« Prev Page 4 of 25 2 3 4 5 6 Next » This topic is locked 610 replies to this topic

[truelove]

I recommend you to study at P&A Language Center on Silom Road, connect to

Sala Daeng BTS station.It's very convenient. Teachers have fun way to teach.

Your Thai language will be good.Try it!!!

And also they're very flexible.

[Link removed. No commercial links allowed unless specifically requested. Please contact this poster by PM for more information. /Meadish]

[kriswillems]

shane, on 2007-10-20 16:00:32, said:

Can anybody recommend a school where the thai teachers don't speak english? I've studied at UTL and and another school(forgot name) and found that my thai was much better when speaking to Thai's that dont speak english. The teachers at UTL were always speaking thai, but the other school i went to was a nightmare. The Thai teachers loved speaking english and my thai actually got worse while i studied there. I don't even like to hear the Thai teachers speak english to other people. For some reason it makes me feel silly when i speak thai with them.

UTL teachers always spoke Thai and that was great.

How about piammitr do the thai teachers always speak thai?

Yes they do, in fact most of them can't speak English.

Piammitr has 7 books.

book 1, 2 and 3 are about speaking.
You will learn how to build sentences based on standard patterns. And you'll also learn some basic words.
They will teach you about the tones.
The teachers will write in phonetic language but the books are also available in Thai script.
(I took the books in Thai script, because I studied how to write by myself).

book 4,5,6, 7  are about writing.
Book 4 and 5 explain the writing system (and the relation with the tones).
Book 6 teaches to write "written" Thai
book 7 teaches how to write "spoken" Thai.

I have followed book 2, 3 and 7 at Piammitr and book 6 at AAA language school.
Both schools are good, but Piammitr has less students, which gives you more time to talk.

Now I am preparing P.6 examination at Piammitr, but I will skip the exam because I just arrived here (in Thailand) 3 months ago.
Although I progress quickly I think 3 months is not enough to pass P.6, an average student would need 7 to 9 months.
But after 3 months of studying I feel pretty comfortable speaking Thai and most Thai people understand me.
I still have problems understanding them when they speak fast, not clear, slang or when they speak about difficult subjects.

Goodluck!

Edited by kriswillems, 2007-10-31 20:32:55.

[cooL_guY_corY]

hey kriswillems, at piammitr.. are the books you got with the thai script, just only thai script or does it include phonetic transliteration as well ? or if you wanted that you would get both books kinda thing?  i like thai script but find that since i am still learning that if i see what the word in thai as well as with it in its transliterated state it can be helpful, which i guess is obviously kinda un-progressive but its good with things like tones and longer /complex words etc.. anyways also does anyone know if UTL has the english books available with thai script as well ?  from what ive read it doesnt sound like it until the later courses anyways..  I am thinking about starting for a month anyway, just thinking about whether i should try piammitr or UTL.  I have actually a decent vocab and stuff like that but i think i would definitely benefit from starting from scratch just to get that much extra conversation knowledge kinda thing.  Any advice / more insight on this would be nice !
informative thread !

Edited by cooL_guY_corY, 2007-11-01 11:11:33.

[kriswillems]

cooL_guY_corY, on 2007-11-01 11:07:22, said:

hey kriswillems, at piammitr.. are the books you got with the thai script, just only thai script or does it include phonetic transliteration as well ? or if you wanted that you would get both books kinda thing?  i like thai script but find that since i am still learning that if i see what the word in thai as well as with it in its transliterated state it can be helpful, which i guess is obviously kinda un-progressive but its good with things like tones and longer /complex words etc.. anyways also does anyone know if UTL has the english books available with thai script as well ?  from what ive read it doesnt sound like it until the later courses anyways..  I am thinking about starting for a month anyway, just thinking about whether i should try piammitr or UTL.  I have actually a decent vocab and stuff like that but i think i would definitely benefit from starting from scratch just to get that much extra conversation knowledge kinda thing.  Any advice / more insight on this would be nice !
informative thread !

You can buy both books (200 Baht per book), but there's no book that has both phonetic and Thai script.
Starting from level 4 there's only 1 book (Thai only).

