Duke Language School Review: Your Path to Learning Thai

Last updated on November 23rd, 2023 at 09:52 am

Embarking on a journey to master a new language is a thrilling endeavor, and Duke Language School in Bangkok has become a beacon for those seeking to learn Thai with confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into my honest Duke Language School Review, exploring their range of courses, ED Visa options, and the quality of education they provide. Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate learner, or aiming for fluency, our review aims to provide a comprehensive guide to see if Duke Language School is worth it. Let’s begin your gateway to unlocking the world of Thai language and culture.

Thai Language Courses and The Learning Approach

At Duke Language School, the courses are designed to cater to learners of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced speakers. The school employs a communicative approach to teaching, which encourages active participation and real-life conversations from day one. The curriculum focuses on essential language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Each course is thoughtfully structured to cover relevant topics, cultural insights, and practical scenarios that learners are likely to encounter in their daily lives.

Thai Language School ED Visa Option

For those who are truly dedicated to mastering Thai, Duke Language School offers an ED Visa option that sets them apart. This visa allows students to study for an extended period (Up to 12 months), fostering a deep and comprehensive understanding of the language. The school’s knowledgeable staff provide step-by-step guidance through the ED Visa application process, ensuring that international students can focus on their studies without the hassle of administrative complexities. This valuable feature positions Duke Language School as an accommodating choice for individuals who wish to immerse themselves in Thai language and culture for an extended duration.

As an American student eager to learn to speak Thai while staying in Thailand, I was advised to begin with a 60 Day Tourist Visa in my home country. Upon landing in Bangkok, the first initial step involved reporting to Duke Language School to both settle the tuition fee and initiate the paperwork necessary for converting my 60 Day Tourist Visa into the coveted Thailand ED Visa. The procedure was refreshingly straightforward, with the school efficiently handling all the required documentation. Remarkably, the immigration approval process took around four weeks to complete. Tourist Visa to Thai Ed Visa Process.

Duke Language Teachers

The teachers at Duke Language School, who are all mostly young pretty Thai ladies, infuse each session with high energy, ensuring that learning becomes an enjoyable endeavor. From the very first day, students are encouraged to engage in Thai conversations, while later progressing to the point where they confidently initiate discussions with fellow students, drawing from the material they’ve covered.

Commendations abound for the enthusiastic and adept teaching staff, who consistently earn accolades for their unwavering commitment to guiding students toward progress. The classroom dynamic, designed for interactivity, blends seamlessly with innovative teaching methods, creating a nurturing environment where learners boldly practice and refine their ability to speak and study Thai.

Student Experiences and Success Stories

The true measure of a language school’s success can be found in the stories of its students. Duke Language School shines brightly in this regard, with an abundance of positive reviews from individuals who have thrived through their courses. These firsthand student experiences stand as a testament to Duke Language School’s unwavering dedication to nurturing language proficiency and promoting cultural comprehension.

Duke Language School Cost With Thai ED Visa

Each class you enroll in at Duke will cost 8,000 baht ($228.40). You have the ability to repeat a class if you feel you did not grasp the concepts. Each course’s textbook costs 500 baht ($14.27). After your 60-day Tourist Visa is converted to the Thailand Ed Visa, you get 3 months before you need to file for an extension, but after that, the renewal is every 60 days. Each time you renew, immigration charges 1900 baht ($54.25), taxi to the immigration office is roughly 500 baht ($14) round trip. That’s roughly $275 per month plus your transportation cost to get to school. As you can see, it’s not exactly cheap.

If your main goal is just a long term visa and you don’t want to bother with learning, you can apply for the elite visa, which only costs maybe an extra $20 compared to the ED option.

Classroom Size

Each course’s classroom size is about 10-12 students. Students will be from all over the world; I had a nice mix in each of the four courses I attended. Duke does offer the ability to sit in a classroom to see the teaching method and experience how the lessons are taught.

It’s worth noting that class availability can fill up rapidly, underscoring the importance of reserving your spot well in advance. Ensuring your enrollment aligns with your intended arrival date in Thailand is essential to guarantee a seamless transition into the dynamic and immersive world of Thai language learning, facilitated by the convenience of the Thailand ED Visa.

Homework

Although minimal homework is assigned, students are required to thoroughly read the textbook and commit vocabulary to memory. The program follows a non-grading system during the initial phase, making it a perfect entry-level class for establishing a solid foundation in the language. The first hour of each class is dedicated to talk time, followed by the introduction of new content. The integration of flashcards with visual aids adds an innovative touch to the learning process. Engaging activities like role-playing, drawing, and Pictionary are woven into the curriculum, enhancing memory retention and fostering an essential boost in linguistic self-assurance. Homework generally takes about 1 hour to complete, but be prepared for reviewing vocabulary outside of the classroom.

My Recommendation If You Want To Learn Thai

I would definitely recommend Duke Language School, but understand that this is only the beginning of your journey if you want to be fluent in speaking Thai. Each course offered at Duke runs for about a month. Duke’s first 3 courses are speaking only, followed by 2 reading and writing courses and 3 more advanced classes that bring everything together. Classes are 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, and you have the option to choose either the morning session from 9-12pm or the afternoon session from 1-4pm. There is no break between a course ending and the next level beginning, so I would recommend getting the book ahead of time and self-studying before the course begins.

Tip: The fastest way to learn Thai is if you have a Thai partner, whether a wife or girlfriend. Or make friends with Thais who can teach you the correct way to pronounce a few words. Or you can checkout italki for one on one private online lessons.

Duke Language School Location:

Situated in the heart of Bangkok, Duke Language School is located off the Nana BTS on SoI 13 in the Trendy Building. The school’s location allows students to easily explore the city’s cultural attractions while also immersing themselves in the local language and customs.

Duke Language School Review

★★★★

In conclusion, I was able to complete the first four courses, which included 3 speaking courses and an introductory reading and Thai alphabet course. While the pace of the school’s curriculum is undeniably fast paced, and certain topics are not covered in depth due to time constraints, I can confidently say that I’ve made substantial progressed in my Thai language journey. The accelerated learning approach allowed me to grasp concepts at a quicker pace than if I were to rely solely on self-studying Thai language books. However, there were instances where valuable time was spent on lesson games and during talk time sessions, where students asled other students random questions about their day.

In hindsight, a potentially more effective strategy might involve more focused drilling by the teacher to solidify the lessons learned. While the school’s approach was comprehensive, I personally would have appreciated more emphasis on spoken communication before transitioning into the intricacies of reading and writing. Additionally, incorporating a mobile app option for learning beyond the classroom setting could greatly enhance the overall learning experience, provided the school chooses to offer such a resource.

Duke Language School in Bangkok emerges as a top-notch institution for learning Thai, offering well-structured courses, a supportive learning environment, and the convenience of an ED Visa option. With a focus on practical communication skills and a commitment to student success, Duke Language School provides an enriching experience for anyone looking to study Thai effectively in the heart of Thailand’s capital.

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