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[Johnny_5]

Greetings,

I'm inquiring to see if any of you have taken the CELTA in Bangkok, and more specifically, from IH Bangkok.

I'm looking for the cheapest CELTA package course. Is $2,100 reasonable for course fees and 27 nights accommodation in a studio apartment in the Silom district? I feel like it would be cheaper if I found my own accommodation, what do you guys think?

Thank you.

[Songbird]

I did it in Bangkok in Jan-Feb this year. I wanted the Bangkok & board package but by the time I was accepted into the CELTA all spots were taken. I ended up staying for the month at Silom Avenue Inn- and really glad I did! From what I heard from the other trainees, it was a bit of a hike to get into Silom Rd- shuttle from offered hotel to the metro (15mins) then about 20mins to get to the centre. And there was nada out there, especially for food (supermarket across a dangerous road though!).

Can't remember what I spent now on Silom Avenue Inn, but it DID turn out more expensive than the B & B package. But- it was just a 2km walk to the centre- there was also 2 buses (can't remember the no's, you'll have to ask) from the hotel up to the metro (centre is right outside the station). If you get off the stop before that, outside the Christian Hospital, walk up the road towards the centre, there is a great 24hour New York Deli, where I usually got breakfast every morning, centre another block up. Usually grabbed breakfast before getting into the centre by 8 before the computer lineup!

I occassionally ate dinner at SAI, reasonably priced, but sometimes just grabbed something on the run because I was so busy! At IH downstairs there's KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway and a Lenanese restaurant, as well as other good ones right across the road and of course the street food (never ate any as I didn't want to risk getting sick!).

The price IS good, but depends whether you really don't mind the in and out commuting everyday. I DID mind, very glad I stayed where I did!

Course itself is great- trainers SO tuned in to the subject, will push you to your limits and then some! Hardest month I've ever endured but soooo worth it!

(oh, and post on the Thailand forum to get more responses!)

[Johnny_5]

Thank you kindly for your reply Songbird.

I've been to the Silom district, and I was actually in Thailand while you were taking the CELTA. You make the commute sound like a nightmare I'm going to stick with the commute, hopefully it won't be too bad.

How many computers did you have access to? Were there long lines? Did you have trouble finishing assignments on time because you lacked access to a computer?

How much free time did you have? Did anyone fail or get sick during the class that hindered them from passing? How many students did you have in your class? How late did you sign up to the program?

Do you have any other advice you can offer me that could create an easier time taking the CELTA?

I know I have a lot of questions, but any help would be extremely appreciated! Thanks!

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

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