January 2011

Lanna TEFL is another addition to the growing list of TEFL course providers in Chiang Mai. It's almost as if Chiang Mai is becoming the center for TEFL course activity in Thailand - and why not because it's certainly a beautiful place to live and study. Although Lanna TEFL is a new kid on the block, it has the backing of one of Thailand's longest established language school chains and offers a generous 15 hours of observed teaching practice as well as a newly-designed IT room which all trainees have access to. Full details of course dates and schedules are on the TEFL Lanna website and there's a special 200 US dollar discount for ajarn readers if you sign up before January 31st. 

If you are looking to do a TESOL/TEFL in January, Island TEFL is offering ajarn readers 50% off their 4-week, 120 hour courses in Koh Samui and Phuket. This offer is subject to availability, and they currently have only 2 places left at each location, so get your skates on if you want to take advantage of the offer. Island TEFL are also looking for franchise partners so If you fancy being your own boss and enjoy good earning potential, get in touch with Philip Dunne.
Finally, Island TEFL are also looking for representatives to market the Island TEFL brand around the world. If you need more information on any of the above, visit the Island TEFL website. e-mail Phil or call him at 084 755 4968

International House Bangkok will be running their CELTA course on a convenient part-time basis starting on Monday 24th January. This is a good option for those who are just too busy to take the regular four-week intensive program. You should also note that the course content is exactly the same for the part-time program as it is for the full-time one. If you can spare five Saturdays and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings over a ten-week period, then this could be the course for you. More info on the IH website or you can e-mail them directly.

Chiang Mai has been voted the second best city in the world by the readers of Travel and Leisure magazine (run by American Express) so it's obviously not a bad place to do a TEFL course. Apart from their regular TEFL course offering, SEE TEFL has a one-day cultural awareness program to smooth the transition of moving to Thailand. You can get a taste of it on this YouTube video

SIT  provides comprehensive personal support for trainees looking to learn about their TEFL course and get settled in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. This includes their free Survival Guides and Accommodation Guides, and unlimited personal support from the trainers themselves. As always, all SIT courses will run with a minimum of one full-time trainer for every four trainees accepted on to the course. The SIT Program has also been busy forging contacts with employers around the country and they are now able to assist graduates in finding teaching positions throughout the Kingdom.
For more information go to the SIT website or contact Steve: 081 646 8410. From abroad: +6681 646 8410

Steve, from the popular Chichester College TESOL Course in Bangkok, has written an excellent blog entry entitled, "How much Thai do I need to be able to speak?". This is the question on everyones lips when they first consider teaching English in Thailand and Steve's ever-friendly writing tone makes this piece a pleasure to read.

The Special Thai Project of American TESOL Institute has now been running for two years. Within this two-year time, ATI has trained approximately 400 students in four semesters. As part of the program. you will get a chance to work four to five months in Thailand. The Special Thai Program of American TESOL Institute takes place in three locations, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. To know more about new offer and program details visit their website