I would advice you to start at a level that is not too high. I also thought I knew a lot of vocabulary, but I didn't learn to build good sentences. And this is exactly what you learn in level 2 and 3. In Piammitr there are several students that went to UTL before. They said it was good but there are more students in a classroom. And one of them said the teachers at UTL are more strict (and a bit older) and they put more pressure at you than in Piammitr. UTL , AAA and Piammitr (and a few others of which I don't know the name) use all the same teaching system and their books are very similar.

Be prepared too study many months. In just 1 month you can't get a lot of knowledge.

[cooL_guY_corY]

kriswillems, on 2007-11-02 21:04:49, said:

cooL_guY_corY, on 2007-11-01 11:07:22, said:

hey kriswillems, at piammitr.. are the books you got with the thai script, just only thai script or does it include phonetic transliteration as well ? or if you wanted that you would get both books kinda thing?  i like thai script but find that since i am still learning that if i see what the word in thai as well as with it in its transliterated state it can be helpful, which i guess is obviously kinda un-progressive but its good with things like tones and longer /complex words etc.. anyways also does anyone know if UTL has the english books available with thai script as well ?  from what ive read it doesnt sound like it until the later courses anyways..  I am thinking about starting for a month anyway, just thinking about whether i should try piammitr or UTL.  I have actually a decent vocab and stuff like that but i think i would definitely benefit from starting from scratch just to get that much extra conversation knowledge kinda thing.  Any advice / more insight on this would be nice !
informative thread !

You can buy both books (200 Baht per book), but there's no book that has both phonetic and Thai script.
Starting from level 4 there's only 1 book (Thai only).

I would advice you to start at a level that is not too high. I also thought I knew a lot of vocabulary, but I didn't learn to build good sentences. And this is exactly what you learn in level 2 and 3. In Piammitr there are several students that went to UTL before. They said it was good but there are more students in a classroom. And one of them said the teachers at UTL are more strict (and a bit older) and they put more pressure at you than in Piammitr. UTL , AAA and Piammitr (and a few others of which I don't know the name) use all the same teaching system and their books are very similar.

Be prepared too study many months. In just 1 month you can't get a lot of knowledge.

Hey, for sure i agree, if i go i would start from scratch i think.  I definitely would want to start the the very basic just to make sure i get all the bases covered, i would sign up asap just i am in uni right now so i might have to skip some uni class.  Just curious i couldnt find the Piammitr prices on their websites.. UTL and Piammitr are both at the same place @ easy to get at via Asok bts station right?  Small class sizes would definitely be a big plus for me.  I am gonna go search for the AAA website..  Thanks for your info Kris!

[kriswillems]

cooL_guY_corY, on 2007-11-03 08:05:46, said:

kriswillems, on 2007-11-02 21:04:49, said:

cooL_guY_corY, on 2007-11-01 11:07:22, said:

hey kriswillems, at piammitr.. are the books you got with the thai script, just only thai script or does it include phonetic transliteration as well ? or if you wanted that you would get both books kinda thing?  i like thai script but find that since i am still learning that if i see what the word in thai as well as with it in its transliterated state it can be helpful, which i guess is obviously kinda un-progressive but its good with things like tones and longer /complex words etc.. anyways also does anyone know if UTL has the english books available with thai script as well ?  from what ive read it doesnt sound like it until the later courses anyways..  I am thinking about starting for a month anyway, just thinking about whether i should try piammitr or UTL.  I have actually a decent vocab and stuff like that but i think i would definitely benefit from starting from scratch just to get that much extra conversation knowledge kinda thing.  Any advice / more insight on this would be nice !
informative thread !

You can buy both books (200 Baht per book), but there's no book that has both phonetic and Thai script.
Starting from level 4 there's only 1 book (Thai only).

I would advice you to start at a level that is not too high. I also thought I knew a lot of vocabulary, but I didn't learn to build good sentences. And this is exactly what you learn in level 2 and 3. In Piammitr there are several students that went to UTL before. They said it was good but there are more students in a classroom. And one of them said the teachers at UTL are more strict (and a bit older) and they put more pressure at you than in Piammitr. UTL , AAA and Piammitr (and a few others of which I don't know the name) use all the same teaching system and their books are very similar.

