does anyone have any good experiences with pro language school in chiang mai i want to do the 1 year thai course and was choosing<br />between walen and pro language. so i send an email to walen office chiang mai and now 4 days later still no reply i even pm the<br />owner via thai visa but no reply.<br />so now i am looking into pro language and would appreciate anyone with information<br /><br />thanx<br /><br />rick

Edited September 13, 201114 yr by rickthailand

Wow, you'd think that he would have replied to the pm at least, even if the office don't reply. Especially as he's a marketing guru....

Sorry, I have no experience with the other school. But I'd be interested in what they're like, as I do want to learn Thai properly at some point. Keep us posted...

Wow, you'd think that he would have replied to the pm at least, even if the office don't reply. Especially as he's a marketing guru....

A Marketing Guru? You must be kidding

Me? Never. I read his posts saying that, so he must be. I'm sure he's a guru, but not an email reply guru evidently.

Personally I think the OP is from Waken, and is a new marketing tactic us mere mortals won't understand.....

Wow, you'd think that he would have replied to the pm at least, even if the office don't reply. Especially as he's a marketing guru....

A Marketing Guru? You must be kidding

<br />Me? Never. I read his posts saying that, so he must be. I'm sure he's a guru, but not an email reply guru evidently. <br /><br />Personally I think the OP is from Waken, and is a new marketing tactic us mere mortals won't understand.....<br />

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<br />Wow, you'd think that he would have replied to the pm at least, even if the office don't reply. Especially as he's a marketing guru....<br />

<br /><br /><br />A Marketing Guru? You must be kidding <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

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trust me i have nothing to do with walen school just want to learn thai in a proffesional way

rick

Sorry, I have no useful input. I will duck out now, and see if anyone has some pointers on the alternative schools.

If you are actually wanting to learn Thai, you may be better off at AUA or Payap.

If you can give the time needed, I think AUA is good

Only been at Pro language a month or so, but i think its good. Learning alot every time. Friendly atmosphere. You learn conversation and writnig at the same time.

Only been at Pro language a month or so, but i think its good. Learning alot every time. Friendly atmosphere. You learn conversation and writnig at the same time.

do they teach seplling?

I'm probably more qualified than most to answer your question. I study at Pro Language (Year 2) and my brother studies at Walen school (Year 1).

PRO - They start you with transliteration instead of learning the Thai alphabet from day 1. This is a huge burden, if you want to make any real progress you need to learn how to read. I believe they introduce the Thai alphabet around month 4.

Walen - They're methodology does not encourage critical thinking. Essentially you read from a book, and while their book has a ton of vocabulary, the spoken language is lost on many students. Much of the vocabulary I've seen from texts is "Written Thai," which means words you will never use. You will master the educational phrase "There are 3 black pens on the brown desk" before learning useful phrases like "How old are you" "What's up" "How's it going" "What's your phone number" etc.

If you are serious about learning Thai I would recommend Payap. I have heard nothing but good things from their program, and every student I've come in contact with that has taken their course had a solid grasp of the language. Note: Payap is more expensive and more intensive than other language programs.

Good luck in choosing.

<br />I'm probably more qualified than most to answer your question.  I study at Pro Language (Year 2) and my brother studies at Walen school (Year 1).  <br /><br />PRO  -  They start you with transliteration instead of learning the Thai alphabet from day 1.  This is a huge burden, if you want to make any real progress you need to learn how to read.  I believe they introduce the Thai alphabet around month 4. <br /><br />Walen - They're methodology does not encourage critical thinking.  Essentially you read from a book, and while their book has a ton of vocabulary, the spoken language is lost on many students.  Much of the vocabulary I've seen from texts is "Written Thai," which means words you will never use.  You will master the educational phrase "There are 3 black pens on the brown desk"  before learning useful phrases like "How old are you"  "What's up" "How's it going" "What's your phone number"  etc. <br /><br />If you are serious about learning Thai I would recommend Payap.  I have heard nothing but good things from their program, and every student I've come in contact with that has taken their course had a solid grasp of the language.  Note:  Payap is more expensive and more intensive than other language programs.<br /><br />Good luck in choosing.<br />

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thanks for the usefull info, if my main goal is to speak daily used thai than i assume you think pro is better?i know\of payap but the course is to intense for me

rick

I'd recommend you visit both schools and do a trial class to compare. They will let you sit in on a class for free and you can ask the teacher/staff questions and talk to the other students.

If your goal is to speak useful Thai your approach outside the classroom will most likely have a larger impact than choice of school. PRO was suitable for me, but I realize that both schools will have their pros and cons.

as i have received quick and professional replies from pro i have made an appointment with them for tomorrow to join their course everyone thanks for your input

rick

You might want to look at my previous post in the Thai Language forum about the various language schools available and my in person investigation...

http://www.thaivisa....61#entry4512361

Chiang Mai University also has a class, I believe it is Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 8. The material is great, as are the teachers. However, you are expected to do a lot of review between the classes to keep up to the course load.

I don't know how many times a year they run this program, but it may be worth a look. Don't be discouraged by the complete disorganization of the office staff, as the classroom experience is very professional.

I don't doubt the quality of CMU's program, but keep in mind what happened only last year where every Thai language student was booted out with no refund and complete loss of visa.

Chiang Mai University also has a class, I believe it is Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 8. The material is great, as are the teachers. However, you are expected to do a lot of review between the classes to keep up to the course load.

I don't know how many times a year they run this program, but it may be worth a look. Don't be discouraged by the complete disorganization of the office staff, as the classroom experience is very professional.

Hi,I have been studying at Pro Language for 2 years now.

Ican say it’s very good indeed. I had tried some other schools, includingthe Wallen one, but found this one to be the best by far.

Ihave had 2 different teachers there, and they were both excellent. Ithink the school is also very good for student visas and I have never had anyproblems at the immigration office.

Hopeyou give it a go. I have not heard of any other students being dissatisfiedwith it.

GoodLuck.

Jason