Job Discussion Forums

hkimball2 · Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

i see that the CELTA in chiang mai offers accommodation plus three meals a day for an extra $745... is this worth it? what's the accommodation there like? the food? can i find cheaper accommodation/food around the school?

i've also heard that the classes are offered in somewhat of a remote location - which, initially i frowned upon but now am thinking that this would be a positive considering the supposed intensity of the workload... any thoughts on taking the course here versus bangkok or phuket? thanks

english_tutor1 · Joined: 10 Mar 2009 Posts: 1

We can better help you if you indicate which school, and the location in Chiang Mai.

frankly speaking · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 54

Their price for accomodation and food is quite high about 2-3x what you would pay on your own. However, getting your own apartment requires 2months security plus your first months rent. So you might have to pay a lot more upfront but you get your money back when you leave. If you plan on staying in ChiangMai, I would recomend coming early for your class and finding an apartment that you like. The downside is that the CELTA class is held more than 30 minute drive from the city. It is not in Amphur Muang. You will need a motorcycle or car and driving home late at night can be dangerous if you are unfamiliar with the roads.

For the convenience it may be worth it to pay the extra. I wouldn't though.

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

One or two of the CELTAs in C Mai are supposed to be run in BEAUTIFUL places with nice accomm. These are outside the city which is good--you havent got time to party much--unless you wanna FAIL. U work 15 hours a day if the course is good.

I did my CELTA at IH London 20 yrs ago and people FAILED. Pro outfits may fail you. Most of us got a normal dull C pass. One guy had experience and got an A.

Check reviews but I think the IH CMai is in a wonderful place, bungalows etc. One of the CELTAs up there, at least, has a lovely setting.

P Ed

hkimball2 · Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

i'm talking about the CELTA with IH in chiang mai. thanks

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

IH there is out of town but supposed to be stunning place.

You will tend to mix with yr class for a month. Maybe Saturday nights you can go city? The city is quite a way, maybe 30 min drive. There will be some kinda man with van u can rent.

You shd stay at the site for many reasons. you are some distance out. you will work hard. I hear there is a small village about 15 min walk, somethg to do.

Some people on here seem to be unsure what to do, but that's normal if you've never been to this land. If you google IH Thailand and go to the C Mai part, YOU CAN SEE pics of your bungalows and stuff. Very rural. If you live in LA or London and need parties every night-- you will have a shock.

Eddy

hkimball2 · Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

thanks for the advice eddie. i'm definitely leaning towards the chiang mai IH CELTA right now - seems like the serene environment is a good place to take a course like this. the thing that's throwing me off a little is that i'm thinking once the course is over, i'll be somewhat lost because i'm not right in the city. i'm still unsure as to whether i want to teach in chiang mai or bangkok.. but i'm thinking one of the advantages of taking the celta in bangkok is that it's smack in the middle of the action, right around where a lot of the schools that hire will be. seems like the job search may be a bit easier in this light.

any other thoughts from people who have taken the celta at either of these locations/how you chose between the two would be much appreciated!

aaaronr · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 82

IH Chiang Mai is indeed a stunning place. Excellent resort/style mini lodge. You will be too busty to do anything but CELTA, so don't worry about cable t.v., etc.

If you do IH CM, it is the only housing option available unless you want to wake up earlier and pay more for a taxi because the school is about 10KM from CM.

Look up Nugent Waterside. It's the place you will stay.

Look for older posts. I put some info up on IH CM.

aaaronr · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 82

It's great to be busty, but you'll to be busy doing CELTA to worry about this if you're not.

I teach English, not typing.

aaaronr · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 82

Yes, I know it's too with two o's. Been teaching this morning and the osmosis from teacher tos tudent has teversed.

davidrwest2005 · Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Hubei

I was there. I wouldn't worry about the accommodations. When arrived I was worried about having brought professional shoes. If is a very relaxing environment and we spend most of the time barefoot. After lunch you can spend 5 bhat of fish food, go over to the shared pier and feed the monster catfish.

I was told by everyone how intense CELTA training is. The study is constantly drilled and the projects test your ability to make sense of it all. But the environment doesn't provide additional stress. No traffic or worrying about being late. No thoughts about where and I going to go get dinner.

During my training one man lived off campus He had a motorbike which the he took every morning and night. My opinion a little dangerous but he was familiar with Thai driving and motorbikes.

Plus, the distance from the city meant that the students required for our practicum commuted to the training center after work. This meant that to fulfill the 8 hour day training we started the training at 11AM. We did 11 AM to 9 PM instead of a conventional 8 AM to 5 PM. This was perfect for me because I don't wake up in the morning all at once. We had breakfast at 8 AM and then 2 1/2 hours of working on our papers and lesson plans before the days sessions began.