Job Discussion Forums

EmmaLisa · Joined: 04 Nov 2010 Posts: 2 Location: Melbourne, Australia

Hola!

I'm planning to do the CELTA course at International House (IH) in Chiang Mai this April 2011 and have a few questions that I'm hoping some people out there can answer... I've done hours of research online through this forum and many other websites and even though I've found out a lot of information I thought it would be better to start something fresh and be more specific in my questioning.... Also I'd love to chat to anyone else planning to do this course....

This is my first times guys so please be gentle... Razz

Ok here goes.....

Accommodation -

I've decided to go with the option to stay at the resort/hotel (Nugent Waterside - near Hang Dong) that the course is held at, mainly because it takes the stress and hassle out of looking for accommodation/food etc and especially travel time each day, extra time that I believe will be precious when completing this course. The location seems quite rural which of course has many benefits, however due to this I'm struggling to find any information on facilities/shops etc close by which will help in maintaining some sanity throughout the four weeks...

Has anyone stayed here? and if so can you tell me more about it? There is not much in terms of reviews available.

Gym/Exercise

Most importantly I'm looking for a gym and/or fitness centre centre in walking/cycling distance - I've found two hotels via Google maps but they seem a little far away.

I was thinking of buying a second hand bike to get around and also use to exercise and clear the mind after a long day, Does anyone know the best way/place to buy one? I've found a few places that sell then new but very expensive for only 4 weeks!

Is the location of the centre close enough to any hiking/walking tracks?

2nd Hand Books -

IH has sent me a list of all the books required for both pre course reading and whilst actually doing the course. There is 3 main books and then some extra books to help with Grammar etc.

I've done some research and these books are quite expensive!!! IH say that they are available to buy at reception but I can't imagine them being much cheaper than online.

Is there anyone out there that has done the CELTA course and either has some second hand books that they would like to sell or could direct me to somewhere that I can buy them when I arrive in Chiang Mai?

Phone/Internet

Can anyone suggest the best pre paid mobile phone company/Sim to go with/buy for use with an IPhone? For example a pre paid plan that includes some data and also allows cheapish calls to international numbers.

This is all my questions for now - I don't really have any on the actual course itself as I've been researching what's involved for some time now and know (or at least think I know) what I'm getting myself in for...

Thanks to anyone that's taken the time to read this post and I'd be really grateful to anyone with any knowledge to pass on what they can.

Look forward to hearing from you... Especially anyone who'll be on the course with me!! Smile

Em

teresa_c · Joined: 07 Mar 2011 Posts: 6

As to Phone/Internet

The cheapest way to call overseas is to use VOIP. I'm not sure if your iPhone support this function. However, for normal call there are many channels with various rates for calling from Thailand to Australia (today I checked) as follows:

AIN Network
005 - 18 baht/min
00500 - 7 baht/min

CAT Network
001 - 14 baht/min
009 - 7 baht/min

TOT Network
007 - 9 baht/min
008 - 7 baht/min

You may buy a SIM card at any 7-11 store near you, apart from specific stores. Three major providers include AIS, DTAC and True. They offer different rate and promotion for local call but the international call depends on which network you choose from above. By choosing the network, I mean just pressing the given number such as 005 before dialing the number. The cheaper ones may or may not disappoint you. Sometimes you get bad signal. Give it a try.

I live in Bangkok so I don't know the answers to your other questions. Let's wait for someone else.

Good luck.

Ishi · Joined: 20 Feb 2010 Posts: 15

Hi Emma,

I am planning to take the CELTA there, too. What kind of advice do you have for me? Can you pm me? I don't think I have posted enough to initiate it. I have some friends near there that I might stay with, but I am tempted to stay on grounds so that I can really focus and have other students around. Does that sound like a good idea?

Thanks!

pixiefi · Joined: 14 Aug 2011 Posts: 1

Hey,
I did my CELTA there recently so can help you out with any questions Smile

Can you try to pm me? I can't pm you unfortunately as I don't have enough posts! x

Josef K · Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 12:53 am Post subject:

The book issue, for anyone doing this course or the Trinity version, is worth mentioning here. There are only 3 books you would need and they can be purchased or downloaded in digital form. They are also bulky so taking them to do a course is debatable considering that most course providers have a library where you could consult similar books.
1 - Scot Thornbury Celta handbook - lots of digital versions out there but this book has a lot of exercises and ideas you will encounter in class.
2 - Jeremy Harmer's The Practice of English Language Teaching - lots of versions out there; its a good general guide with lots of info
3 - Any good grammar book, Swann is the one I have but its very bulky
Good luck

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

Scrivener's "Learning Teaching" is also very useful. I still browse it after 10 years experience.

Should be cheap to rent a motorbike to help get you to Chaing Mai city to do all the gym stuff you want. I would guess 2000-3000 baht/month.

D.K Today bookstore in Bangkok will have books you need. Google search you get you all the info you need. Probably plenty of 2nd hand copies floating around so look into online ordering as you said as well.

Best of luck!