Hello members
I have been thinking of starting an English tuition school in Udon for the last few years. I am approaching fifty this coming November and feel the time is right to put my idea/business plan into action. I have undertaken research with the Education department and have all the relevant paperwork and contacts to apply for an operating license.
The idea is to form a limited company with my wife being the director. The company will apply for the license, rent out the premises for the school and then hire me as the English teacher. I have all the relevant qualifications, Masters Degree and Cert TESOL qualifications. I also have twenty years of working with young people and have had experience of teaching in the Ukraine and some experience in Thailand.
I do not expect to become rich from running the tuition school and will have a reasonable amount of money coming in from the UK. Althpough this will be hard work it is more of an interest that I have wanted to do for many years.
The tuition school will run different levels of courses that are in line with the CEFR levels. The courses will be beginner (A1) Elementery (A2) Pre- intermediate (A2/B1) Intermediate (B1/B2). All the courses will lead to the option of taking an exam giving a recognised qualification from Cambridge University. Foe more advanced students there will also be support in taking the IELTS.
For any business location is crucial, therefore I have decided to locate the tuition school in the Satritachinuthit high school area. Another key factor is costings. I have done my sums and although it will take a long time (if ever) to get back my initial outlay in finances I will be running courses at the following fees. For maximum groups of ten students who sign up for a 12 week course the fee will be 200 baht for every one and a half hour lesson. Therefore, getting 18 hours tuition for 2400 baht. For small groups the rate may have to go up to 250 baht. One to one tuition will be set around the 450 baht per hour level.
I have checked what other schools establishments charge and my costings are roughly the same. The difference here will be that the students will be taught by an English native speaker in every lesson. I feel the above rates are reasonable what do you thing?
Any comments on this post/idea will be most welcome. You guys live in Udon and know the place therefore I am really interested in your views. Do you feel there is a market out there for this type of facility from both school students and adults, not forgetting corporate clients.
Kindest regards
Andy
English School in Udon Thani (sponsor)
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merchant seaman
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 2221
- Joined: November 13, 2005, 2:58 pm
- Location: looking out my backdoor
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
I know of a couple of people who have tried teaching English in Udon but not with a proper facility. seems most of the students do not want to spend their off school hours in a classroom. The ones who do seem to lose interest fast especially when their mates are out enjoying themselves playing football or wandering the shopping malls etc. If tou plan on just doing it as a sort of hobby you will probable enjoy yourself. Don't think you will make any money though. good luch to you.
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
Agree with merchant seaman, but your idea might work in China.
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
Thanks Merchant seaman and RL trader for your replies.
Quite surprised that I only had two replies, especially compared to the amount of responses to the threads around the alcohol ban while the national election is taking place LOL. Not sure that I fully agree with Merchant Seaman's view that most Thai students do not want to spend extra time in the classroom and would rather be out with their mates. If you drive around the Satritachinuthit high school area around tea time there are lots of tution centres bursting with Thai students. I also get the impression that the schools that run an additional English programme at the close of the school day are also over subscribed.
In response to wanting to spend additional time in a classroom we are talking about one and a half hours a week and I believe a lot depends on how lessons/activities are facilitated. I beleive people vote with their feet if it is boring they will not attend again. Everyone wants to see what they are going to get for their extra effort that is why I believe there needs to be the opportunity to obtain accreditation. I also aim to target adults as well as Thai students and will try and 'tap' into the corporate market.
Any more views guys, Now that you will not be able to frequent your local, for a few days, maybe you can spare a minute or two to evaluate my idea lol.
Take care
Regards
Andy
Quite surprised that I only had two replies, especially compared to the amount of responses to the threads around the alcohol ban while the national election is taking place LOL. Not sure that I fully agree with Merchant Seaman's view that most Thai students do not want to spend extra time in the classroom and would rather be out with their mates. If you drive around the Satritachinuthit high school area around tea time there are lots of tution centres bursting with Thai students. I also get the impression that the schools that run an additional English programme at the close of the school day are also over subscribed.
