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Chiang Mai
The TEFL International course in northern Thailand is held in Chiang Mai, which was once the capital city of the Lanna Kingdom and is now the capital of North Thailand. Chiang Mai was founded more than 700 years ago, and is one of the oldest cities in Thailand; it’s recognized as having an independent cultural personality of its own. The Thai people love their beloved northern capital; a quaint, walled and moated city surrounded by a beautiful landscape nestled in a valley surrounded by national parks consisting of mountains, rivers, forests, waterfalls, meadows and rice fields. As a location, Chiang Mai offers a unique experience for TEFL International TEFL Courses in Thailand.
Many feel that Chiang Mai is an essential part of any visit to Thailand. Located more than 700km northwest of Bangkok, Chiang Mai has more than 2,000 temples, some of which date back over 500 years, of which an impressive 121 are within the municipal boundary. This is close to the total number in Bangkok, and makes the old city centre of Chiang Mai visually striking. The historical architecture of Chiang Mai has evidence of Lanna, Thai, Mon, Sri Lankan and Burmese influences, with ornate woodcarvings decorating most temples. These include the magnificent Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, built in 1383 at an altitude of 1300 meters above the city this temple stands as a light to all. Wat Pra Singh, possibly the city's most famous temple lies inside the city center; constructed between 1385-1400 and Wat Chiang Mun, its oldest temple, said to date from the founding year of the city (1292). Chiang Mai is also an exciting, modern city, which has successfully managed to blend its unique cultural identity with an increasingly modern side.
Chiang Mai has always had its cultural treasures, relative peacefulness, delicious food, great handicraft shopping and proximity to many beautiful natural features. Changes are showing though, with chic, Thai-style boutique hotels appearing everywhere. One look at the new restaurants, bars and shops, most notably in the Nimmanhaemin district, gives an indication of how much the city’s identity is changing. Despite this Chiang Mai still manages to keep its relaxed, temple-sprinkled, cultural capital atmosphere it has always been known for. With its many and varied attractions, the days of Chiang Mai being treated as a quick stop off point before venturing to the hills are long gone.
The city itself covers an area of 154 square kilometers. It is situated 300 meters above sea level, 700km northwest of Bangkok, and as a result enjoys a dry and cool climate. However, Chiang Mai still retains a tropical weather system, experiencing monsoons, which arrive from India at the end of May, (23 -32 ºC / 73 – 90 ºF) and stay until November (19-30ºC / 66-80. ºF). During this period, it will often rain for a few hours in the afternoon. Cool air from China brings milder weather from November to May, the dry season, and during this period temperatures range from (13-36ºC / 55-97ºF).
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The School
Our modern TEFL training centre in Chiang Mai has all the facilities that you could require and is designed to be environmentally friendly. It's located close to Nimmanhaemin and the city centre, convenient for the airport and with the city's biggest and most popular shopping centre nearby.
The TEFL International training centre is within easy reach of the local schools at which TEFL trainees complete their six teaching practices. These schools are very welcoming to foreign teachers and provide for the underprivileged or are linked to a temple. Our long-term commitment to our community and partnership with these schools provides students with opportunities they would not have otherwise received.
Our trainers are some of the best, most experienced in the business and will guide you on your journey to becoming an effective TEFL teacher. They will offer you insight into the life of a TEFL teacher as well as providing you with all the tools to teach an effective, fun, inspiring lesson. You will learn a variety of teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques and a taste of the Thai language on your path to becoming a qualified TEFL graduate with TEFL International.
Accommodation
Chiang Mai benefits from a wide choice of accommodation to suit all price ranges. Budget hostels can be found for as little as $150 per month and more comfortable hotels, guesthouses and small condos are available from $ 200 to $300 per month.
Some sample accommodation options, with pricing in Thai baht:
Suite: (56 sq m): 18,000 baht / month
- Air conditioning with remote control
- King size bed
- Working desk and chair
- Dining table with two chairs
- Wardrobe
- Hot water heater
- Pantry
- Fridge
- Cable TV
- All modern style furniture
Superior deluxe: (35 sq m): 7,500 baht / month
- Air conditioning with remote control
- One 5 foot bed or two 3.5 foot beds
- Working desk and chair
- Wardrobe
- Hot water heater
- Pantry
- Fridge
- Cable TV
- Rooftop Swimming Pool
VIP (30 sq m): 6,500 baht / month
- Air con with remote control
- One 5 foot bed or two 3.5 foot beds
- Working desk with chair
- Cable TV
- Fridge
- Wardrobe
- Hot water heater
- Swimming Pool
Standard (25 sq m): 5,500 baht / month
- Air con
- One 5 feet or two 3.5 feet bed
- Cable TV
- Wardrobe
- Hot water heater
Course dates
Coming soon...
Please check out our other course locations if you wish to attend a course before this one becomes available...
Course fees
The total price is divided into: deposit and balance.
The deposit may be paid via a) credit card b) Paypal c) wire transfer d) Western Union.
The balance of the course fee must be paid by cash, PayPal or bank transfer directly to the training center on the first day of the course.
Deposit
US$ 600to be paid in advance
+
Balance
US$ 990 to be paid on arrival
Accomodation Fees
The accommodation fees are not part of the course price and you are free to choose whichever accommodation option you prefer.
If you choose to use our accommodation, it should be paid for either by cash, PayPal or bank transfer directly to the school at the start of the course.
And up
US$ 150
(to be paid on arrival)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my payment options?
