Why Expats Choose Bilingual Education in Thailand (2023)
As an expat parent in Bangkok, choosing a school was overwhelming. Should I pick an international school or Thai curriculum? Would English-only be best for language learning? I realized a bilingual education could give my child the perfect blend.
If you’re an expat considering schools in Thailand, I know you have the same questions. In this guide, I’ll provide insider perspective on Thailand’s booming bilingual programs, why local families choose them, and how they aim to prepare youth for global leadership. Whether you’re moving to Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai, you want to make the best education decision for your family. I’ll explore the bilingual classroom experience so you feel empowered finding the perfect fit as you embark on this new adventure abroad.
According to Tamui.edu, bilingual education promotes empathetic connections with people of diverse backgrounds, enhancing emotional intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- Bilingual programs teach academic subjects in both Thai and English to develop fluency in two languages. Popular models include dual language and partial immersion.
- Demand from middle and upper class families has led to rapid growth of English-Thai bilingual schools in Thailand over the past decade.
- While costs are high, bilingual education provides lifelong cognitive, academic, and career benefits. Thailand aims to expand access and quality in the future.
Growth of Bilingual Schools
Several factors are driving the surge in bilingual schools in Thailand:
- Desire from middle and upper-class families for their children to master English. They recognize fluency provides academic and career opportunities within Thailand and internationally.
- Goal of making their children more competitive globally. English skills are seen as vital for success in the modern economy and participating in the global community.
- Belief in cognitive benefits of bilingualism like increased focus, better memory, and improved reading comprehension. Studies show lifelong mental advantages.
- Rising number of foreign residents and mixed cultural families living in Thailand who want schooling in both English and Thai.
- Government policy aims to develop Thailand as a regional education hub. Producing more multilingual graduates supports this goal.
Models of Bilingual Programs
There are several types of bilingual education models:
Dual Immersion
- Curriculum is 50% in Thai, 50% in English throughout all grade levels
- Subjects like math, science, social studies rotate languages each semester
- Produces fully biliterate and bilingual graduates
Partial Immersion
- Younger students taught mostly core subjects in Thai
- English instruction increases each grade level
- Some schools start with 90% Thai, 10% English and work up to 50/50 ratio
Enrichment Bilingual
- Main curriculum is taught in Thai for all academic subjects
- Students take between 2 to 5 English periods daily
- Focus on conversational English, vocabulary, and grammar
- Graduates have high Thai proficiency with functional English skills
High growth seen in enrollments:
- 5% growth in 2021 (ISC Research)
- Over 200 bilingual schools now, up from 160 in 2015 (Bangkok Post)
| Grade | Sample Courriculum |
|---|---|
| Primary | Thai, English, Mandarin, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music |
| Secondary | Thai, English, Math, Sciences, Global Studies, PE, Electives |
The model impacts the level of biliteracy and bilingualism students ultimately achieve. However, all models aim to provide dual language education that best suits each school’s students.
Blending Two Worlds in the Classroom
Walk into a bilingual classroom in Thailand and you’ll find a fusion of Eastern and Western learning. Instruction blends English with Thai to build fluency in both.
Unlike regular schools, academic subjects like math, science, history, and literature are taught in a mix of the two languages. The percentages vary based on the program model.
In an immersion classroom, you may find young students learning science and social studies in Thai. But by middle school, they begin using English textbooks for those advanced subjects. The opposite progression happens with language arts – starting in English and expanding to Thai literature.
In a dual language classroom, every subject from PE to physics rotates back and forth. One semester history is taught in Thai, and the next it switches to English instruction.
This fluid code-switching is amazing training for young minds. And it reflects Thailand’s goal of creating a workforce fluent in Thai, English, and one more language.
Why Thai Parents Choose Bilingual Education
When I speak with parents of my bilingual students, they share similar reasons for choosing this route:
- To develop strong English skills to access higher education and job options, both within Thailand and abroad
- To reap the cognitive benefits bilingualism offers, like increased focus, problem solving, and reading skills
- To prepare their children to thrive in a globalized world where cross-cultural communication is crucial
They also share concerns about competition and inequality if their kids don’t acquire English proficiency. There’s a degree of keeping up with their peer group too.
