APPENDIX A
COMMERCIAL LANGUAGE SCHOOLS OF THAILAND
A.1. Key
This is a list of some of the commercial language schools of Thailand, nearly all of which are in Bangkok. Inevitably some of the information will be out of date. I estimate there may be 20 or more schools in existence now about whom I have been unable to gather any information. Another five or so schools listed here have probably gone out of business.
Information on schools marked with an asterisk is second-hand and so more likely to be inaccurate. As you can see, some of the entries are little more than an address and phone number. I apologise for the errors I know are here and would be grateful for any corrections or pertinent information.
The year next to the name is the year when the school started language teaching in Thailand. Some schools (like inlingua) have been teaching languages elsewhere before that date and others (like A&ID) have been involved in other activities before teaching languages.
Inside/outside refers to whether the school teaches only within the school building or sends teachers out to students' homes or businesses. Pay rates and conditions vary constantly among schools so may be out of date. For many of these companies preferred nationalities and qualifications are an ideal rather than an inflexible policy.
Yearly enrolment is the number of courses paid for; students who sign up for two courses are counted as two enrolments, and so on.
Pay rates and conditions notes do not mention that virtually all schools only pay you for work completed a week or more before payday. They do that to give teachers an incentive to finish the course and to give themselves time to check that the work has been completed satisfactorily. If a teacher fails to complete a course there is normally a financial penalty, which can be as much as all the wages owed. On the other hand, most schools are ready to accomodate teachers who want to teach right up to the time they leave the country, (if you give them advance notice).
When looking for work you should remember that unofficial standard rates are 150 B/h inside and start at 250 B/h for outside teaching, more if you have to spend a long time travelling. In practice these rates are not always achievable though.
A.2. Alphabetical List
Advance Academy *
Address: 8/9-11 Rajdapisek Rd.
Sukhumvit 16 Asoke
Klongtoey
Bangkok 10110
Telephone (fax): 251-2283, 251-6409, (251-6409)
Language courses: Thai, Japanese and Mandarin. English pre- elementary too advanced, business, specific purposes and writing.
Inside/outside: Both
Pay rates and conditions: Last info. paying 350 B/H for classes a very long way away.
A&ID Language Center (1993)
Address: C.P. Tower, 14th floor
313 Silom Rd. Bangrak
Bangkok 10500
Telephone (fax): 231-0221..50 Ext.1035,3302,3303 or 231-0297 (231-0212).
Branches/affiliations: Beijing University
Language courses:English; conversation, business, secretarial, business writing, negotiating, presentaions and public speaking, telephoning workshop, executive, hotel, private, comprehensive, intensive. Mandarin; general, business, phonetic. Thai; basic. Japanese; basic. Using a wide variety of texts.
Inside/outside: Both
Number of language teachers:Fifteen; all foreign.
Pay rates and conditions: 200 B/H to 600 B/H depending on qualifications, experience, course and location. Paid every 4 weeks. Free parking and travel allowances are available to teachers.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: British, Canadian, American, Australian and New Zealanders for English courses. Mainland Chinese for Mandarin courses. Thais for Thai courses and Thais or Thai speaking Japanese for Japanese courses. Bachelors degree in any field and knowledge of business practices; teaching certificate or B.Ed.; TOEFL, TOESL or RSA certificate; one to two years teaching experience, (no, not all of them).
Facilities: Sound Lab, Video Lab, Videos in most classrooms, library and cafe.
Yearly enrolment: Approx. 1,000 in the first year.
Course fees: Averaging around 2,500 Baht per 40-hour course.
Comments: The central location, high pay and good conditions make this one of the more desirable places to work. A&ID is part of the Charoen Pokhpand group, Thailand's largest multinational company.
American Express *
Address: 388 SP Building, Paholyothin Rd.
Phayathai, Bangkok 10400
Telephone (fax): 273-0033
Language courses: Apparently run occasional special courses for businesspeople.
Other subjects: Probably.
Inside/outside:Inside.
American Language Centre *
Address: Charoen Sanitwong 67
Thonburi
Telephone (fax):275-1862, 275-7249, 424-5840, 249-9177 (K.T.).
Branches/affiliations: Another branch in Klong Toey.
Language courses:English, French, German and Japanese.
Inside/outside: Both
Comments: They advertise regularly for students and teachers so work must be steady.
Aree's International Language School*
Address: 656/640 Soi Sriracha
Charoen Sanitwong
Bangkok 10700
Telephone (fax): 435-1712
Language courses: Thai, French and English. Conversation, writing and interview.
Inside/outside: Both
ASEAN Language and Translation Center (1987)
Address: 485/28 Soi Samran, Ratchaprarop Rd.
Pratunam
Bangkok 10400
Telephone (fax): 252-9035 (252-9035)
Branches/affiliations: Language Academy
Language courses: English using Streamline and own material. Also teach French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Spanish.
Inside/outside:Both
Number of language teachers: Variable, 60% Thai and 40% foreign.
Pay rates and conditions: Averaging 100 B/H, paid weekly.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Americans with at least a Bachelor's degree and teaching experience.
Course fees: English (private), 3,000 Baht for 20 hours or 5,500 for 40 hours. Other languages (private) 3,500-4,000 Baht for 20 hours. Classes of 1-5 students, 1,500 Baht for 20 hours. Classes of 1-2 students, 1,900 Baht for 20 hours
A.U.A. *
Address: 179 Rajadamri Rd
Bangkok 10330
Telephone (fax): 252-8170..3, 252-8395..9, 252-8953, 252-8980.