ExpandCourse deposits must be paid to our administrative center. Credit/debit card payments are the fastest and cheapest way to pay, but we also accept payments via Western Union, Pay Pal and bank transfer. While there are no deadlines for a deposit, courses can fill up quickly and your seat will only be reserved after the deposit has been paid.
Once you make your deposit, you will receive an email with an informational packet that provides detailed information about the course and Chiang Mai itself.
The balance of course fees is payable via credit card before, or on the first day of the course. Bank transfers are also accepted but must be completed at least two weeks before the first day of the course. Participants with checking accounts in the US may pay by personal check, but payments must be cleared within two weeks of the course’s start date.
Course fees are all-inclusive so you won’t be asked to pay additional costs for course related materials or services. This also includes course moderation, accreditation fees and lifetime assistance finding jobs.
What are my accommodation options?
ExpandChiang Mai benefits from a wide choice of accommodation to suit all price ranges. Budget hostels can be found for as little as US$ 150 per month and more comfortable hotels, guesthouses and small condos are available from US$ 200-300 per month.
Your accommodation is available from 1:00 p.m. on the Saturday before the course begins through to 5:00 p.m. on the Friday of the final week. We hope you will plan to arrive in Chiang Mai by Saturday as this will give you a chance to relax and get accustomed to your surroundings before the course begins.
What travel documents will I need for thailand?
ExpandAll visitors to Thailand are required to carry a passport valid for at least six months after their arrival date. Visitors to Thailand from the United Kingdom, North America, Australia and New Zealand can stay in Thailand for a maximum of 30 days without a visa. Citizens from all other countries should contact their local consulate to obtain current travel regulations.
If you plan to arrive the day before the course begins and leave a day or two after the course finishes, then the standard 30 days would be perfect. However, most people prefer to arrive a few days early so they can settle in before the course starts and also like to relax for a while on completion of their studies. If this is the case, then you can get an extension on your original 30 days by either visiting a local immigration office or by going to the nearest border. The other alternative is to apply for a 60 or 90 day tourist visa at a Thai embassy or consulate before you leave your home country, or in any country outside Thailand (recommended).
* As this information is subject to change at any time, we advise you to contact your local consulate for current travel regulations prior to planning your trip. For more information on obtaining visas please check with your local Thai consulate or embassy.
What is the course schedule?
ExpandFrom Monday to Friday, class begins at 9:30 a.m. each day with a three hour input session. This is where you are taught how to teach, we cover topics such as grammar, teaching skills, classroom management and many other areas. There is a one hour lunch break at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. From 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. is guided lesson planning which is when you plan the lesson that you will teach to local students in a real Thai school. The observed teaching practice will be in the morning from 8:30 a.m. when you will teach the lesson that you have planned. After each lesson you will have a feedback session with the trainer who has observed your lesson. We finish at 2:30 p.m. on Fridays and weekends are free, although you will have some homework to complete for the following Monday.
What can I expect during teaching practice?
ExpandWe use local Thai students for the trainees’ teaching practice. Thai students are very keen and enthusiastic and because we don’t charge them to attend, all students come to classes purely because they want to.
Lessons are based upon real teaching resources found all over the world and you will have the chance to create your own materials as well. You will also receive the aid of your course trainer throughout lesson planning and receive immediate feedback on your lesson after it’s been delivered. Practicum is assessed and a satisfactory assessment is required to earn your TEFL/TESOL certificate.
Who usually attends the course?
ExpandNormally we would expect around ten trainees per course. Most of the participants are American, British, Canadian or Australian, although we do accept non-native speakers of English who have a high proficiency in the language.
Is there a dress code?
ExpandFor all input and tutorial sessions at the training location, there is only one specific dress requirement: Both men and women should have a shirt covering their shoulders. The course operates from within a school so we ask you to be mindful of this, as well as being mindful of your peers and to respect the fact that you are a visitor in another country.
During teaching practice there are specific requirements that adhere to the local dress code. All trainees are expected to dress professionally according to the following guidelines:
Women: Shoulders should be covered, blouses with sleeves are suggested. No low-cut necklines, very short skirts or bare midriffs. Open-toed shoes are acceptable, but not hiking or flip-flop sandals.
Men: Long pants, slacks or trousers are required, jeans are not acceptable. Short or long-sleeved shirts with a collar are necessary, although a tie is not required. Loafers or dress shoes are both fine, sandals are not acceptable. Long hair should always be tied back.
What should I bring for course studies?
ExpandPlease bring a pen and a notebook for taking notes during class. All relevant forms and instructions will be provided, as well as notes from the input sessions.
We encourage you to bring a laptop as we have Wi-Fi at the training center. We will provide all course materials for you so there is no need to bring anything else for the course itself.
What documents do I need for finding employment after the course?
ExpandIf you plan to work in Thailand without returning home before you do so, you will need to bring your original degree (if you have one) and any other teaching qualifications that you might have. While not required by all schools, it’s advisable to obtain a local criminal background check and sealed university transcripts as some schools will want to see one, or both of these documents.
Do I need a degree to teach in thailand?
ExpandThe short answer is no. Thailand’s Ministry of Education (MoE) does require foreign teachers to have degrees, but not all schools fall under the MoE’s jurisdiction. Primary and secondary schools, both public and private, will require degrees as your teacher’s license will need to be approved by the MoE. However, university and corporate work will not require a degree. Teaching in one of Thailand’s thousands of language schools also does not necessarily require a degree. So while some sources fail to truly explore this issue and say degrees are required, you can rest assured, they are not required for all teaching positions around the Kingdom.
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