But I know they all want their children to have the best opportunities in life. For most middle and upper-class Thai families, bilingual education has become the path to that future.
Navigating Costs and Finding Quality Programs
The top challenge I hear from parents is how expensive bilingual instruction is compared to public Thai schools. Fees range from 150,000 to over 800,000 THB annually.
Scholarships help, but many families still struggle to pay or must limit activities outside school. However, parents seem to universally feel the benefits outweigh the costs.
The rapid growth has also caused a huge need for qualified English-speaking teachers. Schools vary tremendously in the quality and amount of actual English used day-to-day. Do your research.
Visit the schools you’re considering and observe classes to see if the model matches the marketing. Interview administrators about teacher standards, class sizes, and accreditations.
In the coming years, I hope to see more affordable bilingual options for all families in Thailand, not just the elite. But for now, these schools provide amazing advantages to those who can access them.
Bilingualism as a Passport to the Future
My students often ask me how they can perfect their English skills. I tell them the more they use it, the better they will become.
A bilingual education paves the way for their success, but it’s just the beginning. I encourage them to read English books, watch English films, make English-speaking friends, and travel abroad when they can.
I remind them that English is not just a class – it’s a life skill. One that will allow them to achieve their grandest dreams if they hone it.
Their bilingual journey is opening doors across the world. It’s a beautiful thing to witness as their teacher. I’m excited to see the incredible places it takes them.
How Does Bilingual Education Work in Thai Schools?
When I first moved to Thailand, I found the various school models confusing as a parent. To help you navigate, here’s an insider look at how bilingual instruction operates in Thai schools.
Role of Ministry of Education
All schools in Thailand, even international ones, must follow certain Ministry of Education standards. This includes requiring Thai language, history, and Buddhism courses.
Bilingual schools blend this Thai national curriculum with academic subjects taught in English following international frameworks. The ministry is supporting expansion of quality bilingual options.
Language of Instruction in Bilingual Schools
The percentage of English versus Thai used varies based on the program model chosen by the school. Dual immersion aims for a 50/50 split, while partial immersion starts mostly in Thai before adding more English.
In the classroom, it’s common to see students switch smoothly between both languages depending on the subject or activity. Teachers also integrate both tongues seamlessly.
Challenges and Solutions in Bilingual Programs
Teacher recruitment can be difficult, as it requires fluency in both Thai and English. Schools remedy this by recruiting internationally and providing specialized training.
Translation of textbooks and exams can also be a hurdle. Bilingual schools create original materials or adapt from the best international resources.
Literacy Skills in Bilingual Education
A key goal is developing strong reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities in Thai and English. Students become truly biliterate through language arts instruction in both tongues.
For example, a student may analyze a Thai novel for literature class but write their essay on it in English. This promotes high literacy in both languages.
Mother Tongue and Language Learning
Research shows a solid foundation in your first language benefits learning additional languages. Bilingual programs recognize this by nurturing Thai language mastery first.
As English fluency grows, schools are careful to continue valuing students’ mother tongue. This helps them retain their cultural identity while gaining a global perspective.
Done right, bilingual education seamlessly merges both languages into a enriching learning experience. Students gain the lifelong gift of dual language fluency.
Blending Two Worlds in the Classroom
Walk into a bilingual classroom in Thailand and you’ll find a fusion of Eastern and Western learning. Instruction blends English with Thai to build fluency in both.
Unlike regular schools, academic subjects like math, science, history, and literature are taught in a mix of the two languages. The percentages vary based on the program model.
In an immersion classroom, you may find young students learning science and social studies in Thai. But by middle school, they begin using English textbooks for those advanced subjects. The opposite progression happens with language arts – starting in English and expanding to Thai literature.
In a dual language classroom, every subject from PE to physics rotates back and forth. One semester history is taught in Thai, and the next it switches to English instruction.
This fluid code-switching is amazing training for young minds. And it reflects Thailand’s goal of creating a workforce fluent in Thai, English, and one more language revitalization and culture.