Be prepared too study many months. In just 1 month you can't get a lot of knowledge.

Hey, for sure i agree, if i go i would start from scratch i think.  I definitely would want to start the the very basic just to make sure i get all the bases covered, i would sign up asap just i am in uni right now so i might have to skip some uni class.  Just curious i couldnt find the Piammitr prices on their websites.. UTL and Piammitr are both at the same place @ easy to get at via Asok bts station right?  Small class sizes would definitely be a big plus for me.  I am gonna go search for the AAA website..  Thanks for your info Kris!

Most schools test you for free so you'll know your level.  Just call them beforehand. All schools have experienced teachers, there's a small chance they'll put you in the wrong level if you have a chat with them (in Thai) for a while. All school are very open to questions and helpfull.

www.piammitrschool.com : 5500 Baht/20 days, 3 hours per day, 200Baht/book, on walking distance from Asok skytrain station (jasmine city building, soy 23 sukumwit)
www.AAAthai.com: 6000Baht/20 days, 3 hours per day, 200 Baht/book, on walking distance from Chitlom skytrain station (Vanissa building)
www.UTL-school.com: price?, on walking distance from Asok skytrain station (times square building)

Goodluck!

[cooL_guY_corY]

wow thanks for the help ! I am really thinking about AAA and Piammitr! also BTW UTL is 6000 baht.  Thanks again for the info

[mauiguy90]

Just bringing this thread forward for those with questions about intensive thai language schools!

[tod-daniels]

FWIW, I have found the language schools which teach transliteration to be initially a giant waste of time. You cannot practice out of the class with a thai friend as nothing is written in a language they can understand.  Plus each school uses their own inane transliteration system with its own quirks and way of showing tone, vowel length, etc.  

IF you can even remotely read thai script, get the text books in that format, even if you have to get the transliterated versions as well.  That way practicing with a thai friend outside the class is very easy.
  
The key to being understood by thais when speaking is NOT the school you go to.  All the schools mentioned; AAA, UTL, Piammitr, etc, teach the same method; which from the looks of the material in the textbooks, hasn't been updated in centuries.  The out of school practice and interaction is what hones your speaking skills.  A person who religiously attends class yet is reticent to speak out of the class can go for years and never progress past the 'two-word-thai" I hear most foreigners speaking here. You'll end up being one of the 'parrots', only able to parrot phrases, not build your own sentences with any degree of accuracy or understandability.

I would also say, find a school where the staff has at least marginally good english skills.  If you cannot ask questions about phrasing, or word order, about sentence structure it can be frustrating. While some people prefer speaking only thai in the class, being able to ask a question about something you don’t understand is nearly impossible when you don’t know or haven’t learned the thai words for question, subject, verb, object, vowel, pronunciation, word order, etc.

I have found most language schools will NOT let you buy the books without paying for the classes (very shrewd on their part).  AUA is the exception to this; they no longer use the thai language text books as they have a harebrained ALG system they teach spoken thai with now.  The old textbooks are for sale in the bookstore at their campus.  They are well worth picking up.

I still believe if you want to understand this language, teach yourself to read thai script.  Words that are transliterated the same in english are all spelled completely different in thai.

I realize my opinions run counter to some advocates of learning the language here in the glorious “Land ‘O Thais”, but it has worked for me.  I’ve sat in on and been tested by more language schools than I care to remember.  I was told at one school, ‘You don’t speak like a thai person. ..”  I replied, “Why would I want to speak like a thai person?  I am an American, I don’t want to be thai, only speak to them.”

To each their own; good luck. ..

[joy2]

[quote name='robitusson' date='2006-02-05 13:47:43' post='633963']
What's the best school for learning Thai, in terms of the teachers ability, materials and price? Candidates please.

In bangkok...Thonglor language school on Sukumwit Road

In Chiang Mai ...with teacher lah..0861938768

[luisparis]

Which schools would you recommend that offers only a couple of lectures per week in the afternoon, or week end classes, as it doesn't seem to be the case of the main schools mentionned here which follow a 5 days class per week schedule?

