Cmu Language Institute, Thai 1Yr Course: Is Cmu Li Reliable? Pls Compare To Payap's Intensive Thai.

[OldChinaHam]

Would people who are "in the know" please provide information regarding any present day, predictable financial/visa risk to those who choose to study at CMU Language Institute's One Year Thai Language program, this year and next.

At first glance, CMU's Thai Language learning program would seem to have so much going for it, being located on a beautiful campus, part of a significant university with good international academic partnerships, and within a city known internationally as one of the best environments in which to live and work ,

This is why it was particularly confounding to read on TV's forum the reports, two or three years ago, of lost tuition, lost or cancelled student visa validity, and the frustration of students which one would not expect to occur at a major institution like CMU. Even after reading through these reports beginning in 2010, the situation seems quite incredible to anyone who has studied at a major institution and has paid tuition in advance.

The Language Institute would seem to be a great resource where anyone interested in learning Thai should be able to find a reputable and reliable program of language study, and not need to worry about risking lost tuition or cancellation of visa, as seems to have been reported on TV in the past. So far, after the initial reporting, there seems to have been no updates to clarify how the Language Institute's program is now being run and whether or not past problems have been rectified.

Normally, when one thinks about attending a university sponsored foreign language study program, there are very few worries beyond "where will the student find the funds for tuition and room and board?" or "how safe is the dorm?", but not "Will the program be cancelled after it has already started and after tuition has been paid.".

It would be really appreciated if those here who know much more than I would kindly provide their thoughts about study at the present-day CMU Language Institute, and how CMU's program compares with that of Payap's Intensive Thai Language course. The cost per hour of instruction seems roughly equivalent, but what is anyone's guess about the average net result at the end of a year, in terms of Thai language acquisition.

Choosing a 1 year language course to be paid for in advance is rather a gamble without reliable school related information.

Please help if you can.

Thank you SO MUCH!

Even if not "In The Know", still your good input will help me because I know I know so little.

I guess I am staring at many Thai language study "Known Unknowns" at the present time.

Thanks!

OldChinaHam

[n00b]

I would also like to know, so instead of starting a new topic...

[CBR250]

I haven't studied with either Payap or CMU - but comparing comments about the courses from friends who have done both it seems that Payap is the preferred option for intensive study. The AUA course in town also seems to have a well-organised curriculum. My friends currently at CMU do however very much like their teacher - she organizes the occasional cultural experience for students for free - outside of her teaching commitments.