Information

Asia’s Center for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) conducts intensive, five-week courses leading to a TESOL certificate. This certificate is supported by Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. For the first three weeks the classes are Monday-Friday, 8-4. For the last two weeks, the classes are 8-12, followed by a two-hour practicum in the afternoon or evening. This totals 120 hours in class and 20 hours of practicum (10 hours observing and 10 hours teaching).

Qualifications: Course participants whose first language is not English must pass a two-hour English proficiency exam administered by ACT and score 550 or higher. (500-550 = probabation, 480-500 = audit). The exam schedule is arranged on a case by case basis. “Native speakers” are exempted from the exam. Participants must be at least high school graduates (some grade 12 students have been accepted) . Applicants are also screened for goals that are compatible with Asia’s Center for TESOL goals.

*Do not book your return flight on Friday the last day of class. Saturday the following day is acceptable.

Also, do not book your flight to arrive more than one month before the class begins without confirmation from this school. There are sometimes circumstances beyond our control where classes need to be postponed.

* Tuition: In Thailand is 19,000B per student (16,000 for developing nations), or 34,000 for couples sharing textbooks.

Address and a map to the School: 209/5 Muu 3, San Pacwan, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, on the 121 highway.

https://goo.gl/maps/9erCQkRAaLwyyeng8 on google maps.

Room and board and transportation fees to and from practicums are the personal responsibility of each participant. See below for some housing options. Some possibilities for accommodation are listed below. Incidental costs such as photocopying or select teaching supplies purchase could amount up to 1000-2000B. Teachers will find a laptop computer VERY useful for their teaching preparation and research. You will also use permanent markers, lots of poster paper. There is a printer in the classroom you can use. Scissors. There is a laminator and laminating sheets you can purchase at the school if you want to laminate your flashcards for teaching.

Class times: Class runs from 8am-4pm Monday through Friday. Students are encouraged to have no other obligations on the weekends or evenings to have time for a LOT of homework.

Supplies for class: Notebook, pen, laptop will help you a lot. Markers for making posters. Scissors. Masking tape. Highlighter if you like to use them.

Visas: Make sure to apply for your tourist visa in your country of residence. We do not supply student visas.

Please try to get a 60-90 day visa before you arrive if you are coming from outside of Thailand. If you cannot and you fly into Thailand you will be given a 30 day tourist visa. If this is the case you will need to go to the Thai immigration office during your stay to apply for an extension. The cost is (currently) 1900Bht and are now available at the Immigration office in Chiang Mai (currently located at the Promenada Mall). Bring your passport, photocopy of the passport, 4x6cm photo, and fill out the form once at the immigration office. Please do not overstay your tourist visa. A fine of 500 Baht per day you overstay will need to be paid before you leave the country.

Dress Code: All students need to be aware that as “teachers” in Asia, they will need to wear dress pants and collared shirts for their teaching practicum. Blouses are fine but should not reveal cleavage or be transparent. Basically, no t-shirts. It is important to respect the culture and to dress well when in a role of responsibility such as teaching. During class they should dress nice, not gym clothes, modest length of shorts and skirts (not your Saturday kick around the house clothes). The classroom is only air-conditioned in the afternoons if the weather heats up. Otherwise there is just ceiling fans to cool you off.

Housing: We can put you in touch with some places in the area but booking and paying for your housing during the course is the student's responsibility.