TESOL Course in THAILAND, Chiang Mai
 Why
TESOL in Chiang Mai, Thailand?
Chiang Mai is Thailand's second-largest city to the north of Thailand
and also the 3rd training location of TEFL International for the
TESOL
Certificate Program. Chiang Mai is at an altitude of approximately 310
meters above sea level. A distance of about 700 kilometers separates
Chiang Mai from the capital Bangkok. It attracts both local and
international tourists and is popular as a modern and friendly city. The
excellent Thai food, beautiful and numerous temples, unique
architecture, lush green mountains and a culture that has developed over
700 years is reason enough to visit Chiang Mai. The city identifying the
specialties as well as the characteristics of northern Thailand is a
treasure trove of cultural and natural bounty that unfailingly appeals
to visitors from different parts of the world. Local culture is on
display at the museums and tribal art and craft at the night bazaar.
There is always something new to discover in Chiang Mai. Intriguing
diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes
Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. This rich
tapestry presents Chiang Mai as one of the most admired
TEFL locations
as well where the TESOL course can be blended with innumerable tourist
activities.
What is the attraction?
The options for travelers as well as the TEFL trainees are endless in
Chiang Mai. One can wander among the quiet lanes of the old town
admiring the beautiful temples and rustic old fashioned lifestyle of the
locals, or simply sit beside the pretty moat and watch the world go by.
On Doi Suithep you can admire fabulous views, seek out superb waterfalls
and visit intriguing hilltribe villages while absorbing the valuable
inputs provided on EFL teaching in the classroom by a dynamic
TESOL instructor.
For the adventurous the Peak Rock-Climbing Plaza has one of the largest
rock-climbing walls in Southeast Asia. Non-climbers can watch the action
from several adjacent bars and restaurants. Thai massages are both
famous and infamous. However there are dozens of traditional massage
centres all around the city, which are indeed relaxing and therapeutic.
Chiang Mai certainly does not have the Thai beaches but it sure has a
number of public swimming pools when temperatures rise.
Besides taking up the TESOL Certificate Program, Chiang Mai is also an
ideal place to delve into Thai culture. The city has a very attractive
art and craft trade, often involving traditional methods that have been
passed down through generations. Northern Thailand is also uniquely the
home to a variety of interesting hill-tribes, such as the Hmong, Karen,
Shan (Tai Yai), Akha, Lisu, Lahu and Mien, many of whom have migrated
into the region from the Asian interior. With them, they have brought
unusual customs and colourful costumes/dress that guarantees to interest
the international tourist on their academic tour of a
TEFL course in
Chiang Mai.
What is in Chiang Mai for you?
Chiang Mai has something for everyone. For the historically and
culturally inclined its tribal history and culture will surely fascinate
them, the nature lover will find the rain forests to be a haven of
biodiversity while the traveler will marvel at the ethnic food, friendly
people and laid back life.
The Night Bazaar attracts foreign and local shoppers. On offer at the
market are northern- and northeastern-Thai hand-woven fabrics,
hill-tribe crafts, opium scales, hats, silver jewellery, lacquerware,
woodcarvings, iron and bronze Buddhas, as well as many other items.
The market dates back to the time when the Yunnanese trading caravans
used to stop near the Ping River along the ancient trade route between
Simao (China) and Mawlamyaing in Myanmar.
The Tribal Museum has a large collection of handicrafts, costumes,
jewellery, ornaments, utensils, tools, musical instruments and
ceremonial paraphernalia, all offering insights into the cultural
features of the major hill tribes of Thailand. Besides adapting the
teaching skills at TEFL classroom, Chiang Mai proves to be a true
cultural learning experience for the visitors working towards an
international certification.
The oldest wat in the city, Wat Chiang Man was founded by King Mengrai
in 1296 and features typical Northern Thai temple architecture.