Branches/affiliations: Another Bangkok branch in Huamark and others all over the country from Haad Yai to Chiang Mai to Ubol.
Language courses: English and Thai. English courses use Spectrum and students of Thai have a choice between traditional or natural methods.
Inside/outside: Inside.
Number of language teachers: A lot.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications:Employ English native speaking teachers and Thais. Appropriate teaching qualifications are preferred.
Facilities: A library, capacity to show films etc.
Yearly enrolment: Huge numbers.
Comments: Serves, (like the British Council, Alliance Francaise, Goethe Institute etc.), as a cultural centre as well as a language school. English courses are reputed to be straightforward and by the book. Work is steady because the school is very well known and popular. The Thai courses are either loved or hated by the students. Large classes are the norm.
BB&C *
Address: 392/17 Siam Square Soi 5
Bangkok 10330
Telephone (fax): 252-9581, (252-9581)
Pay rates and conditions: 150B/h inside, 200-250 B/h outside.
Berlitz School *
Address: 10th floor, Cathay House Building
8 North Sathorn Rd.
Bangkok 10500
Telephone (fax): 235-3846, 235-3853, (238-5358).
Branches/affiliations: I believe there is another branch in Bangkok. Berlitz is the local arm of the international Berlitz company.
Language courses: English, French, Spanish, German etc. using their own material for the most part.
Inside/outside: Both.
BIS *
Address: 1, Sukhumvit Soi 33,Bangkok 10110
Telephone (fax): 258-5099, 259-7534, (259-7534)
Language courses: Thai, Japanese and English.
Inside/outside: Both
Comments: A small but busy school in a good area.
British-American *
Address: 50/299 Ladprao 58-60
Bangkok 10310
Telephone (fax): 514-0214, 514-0584, 514-0989, 514-1296, 539- 4866..9, (538-3748).
Language courses: English conversation, TOEIC, TOEFL, business and writing. Business course using International Business English. Japanese.
Other subjects: Computer subjects.
Inside/outside: Mainly inside, but starting to teach outside a bit more.
Number of language teachers: A lot.
Pay rates and conditions: Teachers are paid when they complete a course rather than every two weeks or month. This payment method was prevalent at other schools but isn't now as it is unpopular with teachers.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native English speaking teachers from a variety of backgrounds are employed.
Yearly enrolment: Brit-Am must have one of the largest enrolments of any of the schools judging by the size of it's advertising effort.
Course fees: 2,000 Baht for a 40-hour conversation course, 3,000 Baht for a 30-hour TOEFL course, 2,600 Baht for a 30-hour business course, and so on.
Comments: Along with ECC, Siam Language and a couple of others one of the major employers in town.
The British Council
Address: 428 Rama 1 Rd.
Siam Square
Bangkok 10330
Telephone (fax): 252-6136, ([662]252-6111), telex 72058
Branches/affiliations: Two branches in Bangkok, part of the world-wide British Council organisation.
Language courses: General English; business English; exam courses for FLE, CAE, CPE, PET, IELTS and UCLES business exams. EAP and ESP courses.
Inside/outside: Both
Number of language teachers: A lot, all foreign.
Pay rates and conditions: Pay rates are under review but believed to be high relative to other schools. Teachers are paid monthly and contracted teachers receive air fares, baggage allowance, settling in allowance and 25th month salary.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: RSA certificate and RSA diploma plus relevant experience.
Facilities: Computer assisted language learning, video, listening library, satellite TV, large library.
Yearly enrolment: Approx. 8,000.
Course fees: Variable, starting at 3,200 Baht for 30 hours; 4,600 Baht for 51 hour intensive course; 4,500 Baht for 45 hour regular course. Other course prices vary according to the number of hours, students, location etc. Business courses can be up to 1,850 Baht per hour.
Comments: Excellent facilities and a high reputation. Recruiting seems to be mainly from overseas.
Daruna Language Centre *
Address: Soi Intarama 9
Suthisarn, Phayathai
Bangkok 10400
Telephone (fax): 270-1369, 278-0557
EBP (English for Busy People c.1989)
Address: 268 Siam Square Soi 3
Rama 1 Rd. Patumwan
Bangkok 10330
Telephone (fax): 254-8464
Branches/affiliations: They are affiliated with Japanese and Taiwanese schools, sometimes receiving teachers from Japan.
Language courses: Business and general English courses using their own material, finance, interview, executive etc.
Inside/outside: Both, but mainly outside.
Number of language teachers: Ten to fifteen.
Pay rates and conditions: Used to be 170 B/H inside and 225 B/H outside rising to 250 B/H for jobs up to a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride away. Paid fortnightly.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native English speakers with experience or degrees are preferred.
Yearly enrolment: 1,000 to 1,500 teaching hours per month.
Course fees: Basic outside rates were 450 B/H, more for distance. Inside lessons in groups of no more than four.
Comments: Much of their work is referred by their Japanese affiliate. EBP is a small, competently run school. One peculiarity is their practice of not supplying their course material, which includes tapes and cards, to some of their teachers.
ECC *
Address: 430/17-20 Siam Square Soi 9
Bangkok 10330
Telephone (fax): 252-6488..9, 255-1856..9
Branches/affiliations: ECC is part of the ITC group which also includes Inlingua, EP (an entrance exam preparatory school), and Education Express (a overseas study service). ECC itself has many branches around Bangkok and some further afield. Probably the biggest school in terms of the number of teachers and enrolments. They certainly have more outlets than anyone else.
