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Advanced TEFL Course: Chiang Mai, Thailand
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About Thailand |
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“In Thailand you'll discover the rich and mysterious heart of South-East Asia”
Thailand is beautifully dotted with architectural marvels, magnificent shopping malls, sun-kissed beaches and tropical islands, delicious foods and drinks, exotic hilly villages and the grandeur of ancient ruins. Thailand stands unchallenged as the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia.
This ‘land of smiles' has much to offer the prospective visitor. Whether it is the golden, sandy beaches and warm, blue seas of the island dotted south; or the beautiful, hilly scenery and traditional way of life of the hill tribes in the north; or even the hustle and bustle of the capital, Bangkok, with it's legendary nightlife and modern amenities; you are sure to find something to suit your taste in this most welcoming of countries.
For those more active visitors there is a wealth of outdoor pursuits available. You can try your hand at diving on the superb coral reefs, or trekking in the hills and mountains of the north. There is also mountain biking, motorcycling and climbing, or perhaps river and sea kayaking, or some jungle rafting.
And, it's not just the stunning beauty of the land and sea that draws travellers to this country; Thailand's fascinating culture is an equally powerful enticement. Thailand's past has left its mark in the shape of numerous temples, palaces and ruins, all easily visited using the countries modern transport infrastructure. Such a wonderful blend of historic past and modern comfort makes Thailand the perfect destination.
The country of Thailand lies in the southeast tip of Asia. With an area of some 510,000 square kilometres and a population of some 57 million, Thailand is approximately the same size as France. It shares borders with Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Malaysia. The west coast of Thailand is bounded by the Andaman Sea, and narrows to a peninsula in the south. To the east the coast stretches for 1,500km along the Gulf of Thailand to the border with Malaysia. Both coastlines are dotted with numerous tropical islands.
Thailand is known as ‘The Land of Smiles,' it is a country rich in ancient history with an abundance of fascinating ruins, temples and deserted cities. Thailand means "land of the free", and throughout its 800-year history, Thailand can boast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized.
One of the things making Thailand so intriguing is that it respects its past while embracing the future. The culture and traditions blended with architecture and the arts are admired by people around the globe. The people of Thailand have proven that they can adopt foreign influence while maintaining their own special identity.
As with its long and glorious history, Thailand is amazingly rich in cultural heritage. The most important element that has been, and will continue to be, the major driving force of cultural development in Thailand is the belief in Theravada Buddhism. Thailand's culture is about more than music and paintings - it arises from a complex system of mutual respect and politeness that binds the country's people together.
All in all, if its culture you're looking for, Thailand's the right place to go- you won't be disappointed.
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About Chiang Mai |
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Exalted in its mystical and historic setting among mountains and temples, Chiang Mai is nonetheless modern and friendly, an internationally flavoured city with much to entice visitors - high quality, low cost food, accommodation and shopping with cooler nights providing mercifully peaceful sleeping. It is also free of the traffic snarls and pollution which plague Bangkok and is small and safe enough to get around on a bike.
In fact, not only do many foreigners stay longer than planned in Chiang Mai but many also live here. Innovations such as recycling schemes, restrictions on development and cleaning/dredging of its famous moat have seen Chiang Mai preserve much of its character and highlight its progressive attitude.
Located in north western Thailand, old Chiang Mai is a neat square bounded by moats and partial walls. The Moon Muang, along the east moat, is the centre for inexpensive accommodation and places to eat. Th Tha Phae, the main street, runs from the moat here at the main square east and over Mae Nam Ping (River). Here it changes its name to Th Charoen Meuang and passes the post office and train station almost 3km (1.8mi) from the eastern city moat.
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When to Go
Unless you don't mind almost daily torrential rain, the best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and April, with the other months a virtual monsoonal washout. It can be quite hot, with the April average temperature 36°C (95°F). The mildest temperatures are in December and January. Nights in Chiang Mai are regularly cooler than in southern Thailand. Festivals occur throughout the year, with the bulk of them between late December and April. These provide a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the colour and spectacle of traditional Thai culture.
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Activities
Most people - Thais and foreigners alike - come to Chiang Mai for shopping bargains, and for a taste of traditional northern culture. Chiang Mai is also a great place to cycle around, and - especially pleasant on hot days - there are plenty of swimming facilities. For those wanting to relax Thai massage, yoga and Hindu meditation are popular pursuits. A jungle trek including a 2 night stay with the hill tribes is a must!