Chiang Mai On the tourist map
The Elephant is a sacred animal for the Thais and is visible everywhere
in Thailand in some form or the other. So it would be good to visit a
nature park built especially for the animal. The Elephant Nature Park is
a unique project set in Northern Thailand. Established in the 1990's the
aim has always been to provide a sanctuary and rescue center for
elephants in Thailand.
For the adventure lover there is both trekking in the hills and rafting
on the river. . Even if you have never white water rafted before, you
will love this day trip in Mae Taeng, near the Elephant Nature Park. It
is an interesting way of spending your weekends in between weeks of
TESOL classes.
Chiang Mai has a plethora of temples which are architecturally different
form the temples in other parts of Thailand. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep,
is located high in the hills above Chiang Mai, this magnificent temple
was commissioned by King Kuena, ruler of the region from 1367-1388.
A visit to the Umbrella Village will be worth it. As it demonstrates how
Umbrella's are made from the bark to the end process. They also have a
great gift shop and the prices are reasonable for the
TESOL trainees to
pick up as souvenirs.
Evening and night life
Chiang Mai's popularity with travelers means there are plenty of
night-time options to keep one entertained into the wee hours, from bars
and theme pubs to live music, discos, cinemas and cultural shows.
Weekend activities
A trip to the temple on top of Doi Suithep, an imposing mountain to the
west of the city is worth a visit. It is a 15km journey to the summit
which can be covered either by local taxi or hired two wheelers. There
are two gorgeous waterfalls, Huay Kaew falls and Monthathal falls which
can be covered in the same day.
About 30 minutes from Chiang Mai is the Mae Sa valley with a beautiful
waterfall, orchid farm, monkey and snake farms and botanical gardens. A
ride on the back of an elephant should not be left out.
A day or overnight trip to the fabulous Doi Inthanon national park -
home of Thailand's highest mountain is recommended. The treks include
elephant-back rides, rafting rivers on bamboo skiffs, visits to
waterfalls and nights stay in villages of the indigenous tribal people
who lead a simple lifestyle and follow a unique tradition and culture.
To the north of Chiang Mai heading towards Chiang Dao are a remarkable
complex of caves beneath it.
Chiang Rai sounds like a twin city of Chaing Mai but is equally historic
and offers a more realistic glimpse into a Northern Thailand city. From
Chiang Rai it's not far to the mighty Mekhong River.
Pai is a town situated beside a river, among the hills to the north of
Chiang Mai. The three-hour drive over mountaintops to get there is
spectacular and the town has become a base from which to start trekking.
Live music, quaint restaurants and cheap, simple, guesthouses add to its
appeal.
Doi Inthanon National Park, is a one hour drive from Chiang Mai towards
the south and is the country's highest mountain. On the way up there are
three superb waterfalls. Several hill tribes also live in the park, and
visitors are encouraged to visit their villages, observe their
traditional ways and buy their handicrafts.
All these components of tourist attraction heighten Chiang Mai’s
popularity as TESOL location where the candidates enjoy the
certification course while immersing in an ultimate cultural experience.
About our TEFL Location
The TESOL classes will be held at the Language Institute Chiang Mai
University located at 239 Huay Kaew Road, Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai
50200. The location is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Chiang Mai
and 3km from Chiang Mai International Airport and 8km from Doi Suthep
Temple. The TEFL trainees can use the University gymnasium, swimming
pool and library.
Connectivity in Chiang Mai
The International airport at Chiang Mai has flights coming in from
Munich, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Mandalay via Yangon (Rangoon),
Singapore and Vientiane. If you are traveling from other destinations
then the numerous and cheap domestic flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
is only a 50 minute run. Chiang Mai is also connected by road and rail
from Bangkok.
The converted pick-up trucks will help you get around the city.
Weather
In theory there are 3 seasons in Thailand: the cool season from November
to February, the hot season from March to June and the raining season
from July to October. |
It is a very compact experience. Extensive learning but
fun.
A gear experience with TEFL International and very
helpful to find placement