Language courses: General and business English courses. Texts include Streamline and Cambridge. In the past they have tried to develop their own supplementary material and courses with uneven results.
Other subjects: A large selection of computer courses.
Inside/outside: Traditionally inside but now expanding into more business work.
Number of language teachers: Perhaps hundreds, some recruited directly from England. ECC employ quite a lot of Thai English teachers and people from other Asian nations who demonstrate competence.
Pay rates and conditions: Teachers are on an ascending hourly rate based on seniority. Inside rates start at 100 B/H for private students and 130 B/H for classes. Different (lower) rates apply for Asian teachers.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: No real barriers to anyone who knows how to wash, get dressed and speak English.
Facilities: Different places have different facilities; coffee shops, video labs etc.
Yearly enrolment: It must be in the thousands.
Course fees: Last reports had outside work starting at 550 B/H. Class and private rates on application.
Comments: A big marketing effort and aggressive expansion policy have worked. The hierachical structure, (teacher>senior teacher>head teacher>regional manager) gives long term teachers hope for advancement that other schools do not but most of those jobs are occupied by "lifers". This is a very good school to start off in. Wages are relatively low but opportunites to learn are high. Staff turnover is high so openings are available almost permanently.
ELCA (English Language Centre of Australia) *
Address: 126/1 Vhibavadirangsit Rd.
Bangkok 10400
Telephone (fax): {275-4891, 276-1040, 276-1807, 277-1413 >Ext.341,342}, (277-1413)
Branches/affiliations: Affiliated with The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Australian Education Centre.
Language courses: English conversation and business. ESP/EAP and IELTS.
Other subjects: Communication courses.
Comments: An Australian government programme. With AEC arrange visas and courses for study in Australia. Also do seminars and cultural orientation courses.
Elite *
Address: 2nd floor Kongboonma Bldg.
699 Silom Rd.
Bangkok 10500
Telephone (fax): 233-6620..1, (237-1997)
Branches/affiliations: Another branch in Bangkok. Agents for ALI of San Diego University.
Language courses: English courses, including business English. Texts used include Business Objectives, International Business English, and the Headway series.
Inside/outside: Both.
Number of language teachers: Ten to fifteen (estimated).
Pay rates and conditions: 250 B/h to 300 B/H outside without too much travelling.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers with experience or degrees.
Comments:Their weekend seminars are popular. Management is competent and intelligent. Teachers report no problems and are generally satisfied with the school.
ELS International Language Institute (1983)
Address: 419/3 Rajvithee Rd.
Opposite Children's Hospital
Phayathai
Bangkok 10400
Telephone (fax): 245-8953, 247-8384, 247-8088, (246-4365).
Branches/affiliations: Another branch in Bangkok at Siam Square. Part of ELS Educational Services, 70 language centers around the world. Representative of Oklahoma City University (USA), Charles Sturt University (Aust.) and Kester Grant University (Can.).
Language courses: English; intensive, comprehensive, conversational , business, business writing, TOEFL preparation, GMAT preparation, private, ESP, Summer courses, study-vacation abroad. Course books include Spectrum, Mosaic, Expressways, Interactions and ELS reading passages.
Inside/outside:Both
Number of language teachers: 30 teachers, all foreign.
Pay rates and conditions:Teachers are on year-long contracts and are paid 17,500 Baht per month. Overtime is paid every two weeks. Benefits include work permits and visas, paid national holidays, paid vacations and paid sick leave.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers with teaching credentials only. All teachers must have university or college degrees relating to English or teaching, or a teaching certificate relating to English instruction.
Facilities: Sound labs, computer lab at Victory Monument branch.
Yearly enrolment: Approx. 2,500
Course fees: Inquire directly.
Comments: ELS has a good, solid reputation amongst teachers and students. Apparently over 500 colleges and universities accept completion of the ELS and ELSI in place of the TOEFL exam.
English Direct (1993) *
Address: 103 Moo 5, Damnoen Saduak
Ratchaburi 70130
Telephone (fax): [032]254-301, [032]254-982
Language courses: English
Comments: Ratchaburi is a pleasant town not far from Bangkok so a job here may be just the thing for Bangkok-weary veterans.
EPC (English Progress Centre) *
Address: 1899/16-8 Ramkhamhaeng 15
Telephone (fax): 314-0775
FLC (The Hinton School of English) *
Address: 2/22 Soi Udomsook
Sukhumvit Soi 103
Bang-Na, Prakanong
Telephone (fax): 393-5695, 393-7234, (393-5695).
Branches/affiliations: Another branch in Bangkok.
Language courses: English and Japanese.
Other subjects: Computer, typing etc.
Home of English *
Address: 12/114 Rajdamnoen
Telephone (fax): 224-3181, 222-0231, 224-3218
Language courses: I suspect English courses are available.
Huge Language Academy (1993) *
Address: 471/2-4 Ratwitti Rd.
Victory Monument
Bangkok 10400
Telephone (fax): 246-8623..4
Branches/affiliations: Part of the large and still growing BCC computer school network.
Language courses: English.
Pay rates and conditions: Rumour has it that teachers are paid a respectable monthly salary, (around 17,000 Baht), and then work six days a week. Teaching hours would vary with demand, of course, but the teachers must hang around during office hours.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers with relevant qualifications and experience.
