Chiang Mai

Experience for yourself the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai, Thailand - a place where the locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich, diverse heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of any city. Chiang Mai his this in abundance, and is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find, in the heart of the city, centuries-old chedis and temples, right next to modern seven-elevens and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a perfect square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover in the Chiang Mai area. The intriguing ethnic tribes, coupled with breathtaking scenery, makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may well not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai, with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as unique dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.

Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the full. The four weeks of your TEFL course in Chiang Mai will be for weeks you’ll never forget.

Chiang Mai climate

• The climate of Chiang Mai is inevitably tropical, but cooler and less humid than elsewhere in Thailand.
• Chiang Mai is more continental than Southern Thailand, with distinct monsoon seasons.
• It can get relatively chilly in December/January.
• All seasons make for a great stay!

Chiang Mai costs in USD

Chiang Mai is one of the most inexpensive places in Thailand. These are some sample costs:

• Hot meal 1.00
• Bottle of beer 1.20
• Bottle of water 0.20
• 20-minute motorbike taxi ride 0.50

Why Chiang Mai

• Candidates will be able to use other nearby facilities including: gymnasium, swimming pool and library.
• Chiang Mai has a striking mountain backdrop, over 300 temples and a quaint historical aura. It's also a modern, friendly, internationally - flavored city with much to offer the visitor
• Food, accommodation and shopping are all top quality and cheap, and the nights are relatively cool.
• Doi Suthep, topped by one of Thailand's holiest temple, rises behind the city, providing a dramatic backdrop and fine views of the city.
• Receive a FREE 45-hour Thai course at Chiang Mai University

Accommodation

The TEFL International training centre in Chiang Mai can provide suggested accommodation within close walking distance to our facility. The self contained studio apartments cost between 3500 and 6000 Thai baht (US$ 125 to US$ 200) for the month, plus water and electricity.

The accommodation has a number of rooms in various styles. All are well furnished with modern conveniences. Each room comes fully equipped with air conditioning, hot and cold water, cable television, refrigerator, and ADSL high speed internet.

Other facilities include a restaurant, sauna, laundry, traditional massage, and 24-hour security with CCTV system throughout the building.

About the school

The TEFL International training centre in Chiang Mai is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Chiang Mai, 3 km from Chiang Mai International Airport, 8 km from Doi Suthep Temple, and is nestled at the foothills of Suthep Mountain, just west of Chiang Mai University.

The complex has over 35 classrooms in total, all air conditioned, with meeting and seminar rooms, a 300 seat lecture theatre, a self-access learning resource center and a library with ADSL Internet access. There are WiFi hotspots located around the facility, photocopying service available onsite, audio and visual studio and a 50 seat multimedia center. There are several restaurants and cafes nearby, plus a number of kiosks and stores.

Course dates:

• 7 April - 2 May 2008
• 5 May - 30 May 2008
• 2 June - 27 June 2008
• 7 July - 1 August 2008
• 4 August - 29 August 2008
• 1 September - 26 September 2008
• 6 October - 31 October 2008
• 3 November - 28 November 2008
• 1 December - 26 December 2008
  
  
• 5 January - 30 January 2009
• 2 February - 27 February 2009
• 2 March - 27 March 2009
• 6 April - 1 May 2009
• 4 May - 29 May 2009
• 1 June - 26 June 2009
• 6 July - 31 July 2009
• 3 August - 28 August 2009
• 7 September - 2 October 2009
• 5 October - 30 October 2009
• 2 November - 27 November 2009
• 30 November - 25 December 2009

Course Fees

• US$ 1,590 (£810) (excluding accommodation)
• Accommodation: US$ 120 to US$ 200

Chiang Mai, Thailand - Map: Click here for the map