High School Equivalency

[GaiArai]

I've been searching around and this post is basically an extension of an older thread here. A lot of information is in the thread, but there are still many questions that seem to have faded away over the past year. Also, the original thread was posted in the Bangkok subforum so maybe it didn't get as many views as it could. I feel this topic is not contained to Bangkok only and that's why I'm posting it here.

Basically the story is I just discovered that my GF has only finished up to grade 9 (matayom 3) and I would like to help her change this. She reads a lot and based on the math and word puzzles (in thai) she can do, I don't think she is that far off from a high school degree so I am looking for a program that won't take several years. I could be wrong about her level, but that's what we're looking for now. I think I would prefer for her to start at a bit lower level just so she can review and make sure she understands it. Is it possible to do this, but just cruise through it if all is well?

Are there any well known chains that provide these educational services? Something that would be rather easy to locate in any area of Thailand (or at least major cities)?

Has anyone discovered any Fast track options for gaining a high school equivalency? The 2 hour a week over 2 or 3 years program seems way too slow. Even something that was once a week but for 6 hours would be better.

When you join one of these programs are you stuck at the pace they take you, or can you advance at your own ability level?

Is home-schooling an option? For example, in the US all you have to do is pass the GED exam to get your high school equivalency. Is there a similar test in Thailand that one could sign up for after studying at home for some time. For universities they take the A-Net (i think?); do you have to be under a certain age to take this test?

What are some good chains for other vocational courses such as computer training?

Can anyone share what kinds of costs might be expected for any of these possibilities?

As mentioned in the older thread, this topic would take only a few minutes to figure out back west but around here, even if the thai language barrier is overcome, it seems information is still very scarce to come by.

Thanks for the serious replies in advance!

[Etrigan]

Check the classifieds section of the Bangkok Post for institutions that provide GED. They advertise regularly. Not sure how "fast" it will be. Good luck.

[think_too_mut]

From PM, rather than answering there:

I was hoping you could help me with a few questions relating to your post here.

For the fast track high school your wife completed, were the sunday class and the weekday classes together or independent?

About how much did this program cost?

Any idea if it, or something similar, still exists?

The classes were independent, they were 2 different fast tracks:

1. Evey evening: that's more comprehensive and is meant for people who wish to continue schooling after that;

2. Weekends: for those who already work and need formal HSC as their work requires it for their positions or to have it in general for changing jobs and whatever.

The cost was negligible. Exams were 100B, whole year tution 1-2K, really can't remember how small and irrelevant that money was.

I heard something has changed since, what was possible in 2 years now takes 3 years but we were over and don't remember what has changed.

Many schools run this program, your lady should go to any or nearest of them and just ask.

[Interman]

From PM, rather than answering there:

I was hoping you could help me with a few questions relating to your post here.

For the fast track high school your wife completed, were the sunday class and the weekday classes together or independent?

About how much did this program cost?

Any idea if it, or something similar, still exists?

The classes were independent, they were 2 different fast tracks:

1. Evey evening: that's more comprehensive and is meant for people who wish to continue schooling after that;

2. Weekends: for those who already work and need formal HSC as their work requires it for their positions or to have it in general for changing jobs and whatever.

The cost was negligible. Exams were 100B, whole year tution 1-2K, really can't remember how small and irrelevant that money was.

I heard something has changed since, what was possible in 2 years now takes 3 years but we were over and don't remember what has changed.

Many schools run this program, your lady should go to any or nearest of them and just ask.

I have been working in the thai school system for some time. So i got some useful information.

Your girlfriend can get her M.6 equivelant by taking the G.S.N course. Gaw-Saw-naw.

this is available in any city or town in thailand. Most thais know this, so im surprised your gf didnt mention it herself. this is good for M.6 in thailand.

[GaiArai]

I have been working in the thai school system for some time. So i got some useful information.

Your girlfriend can get her M.6 equivelant by taking the G.S.N course. Gaw-Saw-naw.

this is available in any city or town in thailand. Most thais know this, so im surprised your gf didnt mention it herself. this is good for M.6 in thailand.

Thanks for the useful replies so far!

Interman,

Are there any requirements (such as age, previous schooling, etc.) for this course?

You say available in any city or town, but where to look?...the local university maybe?

How long does it take for completion?

Any other information appreciated very much.

Thanks again.

[Interman]

I have been working in the thai school system for some time. So i got some useful information.

Your girlfriend can get her M.6 equivelant by taking the G.S.N course. Gaw-Saw-naw.

this is available in any city or town in thailand. Most thais know this, so im surprised your gf didnt mention it herself. this is good for M.6 in thailand.

Thanks for the useful replies so far!

Interman,

Are there any requirements (such as age, previous schooling, etc.) for this course?

You say available in any city or town, but where to look?...the local university maybe?

How long does it take for completion?

Any other information appreciated very much.

Thanks again.

From what I've seen, there doesnt seem to be a age requirement or limit. She may have to produce a M.3 certificate, or A-woot M.3. to register. G.S.N can be in many different places. If you cant get a straight answer from the locals, go to the Amphur , city hall, and ask them where it is. I think it depends on where you take it as to how long the course will be. I had a friend who only finished M.3 and he said it would take about a year to get his M.6. But he wasnt going steady.

[GaiArai]

I've continued doing research on this but I haven't found much so far. It does seem like the GSN is what you need to do. The gf found some information on the net in Thai, but even that is very shaky at best.

We found somewhere close to our house that we will have to visit in person to try and get some facts straight.

In the meantime,

From what she's read you can register for the course twice a year only (in April and October). This sounds ridiculous to me...can anyone explain if its true?

Also it sounds like the course is 2 years, but they only meet once every few weeks...what's the point? Is there any way to just sign up for the test and be done with it asap?

Edit: This is a very difficult subject to find information about. People interested in this are almost always Thai (so no English available), under-educated (probably not internet savy), and poor (so no internet access anyway). I would really appreciate any help this forum could offer.

Edited November 27, 2007 by GaiArai