Facilities: I would think computer assisted learning (CALL) would be a natural for this school, although I have heard no mention of it.
Comments: The name of the school betrays its ambitions, the computer side of the business has expanded very rapidly.
IBC *
Address: 101 Rangnum Rd.
Phayathai ,Bangkok
Telephone (fax): 247-2669, 247-7764, 245-0466
Language courses: English, Japanese, German, French and Spanish.
Other subjects: Computer courses. Business courses with a focus on Import/Export.
ICL (1991) *
Address: 6/2 Soi Loetpanya
Victory Monument
Phayathai Rd.
Bangkok 10400
Telephone (fax): 246-0611..2, 247-6628, (246-0612).
Branches/affiliations: A branch of a Japanese school, associated with Nippon Electronics College, and Tokyo Foreign Language Centre.
Language courses: English and Japanese. English courses use Side by side, among others.
Other subjects: Computer and typing courses.
Pay rates and conditions: 150 B/H inside.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers with experience or qualifications.
Facilities: Reputedly very well equipped
Comments: They arrange study tours to Japan.
inlingua School of Languages (1988)
Address: 7th floor, Central Chidlom Tower
22 Ploenchit Rd. Patumwan
Bangkok 10500
Telephone (fax): 254-7028..30, (254-7098)
Branches/affiliations: More than 250 branches world-wide, headquarters in Switzerland.
Language courses: All languages, mostly Japanese, French, Thai, Spanish and English including conversation, business, writing, executive writing and presentation skills courses.
Inside/outside: Both
Number of language teachers: 40 teachers; 25 English, 5 Thai and 10 other.
Pay rates and conditions: Paid according to the number of periods taught. Senior teachers get base salaries. Busy teachers can make 25,000 to 35,000 Baht a month. Work permits are available and introductions provided to other inlingua branches.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Any nationality, one year experience, a university degree, English teaching qualification (usually RSA or TESOL).
Facilities: LAN computer network for material preparation and reports.
Yearly enrolment: Approx. 2,000 within the school plus 200 corporate training classes.
Course fees: Corporate training; 650 to 1,050 Baht per period. Private; around 400 Baht per period. Conversation class; 4,950 Baht for a 40 period course.
Comments: A maximum of 8 students per class. inlingua is owned by the same people who own ECC and other educational establishments, but it is functionally distinct, i.e. the school is run as a part of inlingua international.
Kasemsilp *
Address: 65/79-80 Happyland 2 Rd.
Klong Jun, Bankapi
Bangkok 10240
Telephone (fax): 374-3663, 375-1273, 377-6664, (375-7104).
Language courses: General English.
Other subjects: Computer and music courses.
Comments: If you have ever wanted to work in Happyland this may be your only chance. This school is a long way from Bangkok proper, but then, it would have to be wouldn't it?
Kingswood Language Centre (1992) *
Address: 682/4 Sukhumvit Soi 24-26
Bangkok
Telephone (fax): 258-6920, 259-6538
Branches/affiliations: Seems to be another school with Japanese connections.
Language courses: English using Cambridge, Follow Me, We're in Business, We Mean Business etc.
Inside/outside: Both
Comments: Looks like a professional operation with connections in the local Japanese community.
Language Business Centre *
Address: ?
Telephone (fax): 527-1938, 588-0448, 588-4799
Inside/outside: Outside
Comments: Other services available.
Nature Method *
Address: 112 Samsen Rd.
Banglamphoo , Bangkok
Telephone (fax): 281-7645, 282-9646
Language courses: English conversation. Side by side is an optional text.
Inside/outside: Some outside but mainly inside.
Number of language teachers: Completely variable but not likely to be more than ten.
Pay rates and conditions: 100 B/H inside and 250 B/H for early morning work at a distance. Have been known to pay up to date on a weekly, or even daily basis.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers in the vicinity.
Comments: A relaxed and unpretentious place. Casual work is often available for Khao Sarn tourists. Conversation classes are just that.
Newport Language School *
Address: 11 Phaholyothin Soi 3
Bangkok
Telephone (fax): 271-3572
NIVA English School *
Address: 2767 Ladprao Rd.
Bangkok 10310
Telephone (fax): 514-1897
Oxford English Centre *
Address: 424/7-8 Siam Square Soi 11
Bangkok 10330
Telephone (fax): 252-9378, 254-2194, (254-2194).
Language courses: English; conversation, business, children's, intensive, summer and entrance. Using Cambridge among other texts. Thai, Japanese and Chinese courses available.
Inside/outside: Inside
Pay rates and conditions: 140 B/H inside.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers with experience or qualifications.
Comments: Seems to be a steady operation. No complaints from anyone.
PELS/IEC *
Address: G.P.O. Box 2038
or 64/39 Soi Wat Suanplu, Bangkok 10502 (opp. Shangrilah)
Bangkok 10500
Telephone (fax): 233-2503, 234-7115, 237-2845, (237-2845)
Branches/affiliations: Makes arrangements for study in New Zealand. Plans for another Bangkok branch.
Language courses: General and a variety of business English courses. TOEIC, TOEFL. Thai, Japanese, Chinese, French and German.
Other subjects: Other staff training courses are available.
Inside/outside: Almost all outside.
Pay rates and conditions: Inside rates start at 150 B/H, outside rates vary according to distance from the school starting 175 B/H and going up to 300 B/H or more.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers with experience, the emphasis is on Australians and New Zealanders.