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The TEFL School |
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Moderating Body: University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES)
Certificate: Cambridge CELTA
Affiliations: International House, University of Cambridge, Thai Ministry of Education, The World TEFL School (WTS)
This course is intended for speakers of English without previous experience who wish to enter the profession and for those already in the profession who have no formal or practical teaching qualifications.
We can be judged on our results. A 100% pass rate in Cambridge EFL exams speaks for itself! Our approved Chiang Mai training centre is really is a little bit out of the ordinary! Training at the latest IH Thailand centre affords our CELTA trainees the unique opportunity of an all-inclusive , out-of-town, and altogether ‘Thai' experience.
Just 30 minutes' drive from downtown Chiang Mai, and a mere 2 kilometres from the local town of Hang Dong, the surrounds are known globally as the ‘culture-seekers Thai destination of choice'. Well regarded for its calming atmosphere and refreshing climate, this tranquil location is set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains which provide a ‘get away from it all' feel; just the tonic one would want when halfway through a CELTA course!
The length of the course is 120 contact hours. In order to pass, candidates are required to:
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Complete 6 hours of teaching practice
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Observe 6 hours of lessons taught by experienced teachers
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Maintain and submit a portfolio of course work which includes details of all lessons taught together with 4 written assignments
Teaching practice (TP) is a an integral part of the course which is undertaken in small groups of 5-6 trainees with volunteer students at two different levels. Feedback sessions, led by a course trainer, follow each TP session and are also a key component of the course. Trainees are expected to liaise within their TP groups outside of course hours in order to plan teaching practice classes but within the guidelines set by the trainer.
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A Typical Day
To give you a flavour of how you might be spending your time on the course, here is an outline of a typical day:
9.00-10 . 30 Input: methodology and language analysis with your trainer: Workshops, discussion, pair work, group work and problem solving.
11.00-12.30 Input session2
12.00-1430 Lunch (Last minute prep for TP)
14.00-16.00 TP
Putting the skills you are learning into practice. A total of 6 hours observed practice is the requirement over the course. Over the 4 weeks you will teach 2 lessons of 30 minutes, 6 lessons of 40 minutes, and 1 lesson of 60 minutes.
16.15-17.15 Feedback and Lesson Planning.
Your trainer will provide written and oral feedback on the strengths/weaknesses that you demonstrated in the classroom the previous day during TP. You will also have the chance to discuss your next lesson with your trainer to ensure you feel confident and prepared.
Homework (Up to 4 hours depending on the day)
With a portfolio to maintain, lessons to plan, and four written assignments to complete over the course, you'll always have something to occupy your evenings!
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The Trainers
Highly competent and experienced Cambridge approved teacher trainers are brought to Bangkok specifically to run the CELTA course with us. As fully trained professionals, with many years experience of ELT classroom teaching, our trainers are both authoritative and informed. The training procedure for Cambridge CELTA trainers is extremely rigorous. Not only are the trainers expected to have post-Diploma teaching experience, they are also required to have other, related industry experience. It is perhaps the personal commitment that IH trainers bring to the courses they teach however, which make them stand out; a good trainer has to be keen to continue developing themselves as trainers, has to respect their trainees and has to love their job to do it well.
Click Here For Course Summary and Overview
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Accommodation |
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But what's really different about this location is that not only do you get to train here, you get to stay here too! The traditional rice barn accommodation units have the type of rustic feel you'd expect when staying in the great outdoors, Thai style. Simply but tastefully decorated, each self-contained unit offers a private bathroom with self-catering facilities available for the weekends.
Accommodation along with full-board catering 5 days of each week, for 4 weeks, is included in the course fee. Trainee teachers will thus be able to take the opportunity to sample the delights of the local food (de-spiced for those that need it!) on a daily basis, delivered to their door- well, to the door of the dining area / common room at least. And if you should get really desperate for a bit of home cooking at the weekend; then all will be glad to know that The Pizza Company can deliver even to here (we checked).
Of course, you are not obliged to stay, you can do the regular course and travel in each day, but you might just end up getting a bit jealous of those that do!
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Getting Here & Visas |
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Air
Chiang Mai's airport takes regular traffic from Thailand's major cities (including seven daily flights from Bangkok), as well as from other regional centres, including Kunming, Singapore, Hong Kong, Yangon and Kuala Lumpur. The small airport is well-equipped, with restaurants, visitor information, gift shops and ATMs.
