Samui Thai Language Schools

[spacedcowboy]

I was interested in learning the Thai language on Samui, and wanted someone with actual first hand experience of learning with a school on Samui who could recommend a good provider.

I'm obviously keen to start on off on the right foot and would welcome any suggestions for locating a professional school, I'm a beginner so initially I'm just looking to learn the basics for two months with the intention of possibly applying for an 1 year education visa if all goes to plan.

[Rooo]

Several subjects HERE.

[spacedcowboy]

Many thanks

[H2oDunc]

Mind your language is a very good school. PM me if you would like the guys number.

[PoorSucker]

No language school on Samui is qualified to give you paperwork for an ED-visa.

[H2oDunc]

There are some promising they can in the Thai Visa classified ?

[itishothere]

No language school on Samui is qualified to give you paperwork for an ED-visa.

I am told that Mind Your Language have applied for that qualification. I gather the refurbishment of their school on Soi Monkey is to help make it happen. No idea if they have got it yet or not. I hope so.

[spacedcowboy]

There are some promising they can in the Thai Visa classified ?

I had seen some schools in the Samui Express whilst I was there a couple of weeks ago , I believe one was near the Big C supermaket which had offered the Ed Visa , obviously I'm looking for the most effective way of learning so I'm just trying to get a few opinions on who former studetns would suggest I try.

[perkie173]

No language school on Samui is qualified to give you paperwork for an ED-visa.

I read about one in the Samui Express the other week that said they can... based in Maenam?

[PoorSucker]

No language school on Samui is qualified to give you paperwork for an ED-visa.

I read about one in the Samui Express the other week that said they can... based in Maenam?

Let's see if they can deliver.

The free add says it's only 5000 baht for a one year visa. :rolleyes:

http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/services/tutoring-services/one-year-education-visa-in-koh-samui-82931.html

Edited April 16, 2011 by PoorSucker

[perkie173]

No language school on Samui is qualified to give you paperwork for an ED-visa.

I read about one in the Samui Express the other week that said they can... based in Maenam?

Let's see if they can deliver.

The free add says it's only 5000 baht for a one year visa. :rolleyes:

http://classifieds.t...amui-82931.html

Plus the lesson fees on top if I remember rightly? Its pretty new anyway but would be much better just to get a non O unless you really want to learn the language at school once a week.

[PoorSucker]

Plus the lesson fees on top if I remember rightly? Its pretty new anyway but would be much better just to get a non O unless you really want to learn the language at school once a week.

Non-O is only for retirement, visiting spouse/child or volunteer work.

I know Hull and Perth used to give it for "visiting friend" but that's gone now.

[H2oDunc]

The AD in the TV Classified was for 3,500 baht for a 1 year education visa. I emailed then asking for more details and they have as yet to reply which is always a bad sign for me. If a business that is advertising cannot reply to you in 24 hours, even with just an acknowledgement of your email then that tends to show they are not very professional

[user786895]

For anybody on the south of Samui, there is an excellent Thai language teacher who has her classroom not far from Hua Thanon (Muslim Village). The classroom is on the 4170, situated at the junction with the Tiger Zoo/Aquarium, opposite the Lanlamon restaurant, and right next door to the very newly opened Family Mart. One-to-one lessons at what I think are very reasonable rates. PM me for the telephone number. There is no link to an Education Visa.

[steelerian]

Plus the lesson fees on top if I remember rightly? Its pretty new anyway but would be much better just to get a non O unless you really want to learn the language at school once a week.

Non-O is only for retirement, visiting spouse/child or volunteer work.

I know Hull and Perth used to give it for "visiting friend" but that's gone now.

Excuse my ignorance, and for taking this off topic, but does spouse mean wife, or can it include girlfriend? Could I still get a Non-O from Hull to come here to be with m Thai girlfriend?

[PoorSucker]

Excuse my ignorance, and for taking this off topic, but does spouse mean wife, or can it include girlfriend? Could I still get a Non-O from Hull to come here to be with m Thai girlfriend?

No.

[davo67]

I've been learning Thai at Thai Solutions, near Big C on the ringroad since July. Very professional, relaxed friendly atmosphere in class, and my language skills have improved massively.

They provide all the necessary paperwork, I had the letters from the ministry within 2 weeks of applying and I had to apply for the visa myself. I'm sure there are other schools just as good and professional, pop into a few and have a chat

[madhav]

I'm bumping this thread for anymore updates. Am in the process of looking about at some schools to start learning Thai and obtaining the 1 year ED visa. Once I choose a school I will have to spend a decent amount of $$ and commit to 180hrs of lessons.

