Which English Language School

[GarryP]

I know there are many different English language schools in BKK, some with websites and some not, and they all tend to say how wonderful they are, how much better than the competition, etc. However, not being very trusting of all the hype and knowing that there are anumber of fly by night operations out there, I wondered whether any of you TVers have any suggestions, recommendations from semi-personal experience, such as wives and/or girlfriends, sons or daughters, staff, etc. who have studied English in BKK. The person I am asking for has finished high school but would like to improve his English.

[PattayaParent]

AUA

[nicolas18]

I may be biased since I work for them, but the Inlingua schools are definitely great.

[HS Mauberley]

^ I used to work for them and would hesitate to describe them as "great". It was a while back but when I was there, a fair number of the teachers were more interested in beer and whores than in teaching - not to mention Steve Prowler's goings on - though I imagine that that's equally true of most language schools in Bangkok.

[Neeranam]

^ I used to work for them and would hesitate to describe them as "great". It was a while back but when I was there, a fair number of the teachers were more interested in beer and whores than in teaching - not to mention Steve Prowler's goings on - though I imagine that that's equally true of most language schools in Bangkok.

Some Inlinguas are pretty good, especially the Chidlom one. However, someone did send me a link(which I still have) from an Australian newspaper with the second in command there a few years back wanted for kiddie fiddling.

Prowler didn't work there, it was ELS in Ramkhamhaeng soi 12.

My wife studied in ECC Siam Square which is pretty good.

AUA is not so good but very cheap.

[HS Mauberley]

Steve Prowler used to work at the Siam Square branch of inlingua. I seem to remember he got fired for - not completely unreasonably - having a go at his students for talking on their phones in his classes but he was in Thailand for quite a while so I'm sure he worked in a few places. I don't think inlingua were especially bad - and certainly some of their teachers were rather good - but there was definitely a gap between the image and the reality - I worked with one guy who claimed there was no such thing as a gerund. As I said, that was quite a few years ago and maybe things have improved but I'd hesitate before handing over money to a school that employs teachers who are unaware of basic grammar.

[GarryP]

Anyone know anything about Wallstreet? It seems to have celebrity endorsement but I would expect that they are being paid for that and the costs passed on to students.

I remember many years ago when ECC bought the license to Inlingua and the teachers used run between ECC and Inlingua. About 20 years ago or so. I assume that it is now a thing of the past and that it is being properly run now.

I am just so out of touch with the schools scene, having given up teaching 18 years ago. I no longer know what is available and what is considered good. I have heard that the British Council is good but very expensive and just about full time.

[Neeranam]

Steve Prowler used to work at the Siam Square branch of inlingua.

There isn't, and never has been, a Siam Square branch.

[nicolas18]

Anyone know anything about Wallstreet? It seems to have celebrity endorsement but I would expect that they are being paid for that and the costs passed on to students.

I remember many years ago when ECC bought the license to Inlingua and the teachers used run between ECC and Inlingua. About 20 years ago or so. I assume that it is now a thing of the past and that it is being properly run now.

I am just so out of touch with the schools scene, having given up teaching 18 years ago. I no longer know what is available and what is considered good. I have heard that the British Council is good but very expensive and just about full time.

Inlingua has nothing to do with ECC nowadays. We are just competitors.

I've heard mixed reviews about Wall Street from some of my former students. Some of them like their new conversation groups. They all agree that it is quite expensive though.

Regarding the other poster's remarks, I didn't even know that Inlingua used to have a school at Siam Discovery. They do have one at Siam Paragon though, and it's great. I can definitely vouch for Inlingua Paragon, Chidlom and Bangna.

[dominique355]

My advice would be to choose an English speaking school not too far away from where you live. You don't want your children to spend hours and hours every day in traffic.

From my personal experience and if you live in the Ramkhamhaeng area, I can recommend Ascot International School on Ramkhamhaeng Soi 118. It follows the British curriculum, is not too big and the fees are reasonable. I have two kids there and I am very happy and they are too.

PM me for further info if you like.

[Ski_Goong]

I don't know if you would be interested in private lessons but if you are....

I'm moving from Korat to the Ramkhamhaeng area in March to teach at one of the university there. References from the universities where I've taught in Korat and from many individual students can be provided if you are interested.

Ski....

P.S. as one BM mentioned, try to find a school near where you (the student) live. I know several people who sighed up with AUA and ECC but stopped going after a few weeks due to the long commute.

[GarryP]

I am way down on Sukhumvit 101 so there would not be much option but to travel. Closest to me would be Seacon, Central Bang Na and Prakanong.