[mangkorn]

"The teacher only opens the door; but you must walk through it." - (old Chinese proverb)

Personally, I don't think it's the school that determines it - rather, the learning relationship between the student and the teacher. And, mostly, the resolve of the student, to learn.

I've never been to one of those strictly structured schools, and probably wouldn't go. Maybe that's just me. What I want is a teacher who will help me in what I want to learn, and I think that I should determine that, in large measure. I went to a couple of small, unheralded Thai language schools in Bangkok, and have nothing but good things to say about them both.

There are many ways to learn. But it really all comes down to the student him/herself.

I never believed in the idea of "good schools" in the university context, either - partly because I matriculated at state universities - but I did manage to achieve a very good education (after having screwed up for a few years: my own fault); yet, also, because I have met many people over the years who have graduated from those supposed "elite" schools, who were dumber than doorknobs, quite frankly.

(And, if you don't believe me, George W. Bush somehow graduated from both Harvard and Yale. The mind simply reels - in utter disbelief...)

Cheers.

Edited by mangkorn, 2008-01-08 04:39:01.

[luisparis]

Just called Piammitr and they say they have canceled the evening course advertised on their website. Wich other school is offering course after 5pm? even daily courses?

[tcris52]

I want to branch out on this topic.

I plan on moving to either Khon Kaen or Maha Sarakham province in about August. I'm looking for an intensive Thai course and was figuring I'd probably have to go to Bangkok or Chiang Mai to get it. Is anyone aware of something decent in Isaan?

Thanks.

Tony

[aroydee]

Is there an advantage to spending a summer taking instruction at one of the more "traditional" institutions in Bangkok? (I am thinking of Thammasat or Chula...) Have been having some difficulty accumulating much information on their Thai-for-foreigners programs, but will continue with my search if it may be worth the effort!

Thanks for you help... and for any recommendations you might have. (I am looking for an intensive two month learning situation... like every day.... day and/or night.... until burn-out occurs!)

[mangkorn]

tcris52, on 2008-02-06 06:22:16, said:

I want to branch out on this topic.

I plan on moving to either Khon Kaen or Maha Sarakham province in about August. I'm looking for an intensive Thai course and was figuring I'd probably have to go to Bangkok or Chiang Mai to get it. Is anyone aware of something decent in Isaan?

Thanks.

Tony

If you are going to live in Isaan, you might do better studying Lao.

Seriously.

[tcris52]

mangkorn, on 2008-02-06 13:15:19, said:

tcris52, on 2008-02-06 06:22:16, said:

I want to branch out on this topic.

I plan on moving to either Khon Kaen or Maha Sarakham province in about August. I'm looking for an intensive Thai course and was figuring I'd probably have to go to Bangkok or Chiang Mai to get it. Is anyone aware of something decent in Isaan?

Thanks.

Tony

If you are going to live in Isaan, you might do better studying Lao.

Seriously.

That's a very good point. However, I plan on doing work within the school system working with kids learning English. As you know, the official language in the schools is Thai so I'll have to pick up Lao on the side. I think most of my contacts will be in Thai.

Tony

[mijim]

I'd recommend Pro Language in Times Square. Good teachers, good explainations and no troubles communicating in English with them. I was already able to go around and use what they taught me after the first few lessons. They helped me get a one year visa too - very professional.
Jim

robitusson, on 2006-02-05 13:47:43, said:

What's the best school for learning Thai, in terms of the teachers ability, materials and price? Candidates please.

Nisa in Sathorn so far has been the best all round for me out of the five I've been too.

[kriswillems]

I went to pro-language in Pattaya a few weeks a ago. They had books (which is better than most schools in Pattaya). I need to go back to speak to the teacher and then I'll decide if I'll start studying there. I became father 1 week ago, so I didn't really find the time now. What was very strange (for a Thai language school) is that the lady at the reception couldn't speak Thai.

[kriswillems]

derpenner, on 2008-02-12 11:27:28, said:

Pattaya46, on 2008-02-10 00:18:31, said:

derpenner, on 2008-02-08 16:41:17, said:

<spam removed - Maestro>

I found their website but what about prices ?
How much Dave for your 120 hours ?

