recommended language schools
This page is a country-by-country list of schools offering intensive language study, with links. Any language school (outside Singapore) which charges much more than U.S. $10 / hour for instruction should be considered overpriced.
Thailand
AUA Language Centers
AUA (American University Alumni) stands in contrast to most of the sub-par smaller language schools in the country. Prices are reasonable and teachers reasonably qualified.There are 3 levels of group classes, which equate to an elementary - intermediate level of Thai. The Bangkok center is by far the most robust, with all levels operating continuously morning to eve. Chiang Mai has regularly scheduled terms, 2 hrs/day, 10 hrs/week, which can be supplemented with individual instruction. Pattaya and Rayong also have centers, but classes besides beginning level are usually tentative and on-demand, and often unavailable. http://www.auathailand.org/thai/thaijapanese.php Payap University, Chiang Mai
Payap University offers 4-week intensive Thai courses at 8 different levels, 3 hours per day M-F for a total of 60 hours. The price is 8000 baht per course. Courses are not offered during the month of Dec and first week of Jan. I cannot vouch for this course yet personally, but the university is reputable and 8 levels is better than AUA's 3. http://ic.payap.ac.th/certificate/thai/about.php VIETNAm
There are several schools located in Ho Chi Minh City which all seem fairly similar and provide one-on-one language training tailored to individual needs. I cannot vouch yet for the quality of instruction or differences between the schools:
VNC Language Courses - about $10 US / hour http://vnccentre.com/vietnamese-language-courses.html Vietnamese Language Garden - $ 6 - 10 US / hour http://www.vietnameselanguagegarden.com/ |
SINgAPORE
NUS (National University of Singapore) used to offer a wide variety of SE Asian languages to the community through their Extension school (NEX). Regretfully, they decided to stop doing so. At this time, there is no good, cheap way for adults to learn SE Asian languages intensively in Singapore.
INDONESIA
Note: The best place by far to study Indonesian is in Yogyakarta due to the number of schools, hospitality of the locals, lower prices, and overall environment (10 yrs. ago it was even better!) 'Jogja' is known for its many universities and for being the traditional center of Javanese art and culture. There are several language schools in the city all offering good service. I recommend studying some Javanese along with Bahasa Indonesia, as you will find it useful in the future.
Pandu Indonesian Language Course
This small school is located in Godean, on the outskirts of Yogyakarta. The owner, Galang, is friendly and highly educated with a lifelong interest in English and foreign cultures. He has also written several Indonesian novels. The school will tailor individual courses to meet your needs and schedule, and can teach you both Indonesian and Javanese. They also host a number of exchange students, and can assist with any accommodation, visa issues, etc. http://www.panduindonesia.com/index.html Philippines
GKS Language School - Cebu. A small German school run by a couple (German/Filipina). Individual Tagalog (Filipino) and Visayan-Cebuano instruction can be arranged at a reasonable rate.
http://www.gks-cebu.com/ |
Cambodia
RUPP (Royal University of Phnom Penh) offers 8-10 week Khmer classes at 4 levels, for the public, 4 times/year. http://www.rupp.edu.kh/center/kf/?page=introduction
The Khmer School of Language offers tailored one-on-one or small group instruction in Phnom Penh.
http://www.cambcomm.org.uk/ksl/ other schools, Region-WiDE
See the Learn 4 Good website:
http://www.learn4good.com/study_language.htm |
Malaysia
Since Indonesian & Malaysian are basically the same language, I recommend going to Yoyga to study Indonesian, versus going to Malaysia. It will be cheaper and you will get more practice speaking with locals, since more Malaysians will speak to you in English.
YMCA in KL - beginning Malaysian, as well as Thai courses: http://www.ymcakl.com/index.php?choice=701 A to Z Language Centre - KL. Tailored individual/group, $15 - 18/hr. http://www.atozlanguage.co/?In-House_Courses:Kuala_Lumpur:Malay |