Why Thai Parents Choose Bilingual Education
When I speak with parents of my bilingual students, they share similar reasons for choosing this route:
-
- To develop strong English skills to access higher education and job options, both within Thailand and abroad
-
- To reap the cognitive benefits bilingualism offers, like increased focus, problem solving, and reading skills
-
- To prepare their children to thrive in a globalized world where cross-cultural communication is crucial
They also share concerns about competition and inequality if their kids don’t acquire English proficiency. There’s a degree of keeping up with their peer group too.
But I know they all want their children to have the best opportunities in life. For most middle and upper-class Thai families, bilingual education has become the path to that future.
Navigating Costs and Finding Quality Programs
Addressing Financial Implications and Ensuring High-Quality Programs
One of the leading challenges echoed by parents is the high cost associated with bilingual schooling compared to public Thai educational institutions. The teaching and learning costs can span between 150,000 and over 800,000 THB annually.
Scholarships provide some relief, yet many families grapple with affording these expenses or must curb activities beyond school work. Despite the expenditure, the common sentiment amongst parents is that the linguistic benefits are worth the investment.
This escalated demand for bilingual education has prompted a surge in the need for professional English-speaking educators. Schools exhibit significant variation in the quality of education delivered and the actual usage of English as a medium of instruction in day-to-day school operations. Thus, it necessitates comprehensive research.
Make an effort to personally visit potential schools, observe classrooms in action to evaluate if the education aligns with the promotional propositions. Engage in discussions with administrative staff regarding teaching standards, the number of students per class, use the Thai (the national language) and English languages in instruction, and institutional accreditations.
My hope, as we move forward, is for accessible and reasonably priced bilingual quality education for all children in Thailand, not targeting only the affluent section. This development goal could be pivotal in continuing to drive lifelong learning from primary school to grade 6 and beyond. However, at present, these schools offer profound benefits to those who have the means to avail them, with learning materials tailored for their specific needs, thereby adding immense value to their local communities.
Bilingualism as a Passport to the Future
My students often ask me how they can perfect their English skills. I tell them the more they use it, the better they will become.
A bilingual education paves the way for their success, but it’s just the beginning. I encourage them to read English books, watch English films, make English-speaking friends, and travel abroad when they can.
I remind them that English is not just a class – it’s a life skill. One that will allow them to achieve their grandest dreams if they hone it.
Their bilingual journey is opening doors across the world. It’s a beautiful thing to witness as their teacher. I’m excited to see the incredible places it takes them.
6 Top Bilingual Schools in Thailand
If you’re considering a bilingual education in Thailand, certain elite schools stand out for their excellent programming and results. Here are five of the most famous and prestigious bilingual institutions:
1. International School Bangkok (ISB)
The ISB is considered one of the top international schools globally and is highly sought-after by expat families in Bangkok. It uses an enriched bilingual immersion model with intensive English language arts instruction.
Impressively, over 60 languages are spoken by students at ISB. My own niece attends, and it’s amazing to see her fluency in both Thai and English develop. She also studies Mandarin in the tri-literacy program.
With stunning modern campuses, expert teachers imported from across the globe, and an ultra-rigorous academic environment, the ISB sets the gold standard for bilingual education.
2. KIS International School Bangkok
‘m constantly impressed by KIS’s unique STEAM-focused curriculum integrating science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The enrichment bilingual program encourages creativity and innovation among students.
One cool example – my friend’s son got to design his own robotics project in the Grade 7 maker space! Beyond core academics, they focus on real-life skills for the future.
The state-of-the-art facility also features an eco-friendly campus with solar panels, clean energy labs, and sustainable gardens.
3. Harrow International School Bangkok
Drawing on the prestigious UK boarding school, Harrow International offers a high-quality British-style education with strong bilingual English and Thai instruction.
Some friends tour Harrow for the gorgeous historic campus which makes you feel like you’re at Hogwarts! With rigorous academics and elite uni placements, it provides amazing opportunities, but expect very formal traditions.