<spam removed - Maestro>

I had a talk with the teacher. I decided to give it a try. I'll study at pro-language in Pattaya for 20 hours (and longer if I like it). The price was 7300 Baht (private teaching, book included), which makes it as far as I know the most expensive school in Pattaya. But as far as I know this is also the only school that has written several books and actually uses these books to teach. They also had 6 books to prepare P.6 exam (which I'll be studying).

I like the schools in Bangkok and I like studying in a classroom more than private teaching but Bangkok is just too far from my home.

I've visited several other schools in Pattaya (and also studied in one of them). Besides Pro-Language and AUA, none of them had more  than one book or could say anything interesting about their method of teaching. The only thing every school could clearly say was the price per 20 hours.

AUA didn't offer any courses at my level. I expect a lot from Pro-language, because in my opinion it's rather expensive.

I'll let you know about my experience.

[wasabi]

joy2, on 2008-01-07 22:21:07, said:

In bangkok...Thonglor language school on Sukumwit Road

In Chiang Mai ...with teacher lah..0861938768

Any website for Thonglor. Anyone have any opinion which is better Piammitr or Thonglor? I've read a few who went to Piammitr who passed the Pratom 6 exam. Can the same be said for Thonglor?

[trader1]

Lanaguage schools I have used
1. Pro language
2. Unity
3 http://www.thaisolutions1502.com/
4. www.Sanithaiteach.com

All have been good. I now mainly use sanithai as it is cheap and they do private lessons at nights and weekend.
Unity was good for group classes and thaisolutions good for getting tones right.

Edited by trader1, 2008-02-18 10:34:08.

[kriswillems]

kriswillems, on 2008-02-15 12:56:10, said:

I had a talk with the teacher...

Here's my feedback.

Last week was my first day at Pro Language in Pattaya and it was not too bad. The teacher was energetic, actively corrected my pronunciation and she used a book from the school which was ok.

The pro-language teacher is much better than the teacher of my last school in Pattaya. The teacher from my old school had relational problems, looked depressed, overworked (and even looked a bit suicidal).

The only disappointment at pro-language was that after 1h40min the teacher said the course was finished, because every hour should have 10 minutes break. I was told nothing about the break at the moment I paid for my 20 hours. My 20 hours are now reduced to 16h40 minutes, making the school even more expensive than before.

If I would live at the same distance from BKK as from Pattaya, I would go back to one of the union based schools in BKK because I think they have a more structured teaching method (and they are cheaper than private courses).

But for anyone that stays near Pattaya I can advice this school: it's not too bad, better than many other schools in Pattaya. Too bad it's rather expensive.

[yeows]

How is the course so far, kriswillems?

[capdagde]

kriswillems, on 2008-02-25 16:27:29, said:

Here's my feedback.

Last week was my first day at Pro Language in Pattaya and it was not too bad. The teacher was energetic, actively corrected my pronunciation and she used a book from the school which was ok.

The pro-language teacher is much better than the teacher of my last school in Pattaya. The teacher from my old school had relational problems, looked depressed, overworked (and even looked a bit suicidal).

The only disappointment at pro-language was that after 1h40min the teacher said the course was finished, because every hour should have 10 minutes break. I was told nothing about the break at the moment I paid for my 20 hours. My 20 hours are now reduced to 16h40 minutes, making the school even more expensive than before.

If I would live at the same distance from BKK as from Pattaya, I would go back to one of the union based schools in BKK because I think they have a more structured teaching method (and they are cheaper than private courses).

But for anyone that stays near Pattaya I can advice this school: it's not too bad, better than many other schools in Pattaya. Too bad it's rather expensive.

Hi Kris

I'm sitting here in France thinking of doing a one year sabbatical with Mrs Cap to learn Thai and Pro Language is on the list.  

I teach English here and I think your teacher is right to enforce your break (it would be better in the middle of the period of course - teacher wants to get home early?  But then maybe he/she was "on a roll" - don't forget he/she is probably being paid for 50 minutes).  Maybe you should use your last twenty minutes to re-read what you have learned before leaving the building, then it wouldn't be "wasted" money.  You're not buying a sack of potatoes after all!!!

Just in my HO of course.

Andy Cap

Edited by capdagde, 2008-04-06 18:39:42.