Why Study English in Bangkok
You’ve decided it’s time for an adventure and committed to studying English abroad. You have the whole world and countless countries and cities around the world to choose from. So, with that in mind, why study English in Bangkok? Instead of telling you why you should study English in this unique city myself, I asked students of IH Bangkok – past and present – what makes Bangkok so special. Let’s take a look at what they had to say about studying English in Bangkok.
The City life
Cost of living[image width=”300″ height=”250″ src=”https://ihbangkok.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Bangkok-Skyline.jpg” alt=”IH Bangkok Students” style=”no-style” position=”right”]
When asked about what she loves about Bangkok, current student Tatiana said, “One thing I love about Bangkok is the cost of living. It’s very cheap here compared to my country and I can do lots of things after class. The school has a good location too and the Skytrain makes it easy to get around the city. Bangkok is a modern city, it’s very convenient…but it also keeps its old traditions. For example, you can visit temples and see monks which is so interesting for me. We have nothing like this in my country.”
After living in Bangkok for four years now, I would certainly agree! Bangkok has something for everyone and is affordable even if you’re on a tight budget, especially when compared to other cities.
A lively city and amazing food…
[image width=”270″ height=”360″ src=”https://ihbangkok.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thai-Food.jpg” alt=”Thai Food” style=”no-style” position=”left”]Other students had similar things to say about the city itself, “It is such a lively city. There are these great night markets, great bars…there is so much to do. Oh, and the food! The Thai food I love so much…maybe a bit spicy sometimes, but I love it. Food is everywhere and it tastes so good. I like street food the best…and red curry. You really have to try it.”
Food is an important part of Thai culture and is delicious! If you don’t try some of Thailand’s famous dishes, you’re missing out! The night markets are great places to hang out with friends, enjoy the food and the atmosphere, or even get your nails varnished or your hair cut. One thing you certainly won’t be in Bangkok is bored or hungry.
The teachers
Here’s what a number of our past students had to say about our teachers:
“Thanks to all the teachers for taking care of me!“
[image width=”400″ height=”200″ src=”https://ihbangkok.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/1.-IH-Bangkok-Staff.jpg” alt=”IH Bangkok Teachers” style=”no-style” position=”right”]Abby, from Taiwan commented, “It was a great experience to learn English at IH Bangkok. Teachers in IH are very kind, patient and funny. They didn’t let you feel pressure, nervous or lack of confidence. When you had some questions, but you were afraid of asking, they would notice this situation and try to build your self-confidence! That’s really helpful for me. In IH, students came from different countries, so the teachers tried to find the best way to help students adapt to the new environment. When I studied in IH, I met many teachers…who helped…me understand English in different ways. Thanks to all teachers for taking care of me!”
It’s really important to us that we are approachable for our students and helping them feel at ease in their new environment. We understand that people from different countries and backgrounds have different expectations and we go out of our way to make sure all our students can flourish in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
“Teachers in IH Bangkok are all native speakers“
This sentiment was echoed by Wade, a past student who has returned to the school more than once. He said, “I went to IH Bangkok and I had so many opportunities to practice my speaking with students from different countries. What’s more? Teachers in IH Bangkok are all native speakers. They are far from their hometown and willing to spend time being with students. Studying here not only improved my English skills but I also made friends with teachers and classmates from all over the world. I’ll never regret studying here.”
As touched on by Wade, all our teachers are native speakers and are well-adapted to working in other countries. All our teachers also have a CELTA (or Trinity Cert-TESOL) qualification as well as a university degree from their home countries. Our student base includes people from over 60 countries, meaning that as well as developing your language skills, it’s also possible for you to meet and make friends with people from all around the world. What’s not to like about that?!
What about the school?
[image width=”400″ height=”232″ src=”https://ihbangkok.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/5.-Students-3-IH-Bangkok.jpg” alt=”IH Bangkok Students” style=”no-style” position=”right”]
“These experiences are why I’ve always miss your school.”
Finally, here is what Haruka, another returning student from Japan, had to say about studying at IH in Bangkok:
“I really liked studying at IH Bangkok because the life there was amazing. The people were relaxing and helpful so I didn’t need to feel so busy. Also IH Bangkok had many students who were a similar age to me. My friends in Bangkok are more independent so I’d say it’s much easier to make friends. My English was improved by group lessons of course but it was a good idea that I took private lessons as well. I was able to pay more attention when I studied with only one teacher. These experiences are why I’ve always miss your school. It’s a safe city and has a lot of places to visit, so I’ve never been tired of Bangkok.”
As mentioned by Haruka, we offer both group classes as well as private ones, so it’s up to you whether you want to study with others or alone. Group classes are fantastic for making new friends and having someone to speak English with outside the classroom, whereas private lessons allow you to go at your own pace and focus on what you want to learn. Whether you decide to study in a group or in a private class, IH and the city of Bangkok can offer you a learning experience that you will never forget.
So, why should you study in Bangkok? For me, it’s all of the above…and the weather! I love to wake up and find the sun shining and setting me up for a great day ahead.
Hope to see you soon.
– Richie