| |
haam sup
|
BK,
The mis-interpretation of ALG was mine. ThaidUp merely quoted my earlier post...
I can say this: the teachers at AUA are the finest bunch of folks I have EVER encountered in Thailand. The concept is NOT merely them talking in front of the class; it encourages participation (and therefore comprehension), by asking questions during the skits that are taught. Responses are supposed to be in English, because Thai speech is discouraged until much later in the series. This is fundamental to the method, and a source of frustration to many. Still, I KNOW it works.
In the lower levels, extensive use of the whiteboard by the teachers, including generally EXCELLENT drawing, and props, maps, etc., brings the lesson to life. The teachers prepare lessons in advance, off the clock (at home), from tried-and-true topics, and are incredibly energetic. They are NOT highly paid, but CERTAINLY highly motivated. And I don't know ANY who would make fun in a mean or conspiratorial way. Joking is a BIG part of the success of the classes, but it is ALWAYS good-hearted, and often self-deprecating.
I have no problem with anyone who can't spend the time the method requires, or whose attention span is short (me!). But PLEASE do not denigrate the place - it is FIRST CLASS.
haam sup
|
Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 4:12 pm on Aug. 13, 2003
|
|
bkkz
|
HS,
Do a search using Google for this phrase "advanced language growth" (include the quotation marks).
|
Bangkok Women : Meet Sensual Bangkok Women
Posted on: 11:41 pm on Aug. 13, 2003
|
|
haam sup
|
Right, it finds my original post, where I mistakenly identified ALG as "advanced language growth". As you pointed out, it should be "Automatic Language Growth".
My mistake, quoted by ThaidUp.
hs
|
Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:03 am on Aug. 14, 2003
|
|
bucksfun
|
I am currently seriously considering taking 6 months off to learn Thai and ponder whether relocation to LOS is for me. I would ideally be looking for a school where I can study 9-5 Mon to Fri, at reasonable cost.
Whilst I have followed the merits of ALG as a learning methodology here, it seems to me to double the investment in time taken to complete, which has consequences in terms of income and ultimately employability at the end of the program (since professional skills depreciate over time).
Is it feasible to go from a basic level of thai (spoken only, limited understanding and vocab), to a reasonably proficient level (ideally completing the test whoses name temporarily escapes me but is I think sat by Thai 12yo's)?
If so then I presume the place to do this is not one of the schools using ALG, any recommendations would be appreciated.
Finally, given that in the short term my purpose of stay in LOS would be for bona fide study, would it be possible to obtian a visa on this basis (say student visa) or should I look to obtain a multi entry tourist or B visa?
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Sexy Bangkok Girls
Posted on: 2:12 am on Aug. 15, 2003
|
|
nikko
|
bucksfun,
To be on the safe side you probably need closer to 8/9 months of study to pass the prathom 6 exam. At least that is what schools seem to recommend. Also, be aware taht the test is only given in December so plan your timing accordingly. AUA is not the place to study for your timeframe. There are several schools with decent reputations. You can check out Union, Unity and Nisa. Each about 6,000 baht for 80 hours of group instruction per month. And yes you ought to be able to get a non-immigrant "ed" visa-- which still requires you to leave every 90 days.
|
Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 9:57 am on Aug. 29, 2003
|
|
someone
|
So it looks like Somchart is pretty well regarded for just learning the basics and if you want more advanced stuff try the other schools . Here's a link that might be of interest to some it has the thai language school address and phone numbers
http://thai-language-online.com/resources/Bangkok_schools.shtml
Question: Does anyone have website links to Union, Unity , or Nisa?
Thanks ,
|
Bangkok Women : Meet Beautiful Thai Girls
Posted on: 7:13 am on Sep. 6, 2003
|
|
nikko
|
unity's site is http://utlbkk.infoseek.ne.jp. Not sure about Nisa and Union. As far as Somchart, I checked it out and decided to take a pass on the place based on what I saw. Also, I know a guy who studied there quite a bit and his Thai is just not that good. Granted only one example and it could be him and not the school. From personal experience I have found the one on one schools to not be particularly well structured in their curriculum while at least the schools above have what you will study mapped out in their texts on a daily basis.
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 8:38 am on Sep. 6, 2003
|
|
haam sup
|
nikko,
Good to see you around.
Guys: nikko KNOWS.
I don't know much about Nisa, but I DO know that Union and Unity (started by former Union teachers) are similar, and highly recommended. Classes are about 20 hours/week, and attendance is strict.
Both have prep for the Prathom 6 exam.
haam sup
|
Thai Girls : Meet Active Thai Girls
Posted on: 10:40 am on Sep. 6, 2003
|
|
ringthebells
|
I never liked teachers.
since kindergarden.
rtb.
|
Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 10:51 am on Sep. 6, 2003
|
|
bucksfun
|
I have just come across an Intensive Thai language programme at Chulalongkorn Univ. Does anyone have any experience of this? The prices dont seem to be the cheapest, but if it is of good quality and from a respected source, this is less of a concern to me.
Essentially the programme is made up of 9 modules, 3 basic 3 intermediate and 3 advanced each of which costs 25K bht for 5 weeks. Progress to the next module comes from satisfactory completion of an exam at the end of the preceding module.
Sounds interesting to me, but would appreciate any info on how this compares to elsewhere.
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 8:48 am on Sep. 10, 2003
|
|
| |
|