Buses also plough the route between Bangkok and Chiang Mai several times a day. The trip takes between 10 and 12 hours, depending on the money you pay. Twenty-five other destinations in Thailand are also served by buses, most of which depart and arrive from the Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal. Trains also connect Chiang Mai to her southern capital.
Getting Around
Linking the airport to the city are two legal airport taxi services. Pick up a ticket near baggage claim and present it to a taxi driver outside the terminal. The airport is only about 3km (1.8mi) from the city centre. Heading back to the airport, the cheapest option is a túk-túk or red songthaew.
In 1997, Chiang Mai cancelled all bus services, so now most residents get about in songthaews or on bicycle or motorcycle. If you're really adventurous, you can always rent yourself a car, jeep, motorcycle or mini-van. Look into the insurance deals offered by the different companies, and try to ask around before signing on the dotted line.
The best way to get around is bicycle. They are cheap to hire, environmentally conscious, give the lungs a workout and can be rented conveniently from many guesthouses and along the east moat. There are also hordes of swngthew (mini buses), túk túks and Samláw which are cheap enough but contribure to unnecessary traffic congestion and pollution.
Visas
US, UK, Ireland, Australian, Canadian, & New Zealand citizens are among those who may enter as tourists. Visas are not required for travel by these Passport holders for periods of 30 days or less (an extension of up to 10 days is possible). For periods longer than 30 days a visa must be obtained in advance.
All visitors to Thailand are required to carry a passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival date. A tourist visa allows you to stay for 60 days, and may be extended for a further 30 days at the discretion of the Immigration Office. You need to enter Thailand within 90 days of the visa being issued, otherwise it will be invalid. Before travelling to Thailand, visit the Thai Embassy in your country or ask your travel agent for advice. |
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Basic Living Costs |
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One reason why Thailand is such a popular place with foreigners is that it's so cheap. Basic costs of living here are much less than those of Europe or the US. If you're careful and on a shoestring budget, you could manage on around 600 baht a day, including food and accommodation. If you've got money to spend, then of course, the sky's the limit, because resorts and hotels in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, can get as expensive as anywhere else on earth! One can have a very nice Thai meal with a drink for less than Bt 50. Eat western food and you can expect to pay at least 100 baht a dish. A beer in a restaurant will cost between 30 and 70 baht depending on the brand.
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Health & Safety |
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Health care is surprisingly good in the country and many medical staff in the major cities and tourist destinations have been trained in the US or the UK. Dentist and specialist doctors are skilled and very good value. Vaccinations are not necessary for Thailand. It is a good idea to consult your doctor as to his recommendations on anti-malaria pills although only a few of the most remote border areas are considered malaria zones by local health authorities. It normally takes a couple of days to acclimatise to the heat and humidity of Thailand. It is advisable to not over exert yourself for the first few days and make sure that you drink plenty of fluids, and avoid being out in the mid-day sun. It is best to wear light loose clothing, preferably cotton. Perspiration trapped beneath the skin can cause an itchy rash called prickly heat, you can buy a talcum powder for this that contains a very good cooling agent.
Thailand is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia and the risk of being a victim of crime is very low. The most common form of crime against tourists is theft, usually by stealth rather than violence, so visitors should take care to secure their personal possessions at all times. In more remote areas the risk of muggings and robberies does exist but again is very low.
There are excellent international hospitals in Bangkok but they can be expensive. Ordinary hospitals and clinics in Thailand are not always up to UK standards. This applies particularly to the coastal islands and many mainland districts outside of Bangkok, where hospitals and clinics are not equipped to deal with major trauma. Many hospitals require the authorisation of next of kin to perform operations on patients and guarantee of payment for the hospital bills from immediate next of kin. You should complete next of kin details in the back of your passports.
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General |
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If you are a British national and plan to stay for an extended period in Thailand you are strongly advised to register with the British Embassy in Bangkok upon arrival.
Visas: Most visitors can stay for 30 days without a visa
Time: GMT plus seven hours
Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric with local variations
Tourism: average 8.5 million visitors annually
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Prices & Dates |
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| Start Dates for 2008 |
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7th January |
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4th August |
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4th Feb |
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8th September |
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10th March |
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10th November |
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2nd June |
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30th June |
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Disclaimer |
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We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
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