In response to wanting to spend additional time in a classroom we are talking about one and a half hours a week and I believe a lot depends on how lessons/activities are facilitated. I beleive people vote with their feet if it is boring they will not attend again. Everyone wants to see what they are going to get for their extra effort that is why I believe there needs to be the opportunity to obtain accreditation. I also aim to target adults as well as Thai students and will try and 'tap' into the corporate market.
Any more views guys, Now that you will not be able to frequent your local, for a few days, maybe you can spare a minute or two to evaluate my idea lol.
Take care
Regards
Andy
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
Andy . I think some posters may feel like me, reluctant to discourage you having had a negative response when trying to impart knowledge to local kids ourselves, mind you , not in a commercial environment like your trying to establish. Nor give you encouragement in case it fails .So rather not comment on your project. Its not we're disinterested or too busy .
I am sure you know education is a minefield in Thailand and speaking for myself, I wouldn't put my money into it, nor encourage you to .But if you go ahead I sincerely wish you success in your venture .
I am sure you know education is a minefield in Thailand and speaking for myself, I wouldn't put my money into it, nor encourage you to .But if you go ahead I sincerely wish you success in your venture .
Ageing is a privilige denied to many .
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
I think it could work out, and I'm sure your get the quota of students you are looking for. Of course, you being a native Englishman is a great advantage when teaching English. One very important point, IMO, is that you yourself are fluent in speaking, reading and writing Thai as well as familiar with the local dialects and slang that is often used. The reason i say this is because I know English teachers that cannot speak, read or write Thai and are unable to fully understand the students. It's not much good a teacher harping on in perfect English something the students do not fully understand. You need to be able to make them fully aware of what they are being taught, or they just end up repeating you without much understanding of what they are saying. For instance, I think I'm right in saying that the kitchen table in Thai means Family, Now to hold up a kitchen table and explain to a bunch of students that the translation is family will leave them bemused - this is where a complete fluency and understanding of Thai is essential. You won't get much respect from the students otherwise.
OT......................
OT......................
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
If you go ahead with this ........
Can i haff a job as spelting teecher pleese .
mash
Can i haff a job as spelting teecher pleese .
mash
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
No, but you could inspire as a melting leecher.
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
I think it is a difficult proposition since there have been several providers both private and public for this type of service over the years and many have come and gone for one reason or another, also many schools and higher education facilities have their own programmes (those teachers have their own privates to supplement their incomes) so to a certain extent many of the traditional routes have been covered and this probably leaves a niche market, which would probably involve exam prep GMAT etc. or IELTs for acceptance on courses abroad and I'm not sure how large the demand base is for it would be for something that here is looked upon as a bit of a specialism.
I wish you luck though.
I wish you luck though.
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
Thank you for your replies guys.
I take your point on board trubrit about the reluctance of members not wanting to give false encouragement if they do not truly belive my initiative will be a success. In relation to OT response I agree where students are at a real basic level there does need to be an understanding of the Thai language. My wife will co - teach in classes where it is obvious that certain students need additional support, like she has done with me on many occassions when previously teaching in Thailand. I found Astana's points very interesting. Yes every business needs to know what section of market it is targeting especially in light of his point that there are lots of other providers already out there in Udon. That is why I believe location, fees charged and specific courses on offer are all key factors in whether this business has a chance of breaking even. I will also invest time and energy into marketing the school and through offering an exciting 'young person' centered, ultra modern, high tech alternative who knows. I am not in no hurry to get a return on my initial investment and it is doubtful that I ever will. I have worked with students and adults in an educational setting for the last twenty years and loved every minute of it. I know Thailand is different but I have had expereince of teaching in Thailand and even as far as in the Ukraine. Through reflecting on all these experiences one never knows I may have come up with a recipe for success. I will have a reasonable amount of income coming in from the UK,therefore will not be relying on income from the business to feed our family. I am aware that this project will never make me rich and this has never been my intention. I believe living in Thailand with nothing to do at the age of fifty would personally drive me stir crazy, therefore this is more about semi retirement plan with a new challenge to keep me stimulated.