4. Mater Dei School
As a Catholic school, Mater Dei emphasizes faith and service-learning. But make no mistake, it also tops the charts for academics.
Their accelerated Dual Language Program nurtures bilingual fluency starting in nursery. Families relocating from abroad often choose it to ease the transition while maintaining educational rigor.
5. NIST International School
Rounding out the list is NIST, one of only 16 schools worldwide to offer all three International Baccalaureate programs. Its diverse student body represents over 60 nationalities.
Two unique aspects are the tailorable “NIST Bilingual Diploma” and leadership training for all grades. Graduates gain outstanding bilingual proficiency along with character-building skills.
Whether ISB, KIS, Harrow, Mater Dei or NIST, these elite Bangkok schools attract both Thai families and expatriates seeking an unparalleled bilingual education experience.
6. Rajabhat University
Rajabhat universities across Thailand are actively partnering with international schools to improve bilingual education.
For example, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University collaborated with Prem Tinsulanonda International School to develop a model bilingual program. Students from Rajabhat also complete teaching internships at international schools to gain practical dual language teaching experience.
This cooperation between Thai Teacher Training Institute for Languages and Cultures and bilingual schools builds expertise and enhances instruction quality. It helps ensure local input into curriculum so students from both Thai and expat families benefit.
Rajabhat universities play a valuable part in incorporating quality bilingual approaches into Thailand’s educational landscape. Their teacher preparation and research institute for languages helps schools deliver effective Thai-English programs.
Bilingual Education in Thailand FAQs
Q: How is bilingual education implemented in Thailand?
A: Bilingual education is implemented in Thailand through an education programme that aims to teach students in both the Thai language and a local ethnic minority language, such as Malay.
Q: What languages are included in bilingual education in Thailand?
A: Bilingual education in Thailand includes the Thai language and local languages spoken by ethnic minorities, such as Patani Malay and other regional dialects.
Q: Are there specific schools in Thailand that offer bilingual education?
A: Yes, there are schools in Thailand that offer bilingual education as part of the government’s efforts to promote linguistic diversity and preserve the cultural heritage of ethnic minority groups.
Q: What are the benefits of bilingual education for students?
A: Bilingual education helps students develop language skills, cognitive abilities, and cultural awareness, while also supporting their identity and sense of belonging within their ethnic community.
Q: How does the Thai government support bilingual education?
A: The Thai government supports bilingual education through its national language policy and initiatives aimed at improving language learning and literacy among ethnic minority groups.
Q: Where can I find related case studies on bilingual education in Thailand?
A: You can find related case studies on bilingual education in Thailand in the form of PDF documents available from various educational and governmental sources.
Q: What support is available for children with their school work in bilingual education programs?
A: Children in bilingual education programs receive support from education authorities and institutions, including alternative schools and the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education, to aid their academic progress.
Q: How does bilingual education benefit ethnic minorities in Thailand?
A: Bilingual education benefits ethnic minorities in Thailand by providing them with equal access to education and preventing them from feeling alienated by their children’s education, which can be conducted in a language different from their native tongue.
Q: Is there educational material available in Arabic for bilingual education in Thailand?
A: Yes, there is educational material available in Arabic to support bilingual education for Patani Malay and Thai speaking children in Thailand, as part of efforts to enhance the educational experience for language in Thailand, groups within the country.
The Gift of Two Languages: My Perspective on Bilingual Schools
As a Thai educator and founder of BetterLivingAsia.com, it brings me joy to see bilingual education thriving in Thailand. While costly, these schools provide an invaluable gift – nurturing true mastery of both Thai and English from a young age.
I know the struggles of learning English as a child in Thai public school. I wish I could have attended a bilingual program that developed fluency through immersive instruction. Now I take pride in seeing today’s students achieve this.
At BetterLivingAsia.com, our goal is helping expats embrace Thailand as home. I want to provide insight into why Thai families invest in bilingual learning. These programs unlock immense intellectual, social, and professional benefits for children. Rest assured your child will also flourish at a quality bilingual school in Thailand. Subscribe to learn more from our expat experts on transitioning abroad.
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