(Because I love the place!)
by Brooke Barker
Why study TEFL in Chiang Mai?
Each person has his or her own reasons for choosing a particular location to study the TEFL course. As the Text-and-Talk trainer in Chiang Mai, I would like to share my reasons why you should consider Chiang Mai as your choice of where to study TEFL.
I’ve lived in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai. But I have to tell you, for weather alone, you can’t beat Chiang Mai. The climate of northern Thailand is much more temperate than that of the rest of the country. Yes, it is still beautifully tropic here, but far less humid (most of the time). The air is generally fresher and the nights are generally cooler.
And then there is the slower pace of daily life here in Thailand's second largest city. It is easy to get caught up in the very relaxed attitude of both Thais and foreigners alike. If ever a people typified the saying “easy does it”, Chiang Mai is a perfect example. The city itself is small and easy to navigate. Even those Text-and-Talk trainees who stay at a distance from the school find their commute to school easy. In my own case, I live well away from the center of the city, yet my drive to school is only a few minutes. You are never far away from wherever you want to go in Chiang Mai.
Our TEFL for Target Learners Course covers a broad, yet in-depth, range of teaching methods and techniques, including at least 6 hours of practical teaching experience in front of Thai students. But even with a busy study and teaching schedule, our trainees still have time to explore and enjoy all that Chiang Mai has to offer. The Lanna culture of this region is distinctly different from the “flavors” of Thai culture found in other areas of the country, not the least of which are the million and one temples of different ages and styles. (Okay, a bit of an exaggeration, but you really cannot walk more than just a few meters before encountering another fascinating temple or stupa.) For those looking for something completely different, there are Thai cookery and Thai massage classes. And let's not forget the shopaholic in all of us: Chiang Mai offers malls, open markets and shops to satisfy every shopping urge.
For me, getting away from the city to explore the nearby mountains is how I recharge my battery. Waterfalls, elephant camps, national parks. The peace and quiet of northern Thailand’s natural areas is what helps me face each new week.
So whether your choice of location is based on climate, city size or cultural interests, you won't be disappointed in Chiang Mai.
Editor's note: With
Brooke's more than 30 years of teaching experience and the successful
conduct of 26 TEFL classes for our Academy so far, you will enjoy more
than just the wonderful weather and countryside in Chiang Mai: You,
like Brooke's hundreds of other graduates, will also enjoy learning to
teach English successfully, as well!
E-mail: moz@langserv.com or sujitra@langserv.com