Once again thank you to all those who have responded or taken the time to read thethread.
Andy
I take your point on board trubrit about the reluctance of members not wanting to give false encouragement if they do not truly belive my initiative will be a success. In relation to OT response I agree where students are at a real basic level there does need to be an understanding of the Thai language. My wife will co - teach in classes where it is obvious that certain students need additional support, like she has done with me on many occassions when previously teaching in Thailand. I found Astana's points very interesting. Yes every business needs to know what section of market it is targeting especially in light of his point that there are lots of other providers already out there in Udon. That is why I believe location, fees charged and specific courses on offer are all key factors in whether this business has a chance of breaking even. I will also invest time and energy into marketing the school and through offering an exciting 'young person' centered, ultra modern, high tech alternative who knows. I am not in no hurry to get a return on my initial investment and it is doubtful that I ever will. I have worked with students and adults in an educational setting for the last twenty years and loved every minute of it. I know Thailand is different but I have had expereince of teaching in Thailand and even as far as in the Ukraine. Through reflecting on all these experiences one never knows I may have come up with a recipe for success. I will have a reasonable amount of income coming in from the UK,therefore will not be relying on income from the business to feed our family. I am aware that this project will never make me rich and this has never been my intention. I believe living in Thailand with nothing to do at the age of fifty would personally drive me stir crazy, therefore this is more about semi retirement plan with a new challenge to keep me stimulated.
Once again thank you to all those who have responded or taken the time to read thethread.
Andy
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
I like TB 's response.But I will give you my opinion based on spending 11 years with my stepdaughters educational endeavors!
Since you insinuated that profit is not your motive,although it would be nice,I question your real understanding of the students desire to study and master English.The parents might desire them to learn,hoping for some advantage,but I doubt the students are that interested,generally speaking!There is always the exceptional case where a student will want to learn and apply themselves.
You may be a great teacher,but if the student doesn't practice what they learn and maintain an interest to practice as they advance to higher levels,they will not learn to communicate with native English speakers on a normal conversational level!
I would ask you,How are you going to get them to practice and who are they going to practice with?
If you have taught in the Thai school system ,then you must know that as the students advance in grades,they get so far behind the learning curve that the texts they are assigned are incomprehensible,plus being published in Thailand,they are full of errors.
I don't mean to insult ,in the least,but I think your idea,honorable as it seems,is like most falang business plans for Thailand,absence of a real understanding of how things work in Thailand.I would wish you every success in your endeavor although I think it has no possibility of succeeding as defined,so far!
Since you insinuated that profit is not your motive,although it would be nice,I question your real understanding of the students desire to study and master English.The parents might desire them to learn,hoping for some advantage,but I doubt the students are that interested,generally speaking!There is always the exceptional case where a student will want to learn and apply themselves.
You may be a great teacher,but if the student doesn't practice what they learn and maintain an interest to practice as they advance to higher levels,they will not learn to communicate with native English speakers on a normal conversational level!
I would ask you,How are you going to get them to practice and who are they going to practice with?
If you have taught in the Thai school system ,then you must know that as the students advance in grades,they get so far behind the learning curve that the texts they are assigned are incomprehensible,plus being published in Thailand,they are full of errors.
I don't mean to insult ,in the least,but I think your idea,honorable as it seems,is like most falang business plans for Thailand,absence of a real understanding of how things work in Thailand.I would wish you every success in your endeavor although I think it has no possibility of succeeding as defined,so far!
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leterry60614
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 199
- Joined: February 22, 2007, 8:07 am
- Location: Chicago
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
Thai ladies wanting to marry farangs on Internet might be interested with some English classes. Add some courses on using Skype, Facebook and voilà. It's not your average English school but the demand is there!
