Short Term Schools?

[kolohe]

I am looking for some recommendations on short term schools in both Pattaya and Bangkok. I am not able to stay in Thailand for long periods of time so this will be my only option. I realize its not the best way to learn, but this is what I have to work with and I'd like to make the most out of it. I plan on attending classes each time I return and self study via books/software in between trips.

I am not much of a big city person so I would prefer a school in Pattaya but I would consider Bangkok if there was a big enough difference in quality. I will have at least 2 weeks but maybe up to 1 month to commit to a Thai language school. I am very much a beginner. I know a few phrases, have a vocabulary that is all over the map and I can recognize a precious few Thai characters. I would like to concentrate on conversational Thai but if I can improve my reading/writing a little at the same time then that would be even better.

Thanks,

-k

[withnail]

I studied at UTL (one of the many Union system based schools, search previous threads for info) and certainly at the higher levels I met people in a similar position to yourself who would come to class for a couple of weeks and learn half a module before leaving again. They would do this from time to time and often repeat modules which they had studied, often months, before.

My guess, however, is that they would rather not do this at the lower levels as you are much more likely to come back having forgotten everything and slow down the class. It's worth asking them though as they are flexible. The modules by the way are 4 weeks if you could manage one of them at a time.

You're other option is AUA who are even more flexible with how many hours you do a week and when. I've never studied here but am not personally a fan of their system as it requires a large number of listening hours before you ever open your mouth. If you were only able to do this occasionaly you could be studying for years.

I am biased towards the Union system schools but honestly think they are your best bet. A bad language school will no doubt tell you they can fill your requirements and find a private teacher who is available when convenient but without good teachers/materials will just be stabbing in the dark and wasting your time.

[meadish_sweetball]

I'm with Withnail on this. Use a reputable school if your time is limited.

[kolohe]

I have read a lot of the other threads on these other schools, they seem to get good reviews here. Are there any branches in Pattaya? I don't know if/when I'll ever have a whole month there tho. I don't mind repeating the same module but I would hope that after repeating the first half so many times, they'd let me start in the middle at some point. I will probably have to incorporate 1:1 to help me keep up with the breaks I'll have to take.

I am currently working on my alphabet again. Previously I learned a few of the characters, but over time they started to fade.

I'm also open to any suggestions for books or where to buy books that will help.

Thanks for your replies,

-k

[withnail]

All of the Union schools use their own, very similar, books. If you sign up for a module you'll get one so can practise when you're not able to attend.