Course fees: Outside class rates start at 750 B/H with a 10% discount available if paid in advance and go up to 870 B/H for specialised courses with a 10% discount for advance payment. Otherwise 50% is paid in advance and the remainder midway through the course.
Comments: The pay is low compared to some other schools but the regular teachers seem quite comfortable and the work has been steady. Business classes are not prepared by the school, teachers are expected to come in to use the school's library of materials to prepare each lesson before heading out.
They book overseas courses. PELS/IEC also offer proof-reading (350-800 Baht per page), translation (200-800 B/p), and article writing services at contracted prices.
Rajavitee Foreign Language School *
Address: 423-4-6 Ratwitti Rd.
Ratchatewi
Bangkok 10400
Telephone (fax): 245-7319, 245-7594
RLS (Ratchada Language School, 1981) *
Address: (1) (2)
566 Pracharajbumpen Rd. 294/7 Pradiphat Rd.
Samsen Nok, Huaykhwang Samsen Nai, Phayathai
Bangkok 10310 Bangkok 10400
Telephone (fax): (1) 277-5999, 01-2123345, (277-5999)
(2) 279-0605, 279-7506, (279-7506)
Language courses: English for children, business and conversation. They use their own courses.
Inside/outside: Both
Number of language teachers: Approximately 15
Pay rates and conditions: 150 B/H inside and some have been offered 400 B/H outside on Silom (inner city). Standard outside rate is 250 B/h plus a travel allowance where appropriate.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers.
Course fees: Have been charging 550 B/H for business classes in central Bangkok, plus material charges.
Comments: They have continuing contracts to provide teachers for some high schools and others. The office is well equipped, pay good and work steady. Management is very relaxed. All important business seems to be done from the number (2) office. They do individual deals for some classes, i.e. their terms and pay rates are flexible.
SDA Language School 1981
Address: 257/6-7 Sukhumvit 71
Bangkok
Telephone (fax): 392-9358
Branches/affiliations: Agent for American universities.
Language courses: English for children and adults.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers.
Siam Language School
Address: 544 Ladya Rd.
Bangkok 10600
Telephone (fax): 438-1234..42
Branches/affiliations: Several branches around Bangkok.
Language courses: English conversation based on Side by side and Cambridge. Japanese and Thai courses occasionally.
Other subjects: Originally, and primarily, a computer school.
Inside/outside: Almost entirely inside.
Number of language teachers: Around 50.
Pay rates and conditions: 125 B/H inside. Outside classes have been paid 250 B/H.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native English speakers for higher levels and qualified Thais for beginner levels.
Facilities: Sound labs and/or videos available at some locations.
Yearly enrolment: Thousands.
Course fees: Less than 2,000 Baht for 40 hours in classes of between 6 and 20. More for private students.
Comments: At one time a market maker and still quite strong. One outstanding feature is that Thai teachers are paid as much as foreign teachers. There is no provision for course development and pay rates remain unchanged since the language school opened. Teachers frequently do not have the course books for their classes. The school's former pre-eminence in computer courses has been challenged by the more aggressive ECC and BCC, who have recently begun teaching languages as well. Lower enrolments are the result.
Still and all, a good place to start because they will hire almost anyone and they don't interfere in the classroom. You can learn a lot at schools like this; and isn't that the reason for being in Thailand?
TALC (Thai American Language Centre) *
Address: 2nd floor Hollywood St. Center
420/16 Phayathai
Bangkok 10400
Telephone (fax): 208-9138, 208-9280, (208-9138)
Branches/affiliations: Associated with Thai-American.
Language courses: English, German, French and Thai. Children's
holiday courses; 60 hours for 3,000 Baht.
Inside/outside: Both
TCD *
Address: 28 Sukhumvit Soi 24
Bangkok
Telephone (fax): 258-7036
Language courses: English and other languages.
Inside/outside: Both
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers
Thai-American *
Address: ?
Telephone (fax): 277-1862, (275-8523)
Branches/affiliations: Associated with TALC
Language courses: English, Thai and German.
Inside/outside: Both
Thai Cambridge Institute (1992) *
Address: 155/1 Amnuaysongkram Rd
Dusit , Bangkok 10300
Telephone (fax): 243-1421, 243-1442
Language courses: English using Cambridge.
Other subjects: Computer courses.
Inside/outside: Inside.
Facilities: Student carpark.
Comments: No noise since the opening.
Thai Itoh (also Songserm Ekkaluk School) *
Address: 5 Sukhumvit Soi 43
Bangkok 10110
Telephone (fax): 259-1663, 259-2179, (259-2185)
Branches/affiliations: Itoh institute in Japan.
Language courses: English, Japanese and Thai.
Inside/outside: Inside.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers.
Facilities: Sound lab.
TTC (Text-and-Talk Consultancy c.1989) *
Address: 2/6 Paholyothin Soi 32
(Sena Nikhom 1) Bangkhen
Bangkok 10900
Telephone (fax): 511-3731, 512-3611, 513-7814, (513-7814)
Language courses: English conversation and for business, both based around the Streamline series.
Inside/outside: Both
Pay rates and conditions: Starting at 300 B/H for outside work and going to over 400 B/H.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: Native speakers with a good attitude.
Yearly enrolment: Hard to know but it must be considerable.
Course fees: Business classes starting rates are 33 B/H per person to 41 B/H per person depending on the time of day.