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
I agree that there might be a greater customer base there,but most of them have ''pro friends'' eager to share their knowledge and reap some rewards.At least the motivation for learning would be thereleterry60614 wrote:Thai ladies wanting to marry farangs on Internet might be interested with some English classes. Add some courses on using Skype, Facebook and voilà. It's not your average English school but the demand is there!
In my experience and opinion,the only private schools that seem to be successful,business wise,are the tutoring schools for entrance exams attended by those that desire to get into more prestigious Thai Universities.Most of those are located in Bangkok!There are some English teachers that I met in Bangkok,that have success with teaching English to Thai business employees.They are the ones contracted by the Business owners or Corporations.
Young students just are not privy to real information and examples that motivates them to apply themselves in learning English!
If they are not living in the language where they are practicing what they have already been taught,they are beginning over again each week or so with their lessons!
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
having taught abit of the lingo in Udon before in a private capacity, I think you will find the customers..There is a thai lady teaching english next to Maaya Market place every Saturday morning, and she has a full house or some 15 students. Its the boring sit at the desk blackboard stuff, but the kids are there every saturday, and dont appear bored.
I just started off teaching afew Thai friends, young men looking to better thier work positions, and once word got out I was swamped by high school kids and adults banging on the door. The bungalow owner offered me a spare bungalow at mates rates and off it went..It was only my own personal life that saw me have to leave Thailand for a wee while and put matters on hold, otherwise I would still be teaching... I also applied for a teaching position once in Udon, Saturday mornings with 12 young kids, even had a dummy run, they were attentive even though it was the parents idea..of course one hour per week is not going to get them far, but if thats the market, then....
I think there is a niche for teaching Business English, / public Speaking, and yes having a bevy of thai internet g/f's, many of them too hound me to teach them English, so they can meet a farang, or better thier work position...I think if you start off small, get a feel for it, and expand later, you should at least have something to do to soak up those boring after 50's moments...skype is a good idea, seen that before..thais learning english from a USA website....
I just started off teaching afew Thai friends, young men looking to better thier work positions, and once word got out I was swamped by high school kids and adults banging on the door. The bungalow owner offered me a spare bungalow at mates rates and off it went..It was only my own personal life that saw me have to leave Thailand for a wee while and put matters on hold, otherwise I would still be teaching... I also applied for a teaching position once in Udon, Saturday mornings with 12 young kids, even had a dummy run, they were attentive even though it was the parents idea..of course one hour per week is not going to get them far, but if thats the market, then....
I think there is a niche for teaching Business English, / public Speaking, and yes having a bevy of thai internet g/f's, many of them too hound me to teach them English, so they can meet a farang, or better thier work position...I think if you start off small, get a feel for it, and expand later, you should at least have something to do to soak up those boring after 50's moments...skype is a good idea, seen that before..thais learning english from a USA website....
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
to Firfox
i think there is a demand for this service. Most of the english teachers in schools both public and private
can't barely speak english - i saw it a couple of times - so forget about the people say negatives replies
Questions: can you give me some informations about your own experience ?
chok dee khrap
i think there is a demand for this service. Most of the english teachers in schools both public and private
can't barely speak english - i saw it a couple of times - so forget about the people say negatives replies
Questions: can you give me some informations about your own experience ?
chok dee khrap
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
Hi guys
Thank you for all your constructive advice.
I will definetly take into consideration the potential facebook and skype market. Dependant on whom you speak to you get a diferrent perspective on whether there is a client base out there ready to 'jump' at the opportunity to learn or further improve there English language skills. The skill here for any potential business is to know your market and design what you are oferring to meet need. Having researched this myself and having met with the officials within the Education sector I honestly believe if marketed correctly, setting the school in an appropriate location and most important charging fees that are not out of reach of the finances of the client base you are targeting there is a potential for another English tuition school to succeed. I also feel that having all lessons delivered by an English native speaker is a big plus.
P-Ray in answer to your question I have worked with young people for twenty years delivering both in formal school settings and outside the normal school day. I have also been visiting Udon for the last 6 years and have taught in both a village school and a technical college. The last time I was in Thailand April/May 2011 the schools were closed for songkran so I set up a holiday school in my wife's village and every lesson we had ove 30 students attending. I have also set up and ran English summer schools in the UK and abroad over in the Ukraine.
