Thread: Educational options for children in Thailand

I wonder if Pattana Panya school in Udon Thani is affiliated witht he BKK school. I guess I could call the school in Bangkok and ask.

My little monkies will be going to Chula demonstration school.

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

My little monkies will be going to Chula demonstration school.

That's Satit Chula, my Thai boss sends her kids to that school. Thais have very high opinion of that school, I must say that I don't like what I hear. Academic knowledge means everything there, very Thai in its values

NIST was the school I was thinking about when I wrote the comment that it seemed that American books were cheaper or something.

A Thai friend I had (this is some 10 years ago now) sent his kids to that school, I was amazed how much American history, native American indian history, American geography they were reading. Not International curriculum then, more American curriculum disguised as international.

Seems that this has changed, is it more weighted now?

Because NIST used to be The American School Bangkok, before they moved to Nonthaburi and renamed themselves ISB. NIST was then founded on the old site in soi 15 in 1992.

Originally Posted by madjbs

Because NIST used to be The American School Bangkok, before they moved to Nonthaburi and renamed themselves ISB. NIST was then founded on the old site in soi 15 in 1992.

I may mave mixed up names here, doesn't matter

I am talking about the international school that was located on Sukhumvit Rd soi 15 in the late 90s. That's the school that taught their pupils as much American history and geography as the other countries in the world combined

Has it changed?

Originally Posted by MikeyIdea

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

My little monkies will be going to Chula demonstration school.

That's Satit Chula, my Thai boss sends her kids to that school. Thais have very high opinion of that school, I must say that I don't like what I hear. Academic knowledge means everything there, very Thai in its values

All the power in the nation goes through there, and has done for years; not that this means anything/everything - it's mcuh much cheaper than the other places, but difficult to get into, but my job entitles me, so it makes financial sense.

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

Originally Posted by MikeyIdea

Originally Posted by Bettyboo

My little monkies will be going to Chula demonstration school.

That's Satit Chula, my Thai boss sends her kids to that school. Thais have very high opinion of that school, I must say that I don't like what I hear. Academic knowledge means everything there, very Thai in its values

All the power in the nation goes through there, and has done for years; not that this means anything/everything - it's mcuh much cheaper than the other places, but difficult to get into, but my job entitles me, so it makes financial sense.

A school cannot be strong at everything, we as parents can compensate

I wonder if I had been as tired as a parent if I had been living in Europe somewhere? Probably not, I am glad that I moved over here my eyes opened up for a lot of things that I didn't consider before

Originally Posted by MikeyIdea

That's the school that taught their pupils as much American history and geography as the other countries in the world combined

That was ISB, we take American History and Geography as well as World History and World Geography. Different levels different years. Am damn glad I had that education, as now I am home schooling my kids in the exact same things. Not as heavy on the US history but they now know the background.

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

With everything said, does anyone know the best route for a good bilingual education in the Udon Thani area?

St Mary's for girls and Don Bosco for boys.

Just because they're the best, doesn't mean they're any good though.

Thanks Dog. I did see the Don Bosco website and agree that they may be considered an international school, but that does not make it a good eductation. It seems to be the only game in town right now though. My son is only 6 months old right now, but it is never too early to start looking around.

If you can afford an International school, do it.

If you cannot afford it, make excuses and look elsewhere.

If you want your child to have options outside Thailand, then send it to an IB school, if you want your child to be shackled to Thailand then look elsewhere and make excuses

Originally Posted by rotator

If you want your child to have options outside Thailand, then send it to an IB school, if you want your child to be shackled to Thailand then look elsewhere and make excuses

Number one to me would be to not call your child it. There are nice options in Thailand but only as far as Mor 3.

My youngest had been going to school for over a year (started when he was 2) and to be honest, he seemed to have learnt fuck all apart from how to cry like a girl when he wanted his own way or to be stroppy and answer his mother back.

I did have a word with his teacher as to why he couldn't yet recognise written numbers and she said 'This isn't a Western school!'. So there you have it. Thai teachers themselves believe that students are not at school to learn stuff.

I hope I don't misunderstand you, sorry if I do, but you write that your child started at the age of 2 and has been in school for over a year. Then he should still be in pre-Kindergarten, right? 3 years old or just 4?

Then it is not important for him to learn numbers

Originally Posted by MikeyIdea

I hope I don't misunderstand you, sorry if I do, but you write that your child started at the age of 2 and has been in school for over a year. Then he should still be in pre-Kindergarten, right? 3 years old or just 4?

Then it is not important for him to learn numbers

He is in Anubaan 1 and is 3 years old (4 in July).

I didn't say it was important, but it's why we send him to school. You know, to learn stuff? I'm just disappointed because I wanted him to get a head-start.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by MikeyIdea

I hope I don't misunderstand you, sorry if I do, but you write that your child started at the age of 2 and has been in school for over a year. Then he should still be in pre-Kindergarten, right? 3 years old or just 4?

Then it is not important for him to learn numbers

He is in Anubaan 1 and is 3 years old (4 in July).

I didn't say it was important, but it's why we send him to school. You know, to learn stuff? I'm just disappointed because I wanted him to get a head-start.

I recommend not to worry about the knowledge head-start thing at all, research shows that advantage in knowledge at that age gives no long-term benefit. Advantage in Development and EQ - SQ really does though, it's initiative, creativity, self control, the beginnings of concentration, self confidence, imagination, spirit, passion, pride in learning, things like that that matters at the age of 3

It is not important for a 3-year-old to learn numbers, it's what I write above that you and the school should concentrate on

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

My youngest had been going to school for over a year (started when he was 2) and to be honest, he seemed to have learnt fuck all apart from how to cry like a girl when he wanted his own way or to be stroppy and answer his mother back.