Comments: All the teachers seem happy with this school. They publish their own magazine, (WORDS for business), and have a teacher's club; whatever that is. They also provide editing, proof-reading, translating and rewriting services. Their strength is in looking after their people, an aspect usually overlooked in other schools.
UES *
Address: Soi Ramkamhaeng 21
Telephone (fax): 314-4110, 318-8979
Language courses: English
Comments: No information available. Mentioned only to distinguish it from Universal English School, (below).
Universal English School *
Address: 120/12 Rajaprarop
Bangkok
Telephone (fax): 252-9712
Comments: As above.
WIM International Language School (1993) *
Address: 121/24 Lardprao Soi 69, Bangkok
Telephone (fax): 514-2615, 539-0951..2
Language courses: English conversation based on Headway.
Wyne Berg Academy *
Address: Rajadamri Rd.
Telephone (fax): 251-1625, 253-0349, 253-8807
Language courses: General English, TOEFL, TOEIC, Airline interview.
Other subjects: Import-Export, shipping and computer courses.
York Institute (1987)
Address: 11/74-76 Soi Wat Buakwan
Ngarm Wongwan Rd.
Nonthaburi 11000
Telephone (fax): 591-5528 (591-5528)
Branches/affiliations: American Language Academy, Aspect.
Language courses: English conversation, Intensive and TOEFL. Have used Breakthrough series.
Other subjects: Computer courses.
Inside/outside: Both
Number of language teachers: Eight; five foreign and three Thai.
Pay rates and conditions: 150 B/H up to 250 B/H for outside classes paid weekly. There is an incentive bonus to reward regular student attendance.
Preferred nationalities and qualifications: American or British graduates of language studies, or any field with ESL training.
Facilities: Video Lab, Library.
Yearly enrolment: Approx. 200
Course fees: 2,000 Baht for 30 hours with a 10% discount.
3,000 Baht for 30 hour TOEFL course.
A.3. Phone numbers in numerical order
Because schools move, begin, die and change numbers frequently this list is probably not 100% accurate even as I write. It is meant to help identify schools that advertise jobs without mentioning their own names, (a frequent event). Not all of these schools are listed in Appendix A because they are not commercial schools, or are infrequent employers.
208-9183 TALC (Thai American Language Center)
208-9280 TALC (Thai American Language Center)
222-0231 Home of English
224-3181 Home of English
224-3218 Home of English
231-0212 A&ID (fax)
231-0221..50 (Ext. 1035) A&ID
231-0297 A&ID
231-3652..5 Berlitz
231-3656 Berlitz (fax)
233-0319 Berlitz
233-2503 PELS and IEC
233-2691 Berlitz
233-6620..1 Elite
234-7115 PELS and IEC
235-3846 Berlitz
235-3853 Berlitz
236-9477..83 Bangkok Christian College
237-1997 Elite (fax)
237-2845 PELS and IEC (fax)
238-5358 Berlitz (fax)
243-1421 Thai Cambridge Institute
243-1442 Thai Cambridge Institute
245-0466 IBC
245-7319 Rajavitee Foreign Language School
245-7594 Rajavitee Foreign Language School
245-8953 ELS
246-0611 ICL
246-0612 ICL (and fax)
246-4365 ELS (fax)
247-2669 IBC
247-6628 ICL
247-7764 IBC
247-8088 ELS
247-8384 ELS
249-9177 American Language Center (Klong Toey)
252-6111 British Council (fax)
252-6136 British Council 252-6488..9 ECC
252-8170..3 A.U.A.
252-8395..9 A.U.A.
252-8953 A.U.A.
252-8980 A.U.A.
252-9035 ASEAN Language & Translation Center (and fax)
252-9378 Oxford English Centre
252-9581 BB&C (and fax)
252-9712 Universal English School
254-2194 Oxford English Centre (fax)
254-7028..30 inlingua
254-7098 inlingua (fax)
254-8486 EBP
255-1856..9 ECC
258-5099 BIS
258-6920 Kingswood Language Centre
259-1663 Thai Itoh
259-2179 Thai Itoh
259-2185 Thai Itoh (fax)
259-6538 Kingswood Language Centre
259-7534 BIS (and fax)
270-1369 Daruna Language Centre
271-3571 Newport
275-1862 American Language Center
275-4891 (Ext. 341,342) ELCA
275-7249 American Language Center
275-8523 Thai-American (fax)
276-1040 (Ext. 341,342) ELCA
276-1807 (Ext. 341,342) ELCA
277-1413 ELCA (fax)
277-1862 Thai-American
278-0557 Daruna Language Centre
279-0605 RLS
279-7506 RLS (and fax)
281-7645 Nature Method
282-9646 Nature Method
314-4110 UES
318-8979 UES
374-3663 Kasemsilp School
375-1273 Kasemsilp School
375-7104 Kasemsilp School (fax)
377-6664 Kasemsilp School
392-6957 Advance Academy
392-8847 Advance Academy (fax)
393-5695 FLC (and fax)
393-7234 FLC
424-5840 American Language Center
435-1712 Aree's International Language School
438-1234..42 Siam Language School
511-0248 LLC
511-3731 TTC
512-3611 TTC
513-7814 TTC (and fax)
513-9500..3 I.H.I.
