Why Study in Pattaya?
What I do and How I Help with Training in Pattaya
by Corey McKenzie

When you hear "Pattaya", the first thing that comes to mind is probably quality education. Some of you might have thought of the beaches or islands and the water sports like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, etc… Of course, the golfers probably thought of the various golf courses with low fees and year-round golfing weather. Those interested in Thai culture could have thought of the beautiful wats (like Wat Yang), incredible Thai restaurants with traditional Thai dancing and the water puppet show. Nature lovers may have thought about Nong Nooch Gardens or The Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Bungy jumping, target shooting, mountain biking, fishing and horse riding could have been the adventure seeker’s first thought. Sports enthusiasts probably thought of Mui Thai boxing, bowling, mini-golf, snooker and pool. If you enjoy live music you might have thought of The Blues Factory where Lam Morrison frequently plays or one of the discos like Tony’s. Seriously, most people probably think of the nightlife when they think of Pattaya. True, there are plenty of bars of all types and sizes that will appeal to just about anyone. That is only one side to life in Pattaya. Even if bars aren’t your thing, there is so much to do in Pattaya that there really is something for everyone. For those that like the bars, they are there. For those who do not, no one will kidnap you and force you to visit one!

We don’t have the variety of museums that Bangkok has, but we don’t have the traffic jams and pollution either. Villa Supermarket in Bangkok is well-known for their selection of imported food items, but Friendship Supermarket near our Academy rivals their selection and carries many items you can’t get in Bangkok at all! Just like Bangkok, Pattaya has cinemas, cultural shows, shopping malls, restaurants serving all types of food, etc… Pattaya has just about everything that Bangkok has but in a quieter, fresher, beach-side setting.

Getting back to education, Pattaya is a great place to study and work. TEXT-AND-TALK offers Thailand’s best TEFL course, taught to the same standards as our Bangkok branch. Since our 120-hour course is taught Monday through Thursday, that leaves you with three days to enjoy life. Since our course is intense and intensive, some time should be spent studying. Just because you are studying doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beach. There are chairs and tables where you can study. You could even get a massage on the beach while reading through your course modules!

After graduation, we will assist you in finding work. There aren’t as many jobs in Pattaya as there are in Bangkok, but we have an incredible success rate placing our graduates. If you are flexible and don’t mind traveling 15-30 kilometers (by bus if you don’t have a car) your job opportunities expand greatly. There are many employers in Sri Rachaa, Laem Chabang, Rayong, Satahip, and other nearby cities. Local employers include universities, international schools, government schools, language schools, and businesses needing corporate training. We have a strong demand for teachers right here in our TEXT-AND-TALK Academy office. Part of my job as TEFL Course Director is locating companies, hotels, resorts and schools who require our teachers, a project which is slated to become a main task for me in the near future.

Like all TEFL Course Directors for TEXT-AND-TALK Academy, I am myself a graduate of the course and so understand thoroughly what both the trainees and the trainer need before, during and after the course training. When you enroll, I can and will help you with most needs, such as pointing you towards the type and price range of housing you want, or where to buy or find something you would like or need. I, along with our friendly Thai staff, also organize the practice teaching classes where you learn "how to do by doing" and gain the self-confidence needed to see you through any real-world teaching assignment.

I also provide all photocopied or other books or materials that the trainer requests on your behalf. Naturally, it is my pleasure to answer any questions from persons interested in our course, and to enroll them and provide the course materials if they decide to join. As I have time, I even promote our course off premises – and, of course, help organize both the English and Thai language classes inside our school and keep our academy stocked with supplies.

In short, I enjoy my job and I, along with the trainer and excellent Thai staff, am happy to do anything reasonably possible to ensure that your training and stay in Pattaya are both enjoyable and successful in every way.

These are a few of the reasons, I believe, why Pattya, at least for many people, is an ideal compromise over life in the "Big Mango". Pattaya lacks some of the shops and culture of Bangkok, but makes up for it with a lovely beach-side setting, reduced traffic and cleaner air. And, of course, you have instant friends, through us!

If you are in Thailand, you can reach me on 038 723101 or by mobile phone on 06 610 5406 – and, wherever you might be, you can reach me via e-mail, as below:

e-mail: corey@langserv.com

ENROLL NOW!

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