Job Discussion Forums

Judson · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 7

Is anyone familiar with the International House in Bangkok? Have you or anyone you know taken the CELTA course there or other IH locations in Thailand (Chang Mai, Phuket, etc)? If yes, how would you rate the outfit? Anything a prospective CELTA candidate need to be aware of?

-J

thecatspyjamas · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 4

Hi! I'm taking the CELTA with IH in Chiang Mai at the moment. It's definitely a good outfit - the trainers are good and the support is really good. They are pretty adamant about the 'CELTA approach' (sometimes to the point of being closed-minded), but I imagine most CELTA training places are. The accommodation/ etc in Chiang Mai is BEAUTIFUL.

The course IS really intense and if you are going to do it, don't plan anything else for that time, because you won't have time.

Let me know if there's anything else you want to know.

mindweave · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:06 am Post subject: IH CELTA training in Chiang Mai

I took the CELTA training about two years ago in Chiang Mai and it was a fantastic experience. Apart from the classes and resources (Computer lab, more than adequate library) the food was to die for, the rooms and accomodations were first class, and the Thai adult students were sweethearts. I got a job at a different IH center straight out of this training and now am teaching English at a university in Southeast Asia. The course organizers made sure there were sufficient breaks to town and the location is out in the beautiful countryside. Motivated participants can wake up early and take nice country walks. The workload is very intense- worse than anything I experienced getting my Masters degree.
Saswadee ka!!

sheikxhoni · Joined: 28 Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: Bangkok

Look for my critique elsewhere which compares IH to ECC - both in BKK. I'm in BKK so I went to both just to take a look. The IH location is at the edge of the world's biggest (maybe) "adult entertainment" district which is kinda cool in a way. (Prostitution is supposed to be illlegal in Thailand but I have also heard it is the second biggest business only following agriculture.) But remember that is no problem for the IH student because nothing opens there until 9 or 10 pm. Bangkok could be similar to some neighborhoods in NYC because there are many American fast food places but lots of exotic choices near by too.

The ILA facilities in HCMC - where I took CELTA in January - is vastly superior to either of the two choices in Bangkok, but Bangkok is cheaper and better in most other ways compared to HCMC.

CELTA is the gold standard of certificates and the course itself should be the same where ever you take it. Programs carrying the "TEFL" name in one form or the other mean nothing regarding what you will get. I predict that only the CELTA will have real value for gaining employment within the next few years.

bedu · Joined: 05 Jul 2010 Posts: 7 Location: Bangkok

Bit late this reply.

I did my CELTA with IH in Bangkok, and it was one of the best choices I have made in a while.

The trainers were excellent.

I'm sure ECC is okay, but the IH carries some weight if not only working in Thailand, even if the CELTA cert. is exactly the same.

Maxwell69 · Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Posts: 6

I did my training there too. I liked the location and the trainers were good. One was excellent, but they promise to offer advice after the course and I found they didn't deliver on that. Otherwise I got a lot out of taking my class there.

- Maxwell

NigerianWhisper · Joined: 21 Mar 2009 Posts: 176

MaiPenRai · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 390 Location: BKK

IH has a good rep worldwide and in Bangkok their focus is definitely the CELTA course. It was pretty good when I did mine there a few years back. Great trainers, but below average facility and resources. (6 computers for up to 15 students) (no A/C in the classroom) (VERY cramped spaces for working). THe Bangkok location is great for ease of travel. And regardless of what has been mentioned, you wouldn't even realize you were a few blocks from a "dying" adult entertainment area.

MOD EDIT

Maxwell69 · Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Posts: 6

The AC worked fine when I was there last year, and according to the auditor computers are an issue at many locations. At the BKK IH the biggest reason is lack of space for extra computers.

MOD EDIT

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2010 7:40 pm Post subject:

Please stay on topic.

If you wish to discuss prostitution in Thailand, you will have to do it on another board.

MyDy · Joined: 08 Apr 2011 Posts: 1

Hi,

I would be taking my CELTA there soon. Let's say I do pass the course, when would I actually receive the certificate?

bedu · Joined: 05 Jul 2010 Posts: 7 Location: Bangkok

The certificate comes after about a month.

They give you a preliminary certificate after about 2 weeks, which can be used until the result is validated by Cambridge ESOL.

Songbird · Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:01 am Post subject:

Ha!

I did my CELTA at IH Bangkok from 10 Jan-5 Feb this year. 10 weeks later....I am STILL waiting for my certificate......

Did get the prelim one from IH about 3 weeks after I finished. But getting annoyed about the wait as it's now hiring season and people want to SEE it- I expected it along before now!

Yes, take your own computer, at least then you don't need to hang around waiting for one etc. It also depends on the time you work best-I'm a morning person, but the 1st couple of weeks trying to get things done at night. I was so switched off. I ended up going to the bagel shop down the street from the centre for breakfast around 7am, and got to the centre by 8am open. But the final week I didn't do any work at night, not that I told anyone!

jumpamonkey · Joined: 02 Oct 2009 Posts: 9 Location: Bangkok

I am very happy with the training I got at IH Bangkok at the beginning of 2010. It definitely opened doors. One concern now is that they seem to be running a revolving door. During my class we had 18 CELTA students in a facility designed for 12 maximum. Resources were a little tight, facility a bit cramped and it was sometimes a bit disorganized but this was offset by the stunning professionalism and quality of the instructors. Unfortunately, now they are trying to run 30 people per month through the same space. I can't imagine how they are doing it. Check out Chiang Mai as an option. If you're doing IH Bangkok, stay at the Aiya Residence apartment. Cheaper than what they offer, faster to commute and restaurant onsite to have food delivered at nights when you return exhausted. Front desk will print your papers for you, etc. 15 minute BTS ride to the school, no shuttle vans or tuk-tuks to deal with.

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

When you get the certificate does it have the IH school / training centre logo and name on the certificate or does it just have the University of Cambridge logo and name?