514-0214 British-American
514-0584 British-American
514-0989 British-American
514-1296 British American
514-1897 NIVA English School
514-2615 WIM International Language School
527-1938 Language Business Centre
538-3748 British-American (fax)
539-0951..2 WIM International Language School
539-4866..9 British-American
588-0448 Language Business Centre
588-4799 Language Business Centre
591-5528 York Institute (and fax)
(032) 254-301 English Direct School (Ratchaburi)
(032) 254-982 English Direct School (Ratchaburi)
APPENDIX B
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
B.1. International Schools in Bangkok
Adventist English School Ph. 392-7939
57 Soi Charoenchai, Soi 63 (Ekamai)
Sukhumvit Rd.
Bangkok
International School Bangkok Ph. 583-5401..10
39/7 Soi Nichada Thani
Samakee Rd, Amphur Pakkret
Nonthaburi
La Petite Ecole Francaise Ph. 287-1599
29 South Sathorn Rd.
Bangkok
New International School of Thailand Ph. 251-6397
36 Soi 15 Sukhumvit Rd. 252-8141
Bangkok 253-0109
Ruamrudee International School Ph. 518-0320..9
42 Moo 4 Soi Rumrasi
Ramkhamhaeng Rd. Minburi
Bangkok 10510
Swiss School Ruamrudee International School
Sukhapibal 3 Rd Ph. 518-0340..4
Minburi
Bangkok 10510
Thai-Japanese Association School Ph. 314-7334..5
258 Soi Soonvijai 4 314-7797..8
New Petchburi Rd 314-4151
Bangkok
The Bangkok Patana School Ph. 399-3175..8
2/38 Soi La Salle (100) Fax 399-3179
Sukhumvit Rd.
Bangkok 10260
Traill Preparatory School Ph. 314-5250
34-36 Soi 18, Ramkamhaeng
Hua Mark
Bangkok
B.2. Government Universities of Thailand
Unless otherwise indicated the numbers are for the Bangkok area and can be reached through the area code 2 for Bangkok. The Thai country code is 66.
Burapha University
Tambol Saensook
Amphur Muang
Chonburi 20131
Ph. (038) 38-1182, (038) 38-1060, (038) 38-1163
Fax 38-2351
Chiang Mai University
Huay Kaew Rd.
Chiang Mi 50002
Ph. (053) 222-653, (053) 221-699
Fax (53) 217-143
Chulalongkorn University
Phayathai Rd.
Bangkok 10330
Ph. 215-0871..3
Fax 215-7436, 215-4804
Kasetsart University
Phaholyothin Rd. Bangkok 10900
Ph. 579-0113, 579-0840..5
Khon Kaen University
123 Friendship Highway
Muang District
Khon Kaen 40002
Ph. (043) 24-1333..44
Fax (43) 24-1216
Mahidol University
198/2 Trok Wat Saowakhon
Bang Yikhan, Bangkok Noi
Bangkok 10700
Ph. 433-0140..69
Fax 433-7083
Mahasarakham University
Muang District
Mahasarakham Province
Ph. (043) 71-1552
Naresuan University
Phitsanulok Province 65000
Ph. (055) 25-8921
Prince of Songkla University
via
11th Floor, Ministry of University Affairs Building
328 Si Ayudhaya Rd.
Bangkok 10400
Ph. 245-8771..3
Fax 246-7834
Ramkhamhaeng University
Ramkhamhaeng Rd.
Bangkok 10240
Ph. 318-0903, 318-0867..85
Fax 318-0917
Silpakorn University
Na Phralan Rd.
Bangkok 10200
Ph. 222-4851
Srinakharinwirot University
Sukhumvit 23 Bangkok 10110
Ph. 258-0310
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
Pak Kred
Nonthaburi 11120
Ph. 533-0030..3
Thammasat University
Prachan Rd.
Bangkok 10200
Ph. 221-6111, 221-6171..9
B.3. Private Universities
Assumption University
Soi Muban Seri
Ramkhamhaeng Rd.
Bangkok 10240
Ph. 319-0890, 319-0900
Bangkok University
40/4 Rama IV Rd
Bangkok 10110
Ph. 249-0141..4, 249-5132..5
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
126/1 Vipavadee Rangsit Rd.
Bangkok 10400
APPENDIX C
RECOMMENDED READING AND MATERIAL SOURCES
C.1. Bookshops
Two chains dominate English language publishing and sales. Asia Books is particularly good for magazines, business books and has a wide range of fiction. D.K. Books is better for English teaching material and reference works. The two relevant branches (of D.K.) are in Siam Square and Mah Boon Krong shopping centre.
Bookseller in the middle of Patpong has an excellent range of periodicals. White Lotus Books, (opposite the Goethe Institute in Soi Ngarmduplee, Rama IV), is primarily a publishing house but also stocks and sells a range of books useful to serious students of South-East Asian culture.
Second-hand books are available on Khaosan Rd, at the weekend (Chatuchak) market and at Elite Used Books near Soi 22 on Sukhumvit Rd.
The British Council library in Siam Square has many of the books listed below and others besides. Your 210 Baht joining fee allows you to take out up to 4 books and one tape for three weeks at a time. Their range of papers and periodicals can make for a pleasant afternoon of browsing too.
C.2. On Thailand
Survival Kit for Overseas Living L. Robert Kohls
Not strictly about Thailand but a useful guide for Westerners helping them to adjust to life inside a very different culture.
Culture Shock! Thailand Robert and Nanthapa Cooper
Good on the specifics of Thai life and problem areas.
The Balancing Act Joseph J. Wright Jr.
