I Want To Learn To Read And Write Thai In Cm. School Recommendations?

[rideswings]

Im an American here for 3 more months and I am looking for a place for myself and my GF to learn to read, write and speak Thai. I have searched CM forum for "learning Thai" and it didnt turn up any links.

I realize that 3 months is not long enough to be fluent, but I will continue to study when I return to Thailand next year. I would eventually like to be an english teacher here, and I think it would help greatly if I could communicate in Thai to my students.

If you have any links to schools I would appreciate it.

[DowntownAl]

I've been very happy with Pro Language on Nimmanhemin road. You are right, 3 months is not enough time, it is a very difficult language, but as with anything, you get our of it what you put in. Our course outline ran 3 months conversation and now mixed with more conversation (2nd level) and basic reading and writing. Check this thread for a lot of links and arguments about who's the best and the worst. It's always a fun stop: http://www.thaivisa....nguage courses

[HappyInCM]

I've attended Walen for a year, Pro for a year and Payap University for 2 months as well as some time at AUA.

If you want to study full time, Payap (3 hours a week day + homework) and almost full time AUA (2 hours every weekday I believe) - both are excellent and do courses in one month or so increments.

If you're going to be doing other things at the same time, Pro is great - I think they do 2-3 times a week for a few hours.

Go with Payap, AUA or Pro and you basically shouldn't go wrong.

[anselpixel]

EasystudyThai at Panthip.

[HullyGully]

Try YMCA , Each course rins for around 1 month...price around BAHT 2000

Go and talk to them

[rideswings]

Thanks for all the recommendations.

[MacWalen]

Riderswings, join Walen, you will not be disappointed. Most popular school in Thailand. We must be doing something right.

[LarryBird]

My experience:

Teach yourself using the Benjawan Poomsan Becker books, and Anki flashcard system for computers/smartphones and save yourself a ton of time and money. Supplement with a tutor as you see fit. It's pretty easy to find a Thai person that's looking to learn English and can help you with Thai in return.

Be resourceful, find a Thai person to make audio files with you... you say the english, they say the thai...

Make flashcards for learning the letters.

Good luck.

Part of the challenge is in continuing to find new material to learn.

[hellodolly]

All I can offer is AUA is for those who are a quick study. It deals mainly with grammar. That is An OK thing provided you know Thai words they teach you a few as you go along.

I had to drop out and go one on one. The class was a beginners class and had people in it for the second time or had been here a year and had a little bit of a grasp of the words.

I learned more with a private tutor.

The problem there was she insisted that I learn the tones as well as the words and grammar. In all fairness before we got to the grammar she made sure I knew the difference in the vowels and had me familiar with the aspirated letters. After two months it wwas apparent she had done as much as she could. She had a program to follow and it did not allow for my slowness in picking up information and retaining it.

My advice to you is do what ever you decide to do. At Pantip Plaza in the Night Bazaar you can get a set of DVD disks that say the words in English and Thai and have them written in English at the bottom. Purchase a set to take home with you. I would think it best to stay away from them until you are back home. They would probably set up a conflict with the system you are using.

My guess is if you want to learn to read it check with where ever you decide to go and see if that is a good idea considering you are only going to be here 3 months.

One more thing what ever you learn try to use it when dealing with Thais. Be prepared to laugh with them.

Good Luck