English teaching schools in Udo, ( not to learn Emglish)

Post by **bumper** » February 17, 2014, 9:20 am

There is a high probability that my 11 year old grandson, may need to come here and live with me. I won't go into the reasons. Please just accept the fact that they are valid. I know about the level of education available, Sometimes life just doesn't provide many options.

He is American doesn't speak a word of Thai

Anyone know of a school here in Udon that teaches basic classes such as math in English?

Don Bosco is out you have to start in h kinder garden classes to get in that school.

Obviously he will have to learn the Thai Language I have a teacher lined up for that already. Kids learn faster then old gits like me. But a few months won't be enough to learn a sufficient amount of the language to attend school.

I think I'm chasing a ghost here. But, it never hurts to ask.

Post by **parrot** » February 17, 2014, 9:51 am

Bump, check out
http://www.udonmap.com/udonthaniforum/e ... 32848.html

Post by **Khun Paul** » February 17, 2014, 9:56 am

actually you are incorrect DB will accept children coming at almost any age, BUT they have to pass the entrance exam, which apart from English is in Thai, so my suggestion for what is is worth, do a Thai cramming course then when is acceptably proficient he can enrol in almost any school, suffice to say his subject knowledge will be better then most M1 students here. Apart from Thai and its history and social studies but they are a pain anyway.

Post by **writemotive** » February 17, 2014, 11:15 am

Check out the "Home School " link on the UD home page. Sounds like they might have exactly what you are looking for. Good Luck!

Post by **grievous** » February 17, 2014, 3:37 pm

Have a chat to them at Paramin, they have some english speaking teachers

Post by **Sakhonnick** » February 17, 2014, 3:41 pm

I wish him well and hope he fits in ok

how would that work with a Visa? would he have to be abdopted by a thai? or get a education visa? he will pick up the thai in no time thats a certainty,

goodluck

Post by **bumper** » February 17, 2014, 4:07 pm

Well Parrot you came through again, with a little effort on my part to help. I think it will work perfectly. That was the biggest issue I had to deal with. I have tutor lined up to teach him Thai. =D>

Post by **maaka** » February 17, 2014, 5:13 pm

me, I would be looking for a school where other honky kids go, so he has some mates who speak english and know western culture, so he is not thrown in the deep end..just the shift will be a biggy for him, let alone a foreign country and school where most dont understand him...schools the easy bit I think..its the after school social setup and mates that a little fella needs...even if you home school him for afew months, just till he settles in, then go schooling...just my thoughts...but I had my estranged son come live with me at 13yrs, different country, no mates, home schooling..he'll be ok, just dont drop him in the deep end and expect him to understand..hell I dont even understand most thais, and whats what....just an opinion as usual..

Post by **bumper** » February 17, 2014, 5:29 pm

That is one of the aspects of the school I like there will be class time as well with other students. They use English wherever possible.

I know he will have to, learn Thai. I understand what you mean. I still remember my early times here and not being able to speak Thai. It was tough and that was as an adult with a driving desire to be here.

Last thing he needs is being stuck here with an old git like me.

I'm in full agreement it will take time.

Believe or not I was single parent with his mother. Sadly she was 14 and her life was so messed up, no one could help her.

She has spent her adult life paying for the mistakes her mother made with her.

I hope that is not the case with him, all I can do is try.

Post by **maaka** » February 17, 2014, 5:38 pm

re the old Git... boys need a man in their lives whether it be dad, or grandad .They dont really care, as long as its man time...he will be looking to you as his role model, and cuddle rug so to speak if he is away from mum and familiar surrounding..I am just reading between the lines of your opening thread...it will be an adventure for him..but he is still a boy in a foreign land, and once things wear off, he will be pineing for old familiar things...get him a hobby and some mates, and have some grandad grandson time in the weekend with him,.you got a farm and mushrooms, give him some chores etc etc...

Post by **bumper** » February 17, 2014, 5:56 pm

Ya I know coach, been thinking about that. One thing I do have is time.

He won't be missing mommy she hasn't been in the picture for long time now. Unfortunately he has been bounced around. His father was anything but a good example for him currently on his death bed. The person currently taking care of him, now has breast cancer. From what i have been told he has been able to adapt to new environment's he been exposed to.