A very well written modern history of Thailand. Readable and informative.
A Window on Thai History B. J. Terwiel
Brief summary of Thai history. Easy to get through and it covers a long time-span.
Inside Thai Society Niels Mulder
Probably the best book on Thailand. Mulder knows things about the people of Thailand that even they don't know. This book is probably not useful or even comprehensible until you have lived in Thailand for a while and become totally confused.
C.3. Fiction in English
There aren't many fiction works about Thailand or written by Thais available in English. Most of the books by foreigners are best forgotten about.
Thai writers in translation worth reading include Pira Sudham (who writes in English), Botan, Khamsing Srinawk, Nikom Rayawa ("High Banks, Heavy Logs", published by Penguin), ex-Prime Minister Kukrit Pramoj (whose book " Si Paendin" reveals the lifestyle of the old privileged class) and my favourite, Kampoon Boontawee, who wrote the excellent "A Child of the Northeast".
C.4. Teaching
There is a wealth of material available. Unfortunately most of it is uninspired. These lists are intended as a guide only. You will need to search out and evaluate other books yourself.
University Teaching Across Cultures Pamela George Ph.D.
While specifically directed at university teachers most of it can be applied to any classroom. Explains classroom problems, students attitudes etc. All Thai examples. Thought-provoking.
Speaking Personally Gillian Porter Ladousse
An interesting collection of quizzes and speech-generating activities from IQ tests to life expectancy charts. The palm reading section is particularly popular.
Pair Work A+B Peter Watcyn-Jones
The twin books contain useful information gap exercises that all students enjoy. The books must be used together so don't just buy one,(an obvious but common mistake).
Grammar Games Mario Rinvolucri
Good ideas to enliven a dry subject or a slow class.
Challenge to Think Christine Frank, Mario Rinvolucri, Marge Berer
A rich source of material that works.
The Q Book John Morgan and Mario Rinvolucri
Questionnaires and activities designed to help students learn question forms.
Take 5 Michael Carrier and the Centre for British Teachers
An ugly cover conceals many good ideas.
Survival English J. F. de Freitas
A straightforward easy-to-use collection of real language for use in real situations in a form preferred by Thai students.
Educational Low-Priced Books Scheme
Easily distinguishable by their bright yellow covers these books are published by Oxford University Press with the help of the British Government's Overseas Development Administration. They are actually re-issues of books already published in another form. For this reason it is often possible to find the original and the ELBS editions in the same shop. Typically the ELBS version will be about 70% cheaper.
I highly recommend Basic English Usage or Practical English Usage, both by Michael Swan; Conversation by Rob Nolasco and Lois Arthur; Vocabulary by John Morgan and Mario Rinvolucri; Role Play by Gillian Porter Ladousse; Drama by Charlyn Wessels; and Translation by Alan Duff. If the ELBS editions are not available all of these books are worth paying the full amount for, in ELBS format they are great value.
C.5. Business English
A new private business student was adamant about learning business English and only business English. The teacher agreed and so the first lesson began with, "Hello". Instead of one of the usual responses the businessman replied, "I don't want to learn that, I only want to learn business English". Business language students can be very demanding but I find them the most rewarding to teach, both intellectually and financially.
As with general English the bookshops are full of purpose written material, here again much of it close to useless. Books on specialities such as marketing or banking are normally strong on subject matter and weak on English teaching potential. Here are some books that have worked for me.
How to Teach Business Language Jim Wingate
A slim, practical guide to effective business English teaching from a very experienced professional. Full of good ideas. Includes an informed selection of suggested further purchases.
Business Objectives Vicki Hollett
This book really stands out from most of the others. It is very well laid out with attractive graphics and interesting activities. It is used in conjunction with a cassette that uses actors with a variety of genuine accents. English is the international language of business. A large proportion of the people your students will be communicating with in English will not be native speakers.
Business Objectives Workbook Vicki Hollett, Michael Duckworth
A cheap and useful book of interesting activities, some of which could be used in isolation from the B.O. course.
In at the Deep End Vicki Hollett, Roger Carter, Liz Lyon, Emma Tanner
A practical and enjoyable collection of speaking activities for business.
Business Mazes + More Mazes Joni Farthing
Well-produced business decision making activities. Very effective if used sparingly.
C.6. Other Sources
Every year publishers around the world put out hundreds of books on business and gullible businessmen buy them. A lot of them are simple and entertaining, suitable for use in the classroom. Magazines like Forbes, Fortune, Asia Inc. etc. are quite amusing.
The idea is to bring in material from outside the world of ESL publishing and adapt it to your needs. Using careful selection and presentation you will make your classes more topical and interesting.
C.7. Survival Pack
If you are teaching exclusively at one site you can keep a lot of material there. When moving around you will need a highlighting pen, a correction pen, a paper cutting knife, a small ruler, (all for photocopy work), Blue-tack, A Thai-English/English-Thai dictionary and whiteboard markers.
Depending on the lesson and class I sometimes carry an English- English dictionary, a dictionary of idioms, activity books, magazines, vocab cards, games, newspapers, videos or an electric cattle prod.
Apart from purpose written stuff you can incorporate other original material. Some of my favourites have been The Book of Lists, The Guinness Book of World Records, Sun Tzu's The Art of War, books on body language and articles culled from the day's papers. Periodicals with arresting graphics can enliven a lesson. USA Today, Asia Inc. and Asia Week are good in this regard.