Anyone else have any direct experience and can comment?

I found this site which lists quite a few, but not sure if they are neutral or bias in their opinions: http://samuidays.com/product/uchebnye-vizy-na-samui/

My girlfriend suggested I visit a few of the institutes and have a trial class to get a feel of them and the teachers.

[evadgib]

The book & DVD's entitled "Thai for Beginners" by Benjawan Poomsan Becker is available in local bookshops. IBSN 1-887521-00-3. I found this far more enjoyable than sitting in a classroom.

HTH

[PoorSucker]

and obtaining the 1 year ED visa.

You can only get one year ED-visa for university studies.

Check your school if the are accredited by Ministry of Education.

They are the only ones that can give you paperwork so you can extend an ED visa with 3 months at the time at immigrations in Nathon.

[madhav]

The book & DVD's entitled "Thai for Beginners" by Benjawan Poomsan Becker is available in local bookshops. IBSN 1-887521-00-3. I found this far more enjoyable than sitting in a classroom.

HTH

I actually have this book and the audio lessons on my iphone. I find that I need the kick in the ass to go to a structured class, otherwise I become lazy and let is slide.

Edited January 18, 2014 by madhav

[madhav]

and obtaining the 1 year ED visa.

You can only get one year ED-visa for university studies.

Check your school if the are accredited by Ministry of Education.

They are the only ones that can give you paperwork so you can extend an ED visa with 3 months at the time at immigrations in Nathon.

I checked and some of the local schools can definitely give an ED visa, yes you are right in the sense that they are only valid for 3 months but from what I understand a simple trip to the immigration office allows it to be 'activated/extended' for another 3 months. Like this it continues for 12 months.

For me I will have to pay for visa runs for the 12 months or so I am here, so I might as well pay up front and for the same price I will get free thai lessons and not have the hassle of having to get new tourist visas every 3 months.

[pokerspiv]

You can actually keep extending the visa for 3-5 years without leaving, depending on what course you are doing.

I attend a school in Bophut that costs around 20,000 baht a year which gives me my ed visa. You can PM me for the details, forum rules don't allow for me to give information about competitors to board sponsors.

[BigC]

You can actually keep extending the visa for 3-5 years without leaving, depending on what course you are doing.

I attend a school in Bophut that costs around 20,000 baht a year which gives me my ed visa. You can PM me for the details, forum rules don't allow for me to give information about competitors to board sponsors.

I want to learn thai to apply for residency visa. Do they have classes that specialise in this if so please pm me thabks

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[MantisMan]

Mind your language is a very good school. PM me if you would like the guys number.

I'm on my 3rd course there and enjoy it mucho, but you do need to go out and practice what you learn or you won't remember.

BTW< they do help with ED-VISA. I just extended mine for another 3 months in Nathon.

[ElenaBrighton]

I've done the KSVTS (Maenam, opposite 75) but now prefer new Walen school (Maenam, by the Secret Garden). They start you with the alphabet straight away! And they also take the visa aspect very seriously.

[MantisMan]

And they also take the visa aspect very seriously.

Most schools in Samui do have a reputation to protect and do take the visa thing seriously.

If you starting with the written aspect of the language first, be prepared to sit in Nathon immigration for an hour writting in Thai next you go for an upgrade.

Since I started with the speaking aspect, I had to do 30 minutes of smacking my lips in Thai in front of "Teh Man".

Though I do have to admit that he was kind enough to correct me a few times on mistakes I made.

His last words, "Next time you come, you speak more!"

[John 1]

And they also take the visa aspect very seriously.

Most schools in Samui do have a reputation to protect and do take the visa thing seriously.

If you starting with the written aspect of the language first, be prepared to sit in Nathon immigration for an hour writting in Thai next you go for an upgrade.

Since I started with the speaking aspect, I had to do 30 minutes of smacking my lips in Thai in front of "Teh Man".

Though I do have to admit that he was kind enough to correct me a few times on mistakes I made.

His last words, "Next time you come, you speak more!"

No wonder it takes so long for people to lodge there 90 day report at immigration with all you Thai language learner's going in smacking your lip's.

[pokerspiv]

I got my extension last week and I didn't have to talk to anyone. Just put in my documents, came back 4 hours later and collected my passport. And I have been here on an Ed Visa for over 15 months.

[MantisMan]

I got my extension last week and I didn't have to talk to anyone. Just put in my documents, came back 4 hours later and collected my passport. And I have been here on an Ed Visa for over 15 months.

You = lucky