I regard to qualifications I have a Masters Degree in leadership for children and young people services and have completed a Cert TESOL qualification.
Once again thank you for all the kind words and good advice
Kind regards
Andy
Thank you for all your constructive advice.
I will definetly take into consideration the potential facebook and skype market. Dependant on whom you speak to you get a diferrent perspective on whether there is a client base out there ready to 'jump' at the opportunity to learn or further improve there English language skills. The skill here for any potential business is to know your market and design what you are oferring to meet need. Having researched this myself and having met with the officials within the Education sector I honestly believe if marketed correctly, setting the school in an appropriate location and most important charging fees that are not out of reach of the finances of the client base you are targeting there is a potential for another English tuition school to succeed. I also feel that having all lessons delivered by an English native speaker is a big plus.
P-Ray in answer to your question I have worked with young people for twenty years delivering both in formal school settings and outside the normal school day. I have also been visiting Udon for the last 6 years and have taught in both a village school and a technical college. The last time I was in Thailand April/May 2011 the schools were closed for songkran so I set up a holiday school in my wife's village and every lesson we had ove 30 students attending. I have also set up and ran English summer schools in the UK and abroad over in the Ukraine.
I regard to qualifications I have a Masters Degree in leadership for children and young people services and have completed a Cert TESOL qualification.
Once again thank you for all the kind words and good advice
Kind regards
Andy
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
Hi guys I just found this old thread I started back in 2011. Just a quick update. We relocated to Thailand and opened an English school on Sri ChumCheun in December 2011 and the school now has over 50 students. We also delivering corporate courses for hotels and other government departments. We are very busy for we are very hard to beat in regards to our school fees I know this because I have done plenty of research. Just in case anyone asks yes the school does have a license from the MOE and my wife has a registered company that pays both taxes and social security. The company also quires a work permit for me on an annual basis.
Foe some pictures visit
www.facebook.com/englishschooloflearning
Andy
Foe some pictures visit
www.facebook.com/englishschooloflearning
Andy
New English school in Udon - what do you think?
Sorry about the errors in the above post I did it on my phone and my eyes are not what they use to be. It should read: We also deliver (not delivering)
Regards to school fees. I know this is correct for I have undertaken research in relation to what our competitors charge
It should also read that the company also acquires a work permit for me on an annual basis
For some pictures
Thank you
Regards to school fees. I know this is correct for I have undertaken research in relation to what our competitors charge
It should also read that the company also acquires a work permit for me on an annual basis
For some pictures
Thank you
Home School club (school) in Udon Thani
Hi there.
The purpose for this post is to’ test out’ an idea I have in regards to home schooling children in Udon Thani following the English National Curriculum.
First let me introduce myself I have been living in Udon Thani for the past two years. I am married to a bilingual Thai national who has dual citizenship. We have an 11 year old bilingual daughter who also has dual nationality. I have successfully home schooled my daughter for the last two years following the English national Curriculum with resources purchased from the Oxford Home Schooling Program.
My wife and I have a very successful English tutor school in Udon Thani. The school is licensed by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The school has over fifty students and is called the English School of Learning and is situated on Sri Chum Cheun. We run English courses for both Prathom and Matyhom students. I am also contracted to teach English to Udon Thani Province government officials
In regards to my qualifications I have a Masters Degree in integrated services for Children and young people from the UK. I have over 23 years experience of working in both formal and informal education in the UK. More important in regards to what I am proposing I currently teach English, Science, math and history in a home school environment.
I just want to share with you an idea I have in regards to starting a small home school club (school) for students aged between 4 to 11 years of age.
I am proposing to enrol around 12 students (maximum) at our school on Sri Chum Cheun. The students will study from 8.30am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. The students will undertake six one hour lessons every day. The curriculum will be in line with the England national Curriculum. The school will teach English, Science, Math and History. (I am open to other suggestions) All lessons will be taught by myself and supported by my wife.
