIedge of the culture and are acclimated, this might be an OK company to work for. I came to Bangkok to teach for BIFTS as someone who has never been here before. I had been promised all kinds of support, in finding an apartment, in curriculum review, in getting the correct visa and work permit, etc. The only meeting I was invited to was three hours of secretarial work inputing data into BFITS’ grading software. After a month of being promised support – zilch. I was told there was nothing else planned until school started 12 days hence. I did get a hand drawn map, mostly in Thai, showing me where my school was located and the name of the bus to take. When I voiced my concerns and suggested I might resign, the instant response was, “sorry you feel uncomfortable and we accept your resignation”. So after six days my employment ended. It was so nice to be a vlaued employee. As I said, if you are well established, this might be the company for you. And lastly, I checked ajarn.com and found a BIFTS ad offering a position at the same school for 20% pay. I won’t hold my breath for the six days of pay I’m owed.

I worked for bfits for three years.It was the biggest mistake i have made in Thailand.The management do not care about there teachers and they only seem to care about the number of contract they are keeping.The contract gets worse every year.If you are a good teacher they will not like it because they don’t want the schools to like you.They think the teacher will take the contracts from them the following year I have seen a few teacher get the boot for this.
Pay rise was one thousand Bht a year.
They will give you a warning over a petty little things.
Most people that work for the company only get on well with the management if they kiss there ### and say the right things.
The management use this intimidating voice when they speak to you, they like to feel superior.
I’m not saying all of this just to spite them, but I’m now working for a small company and doing less work and getting payed 20, 000 more a month with no one squeaking at me every five minutes.
I give them a big fat ZERO.

Bright Future International Training & Services (BFITS) do not call themselves an agent; they are an "educational service provider". This pompous and arrogant delusion really sums up this money-grabbing teaching agency that is stuck in the past.

My first complaint with BFITS is the amount of money they make from their teachers. At the school I taught in BFITS were taking B5, 000 per month from my wage in fees (most agents take B2, 000). Fees for what I wonder- maybe for their river side office next to the Shangri la hotel, maybe for hiring more staff for their office (they have three receptionists) but I know it wasn’t for supporting or helping their teachers, that is for sure.

My second complaint with BFITS is that they are very, very old fashioned. Do not try to be friendly or chatty with them, as this will be seen as inappropriate (they see themselves as your boss, and you must be subservient to them.) Also, do not try any teaching methods that are post 1960- they only want you to drill, drill, do a worksheet and drill again. Making your own materials or being creative, treating the students as individuals, and having fun, is all out of the question. The director (Goh) has an ego the size of Paris, and you must treat him like he’s the divine. I was told I was wrong for asking “how was your weekend” and saying the word “silly”. I had a helpful chant that I would repeat-“Goh is God, Goh is God etc etc”

My complaints with Bright Future International Training & Services (BFITS), while small, does make one feel more like a commodity than a teacher. You will be made to feel eternally grateful for being given a job with them, and heaven forbid that you ever speak your mind or try to be individual. To BFITS you are a teaching machine that is only there to make them lots of money and to boost their egos.