I did have a word with his teacher as to why he couldn't yet recognise written numbers and she said 'This isn't a Western school!'. So there you have it. Thai teachers themselves believe that students are not at school to learn stuff.

So what is your plan now for your youngest? Do you plan to home school, keep trying to find a decent school or send him off to a recognized internationlal school. It is a difficult situation and have only seen a few solutions on this thread. I do not really want to send my son off while he is young but am not sure if any other solutions, short of home schooling, will give him a good learning foundation.

Education in Thailand?
It's not, it's indoctrination.
And it's getting worse.

There are a handful of International schools that might provide an 'average' educational standard here, but now you'll probably end up with 'expat brat' syndrome- which they'd hopefully shake if & when they go onto tertiary education overseas.

I don't have kids fortunately, but if I did I reckon I'd bite the bullet and send them to a Boarding school in Australia or the UK. Some place where curiosity and asking questions is rewarded, not punished. Which means I'd have to go back to work really, which would be most unfortunate.

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

My youngest had been going to school for over a year (started when he was 2) and to be honest, he seemed to have learnt fuck all apart from how to cry like a girl when he wanted his own way or to be stroppy and answer his mother back.

I did have a word with his teacher as to why he couldn't yet recognise written numbers and she said 'This isn't a Western school!'. So there you have it. Thai teachers themselves believe that students are not at school to learn stuff.

So what is your plan now for your youngest? Do you plan to home school, keep trying to find a decent school or send him off to a recognized internationlal school. It is a difficult situation and have only seen a few solutions on this thread. I do not really want to send my son off while he is young but am not sure if any other solutions, short of home schooling, will give him a good learning foundation.

I'd like to send him to my mother in the UK, but I think she'd tell me to fek off!

I guess he'll spend all his life in Thailand, so as long as I can explain that most of what they say at school is complete bollocks then I can't do much else.

I don't have the time to home-school him and his Thai is already better than mine, so I fear it would be worse than him going to a Thai 'school'.

Originally Posted by aging one

Originally Posted by MikeyIdea

That's the school that taught their pupils as much American history and geography as the other countries in the world combined

That was ISB, we take American History and Geography as well as World History and World Geography. Different levels different years. Am damn glad I had that education, as now I am home schooling my kids in the exact same things. Not as heavy on the US history but they now know the background.

I am also glad that I had that education. I've learned so much I can't believe how much info they stuck into my little head back in school. I think it was worth the education taking into considering the amount of knowledge and activities that school provided. Their facilities were top notch and probably the best in Thailand, because the school is big, it gives the children a large selection of courses and activities to choose from. Many of the small international schools have a very limited number of courses and activities.

If you can afford it definitely send your kid to an International School. ISB and Nist seems to have the best balance of students, many other big international schools such as BPS and RIS has too many asians in my opinion, this is not a bad thing. But I have noticed many friends who attended these schools spoke mostly their mother tongue at school, thus their english never improved even after 10 years studying there! Most non-thais are better at speaking Thai than english as a matter of fact. So I think thats one thing to consider if you are choosing an International School.

Depending what languages you expect your kid to speak, if Thai is also a priority. I would pick a Bilingual school. Even if its not, you should consider it, either Thai-English, or Chinese-English. It will give your kid a head start in life.

Since I will be living here the rest of my life, I would put Thai and English as a priority. If I were to send my kid to school, I would send them to a Tri-lingual school (Thai, Chinese, and English). I have many friends who send them to Tri-lingual school and their kids can speak three languages fluently, I was truly impressed. They could read and write three language in middle school! Although not at an advance level, a basic-intermediate level is enough for general communications.

After middle school, I would move my kids to a big International School so they can learn a fourth language if they choose. The International School will also provide them with a large selection of courses and activities. I believe bigger International Schools offer a more advance selection of courses for students compared to smaller ones. IB and AP programs are very important I think these high level courses prepares a student for what to expect in college in terms of the difficulty and work load.

I wouldn't send my kid to a big International School for elementary, it's a waste of money considering they are just learning English and other basic courses which is what smaller international schools will teach as well for a lot cheaper!

If you can only speak one language in today's society, you are already behind, if you can speak two - you are just average, three languages is a must if you want to excel in such a diverse society and do business in today's world.

The above makes sense about learning Thai, English and Chinese to give a child a "jump" in todays world. Thai, because they will probably call Thailand their first home no matter where they live in later life. English, because it is the accepted "international language" used thoroughout the world. Chinese, since they will more than likely be the next superpower, unless we have some sort of major war. In the business world, I would think these three languages would be best if you are of Thai/Western decent.
I also agree with the statements about not worrying too much with the excellerated academia at an early age. It seems learning good study habits along with social skills could be learned in less "superior" schools and assure a child has a good learning base for choosing whatever path they gravitate toward. I have one grown son who was not a good student, never went to college and now works for a computer company and is doing very well without an extensive education. My other son had good study habits and is now in his last year of college in mechanical engineering. Both of the same seed, but two completely different personalities. I hope my little one will find something he excells in and follows his own path in life instead of being funneled down the road I would prefer him to take.
This has been good to read what others think and I will start looking for a school that teaches English and Chinese along with Thai as a main language. I will make later decisions once my son shows an aptitude to go one path or another. I would like to leave some of the decision making up to him.

Originally Posted by madjbs

I agree, ISB is far too American biased, I think NIST gives a much more rounded education and school atmosphere.

Madjbs: I heard that the well-respected head of NIST moved to Bangkok Prep which has recently opened near Thonglor. Have you heard much about that place? Seems like it will be quite good.
What about the American School of Bangkok behind Sametivej?