In regards to fees we are proposing to charge 300 baht per student per day. On average this works out to around 30,000 baht per term. This equates to five days a week for five months which averages around one hundred days. One hundred days at three hundred baht adds up to thirty thousand baht per term.
Initially I just want to gage how much interest there is in Udon Thani. Once I have this information I will hold a presentation evening at the school where you can come and visit the school, view the resources and most important meet my wife and I.
Please do not use this thread as a way of ‘bashing’ the education system over here in Thailand. By all means feel free to comment but keep it constructive. In regards to the fees I personally feel they are very reasonable and good value for money.
Feel free to PM me
The purpose for this post is to’ test out’ an idea I have in regards to home schooling children in Udon Thani following the English National Curriculum.
First let me introduce myself I have been living in Udon Thani for the past two years. I am married to a bilingual Thai national who has dual citizenship. We have an 11 year old bilingual daughter who also has dual nationality. I have successfully home schooled my daughter for the last two years following the English national Curriculum with resources purchased from the Oxford Home Schooling Program.
My wife and I have a very successful English tutor school in Udon Thani. The school is licensed by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The school has over fifty students and is called the English School of Learning and is situated on Sri Chum Cheun. We run English courses for both Prathom and Matyhom students. I am also contracted to teach English to Udon Thani Province government officials
In regards to my qualifications I have a Masters Degree in integrated services for Children and young people from the UK. I have over 23 years experience of working in both formal and informal education in the UK. More important in regards to what I am proposing I currently teach English, Science, math and history in a home school environment.
I just want to share with you an idea I have in regards to starting a small home school club (school) for students aged between 4 to 11 years of age.
I am proposing to enrol around 12 students (maximum) at our school on Sri Chum Cheun. The students will study from 8.30am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. The students will undertake six one hour lessons every day. The curriculum will be in line with the England national Curriculum. The school will teach English, Science, Math and History. (I am open to other suggestions) All lessons will be taught by myself and supported by my wife.
In regards to fees we are proposing to charge 300 baht per student per day. On average this works out to around 30,000 baht per term. This equates to five days a week for five months which averages around one hundred days. One hundred days at three hundred baht adds up to thirty thousand baht per term.
Initially I just want to gage how much interest there is in Udon Thani. Once I have this information I will hold a presentation evening at the school where you can come and visit the school, view the resources and most important meet my wife and I.
Please do not use this thread as a way of ‘bashing’ the education system over here in Thailand. By all means feel free to comment but keep it constructive. In regards to the fees I personally feel they are very reasonable and good value for money.
Feel free to PM me
Home School club (school) in Udon Thani
Hi all just a quick update -
There has been a' good level' of interest and I have had some really positive feedback as well as constructive questions and advice. I definitely encourage this for in my view education is a partnership between the parents/guardians and the education provider.
The reason for this post is just to let forum members know that we will be taking an add out on the forum and next week large billboards will be going up in and around the city. I assume this (hopefully) will encourage more interest and we will have sufficient numbers to go ahead with our 'open parents evening'. Therefore, if you are interested but have questions/concerns/ideas rather than hesitate get in touch now for I am sure this will develop into something special for Udon Thani. Remember we only have twelve places at the proposed Home School and the school will be following the English national Curriculum.
Kindest regards
Andy
There has been a' good level' of interest and I have had some really positive feedback as well as constructive questions and advice. I definitely encourage this for in my view education is a partnership between the parents/guardians and the education provider.
The reason for this post is just to let forum members know that we will be taking an add out on the forum and next week large billboards will be going up in and around the city. I assume this (hopefully) will encourage more interest and we will have sufficient numbers to go ahead with our 'open parents evening'. Therefore, if you are interested but have questions/concerns/ideas rather than hesitate get in touch now for I am sure this will develop into something special for Udon Thani. Remember we only have twelve places at the proposed Home School and the school will be following the English national Curriculum.
Kindest regards
Andy