Looks like I may have a couple of months between jobs coming up soon. To spend the time beneficially I think I should improve my language skills. Been here a while but have never had Thai lessons, hence have limited spoken vocab and non-existent reading / writing.

Can anyone recommend any full time intensive courses (I think the phrase is 'immersion' or something)? I'd expect it to be at least one month, maximum probably no more than three.

On another note - to improve my regional saleability job-wise, learning Mandarin (or Cantonese) would be helpful. Anyone know any decent Chinese courses / teachers?

I'm in Bangkok.

Thanks,

CC

immersion is a cultural thing .... not sure when the next classes start at Chula ... but if you REALLY want to learn .. go there! They are expensive but worth every satang ... but they require a serious time commitment

immersion is a cultural thing .... not sure when the next classes start at Chula ... but if you REALLY want to learn .. go there! They are expensive but worth every satang ... but they require a serious time commitment

Sent a couple of emails to Chula...but have never recieved a reply...

Chula sounds great but would imagine it would mean committing to terms /semesters so that may not fit with work. Any comments?

Anyone have any other suggestions? I am increasingly keen on fast tracking my Thai ability. To my surprise, I have found quite a few jobs relevant to me in BKK and the eastern seaboard where they (say they) will consider a foreigner - if he is fluent in Thai.

Thinking about it, they want decent English too - which some would say is a problem for me!

CC

Chula sounds great but would imagine it would mean committing to terms /semesters so that may not fit with work. Any comments?

Anyone have any other suggestions? I am increasingly keen on fast tracking my Thai ability. To my surprise, I have found quite a few jobs relevant to me in BKK and the eastern seaboard where they (say they) will consider a foreigner - if he is fluent in Thai.

Thinking about it, they want decent English too - which some would say is a problem for me!

CC

Try berlitz, I think they have a 9am-5pm type "full immersion" course. I'm pretty sure at their prices that you would be able to choose the days you studied.

What site are you finding these jobs on?

As far as language I've heard good things about Chula, wish I could take the courses.

Try UTL, a favourite of the koreans and japs in town.

Im currently studying module 1. 8am-12pm 5 days/week, 4 weeks per module. The wife did 3 modules and her language skills are excellent. for 7000/module you cant go wrong.

So far i am very impressed with it, though the same cannot be said for the fools in my class!!