What he has not had is a home.

I've been thinking about how we could get him in on the group rides we do. Lots of guys run solo so a little begging a few beers should do the trick

This is a family thing with us, my wife always goes. What kid isn't going to enjoy something like that. Touring around on a big bike. But, he will be leaving the party with us, around 2200 hours

I'm not doing mushrooms any more gave it to the wife's brother. Doubt he will last many more months. But we still have the fish ponds doesn't take as much time. It would be worth it to keep it going and giving a way to earn money of his own.

Then again he may say to old Git I don't want to be here. Never know.

I will do the best I can to give him the opportunity.

Post by **maaka** » February 18, 2014, 2:47 am

well done Mate..yes I know where your coming from, and where he is coming from. Thanks for sharing...
one thing with kids, they are adaptable..
The bike idea is great..My boy and I used to do road trips when he was 10yrs - 16yrs old..now I have just bought a another Phantom in Australia, and he is as keen as mustard to polish the hell out of it, tinker with it, and have a hobby away from his stressful job..
my solo dad mate down the track from me, he bought his little fella a mini bike some years ago, and then later a dirt bike, and now he is No2 in NZ in motocross...so good idea.

Coach Maaka ( sorry if I come across that way, but in another life I spent years mentoring and counselling people from an abused background, and I have two kids to two different mothers, and I was a solo dad to both of them, now they are 30yrs and 40yr, abnd some facets of thier lives were not dissimilar to your boy..

Generally I just share ideas and its up to the istener to choose their own path...I have a degree in Innovative Thinking which might also have something to do with it..all the best anyway..

Post by **bumper** » February 18, 2014, 1:34 pm

Coach is just nickname and positive thing.

Post by **arjay** » February 21, 2014, 8:52 am

Are you sure there isn't anyone in his home country who could look after him? You would be bringing him a long way from everything he knows and understands.

Also remember, IF you bring him here, there will be things like (education) visas to obtain & extend each year, not to mention the occasional passport renewal. Also medical matters to consider.

Post by **Jello** » February 21, 2014, 9:42 am

arjay wrote: Also remember, IF you bring him here, there will be things like (education) visas to obtain & extend each year.

Can he get a visa for a grandchild based on being his dependent?

If the boy is enrolled in "Udon-Home school" (and please correct me if I'm wrong) the Thai Ministry of Education considers this home-schooling, as the name implies. Education visa's are only granted for schools approved by the MOE. I don't believe it would qualify him for a education-visa.

Post by **Asiaphile** » February 21, 2014, 10:23 am

Not only getting a Thai visa might be a pain in the neck, but also getting him out of the States.
In most country it is not easy for children to leave the country without their parents/guardians.

Post by **bumper** » February 22, 2014, 7:25 am

Arjay's right, I would need a student visa for him, he is also correct about all that he said. The answer is yes I have taken that all into consideration. The problem is the caregiver he has now found out she has breast cancer. His Father died last night. The Courts have already taken custody away from his Father and Mother. His Aunt currently has five children living in a two bedroom apartment. They had to do that to get he kids in a better school system. So the answer is it's the care giver our me.

It's just a guess. But , his education at this juncter as to the basics is probably highr then the euqal grade level of Thai schools. The most important thing is he learns Thai, not an easy task an a full time education in the short run br itself. We are lucky my wife attended school with one of the immigaration oficers here in Udon. So I think we will be able to get better direction from him.

The current plan is he will spend summer vacation here and we will see if he can adapt.

Per the home shool program they ae approved by the Education Ministry, it's called home school prgram. But, they actually attend classes using a international program that needs to be followed up.

If the current care giver is taken out of the picture it's me or foster homes. I have no intention of him being raised in rotating foster homes. I'm his only living Grand Parent.

I've raised two famalies in my life time, I have no illusions about this. It's not goign to be easy, morally if not legally it's my duty to step up, If need be.

sometimes you have to work with the hand that is given you.

I don't know how this will work out, But, my approach is to be ready if he comes here to live. The most important thing is he gets whats best for him, under his current circumstances.

I have worked out thus far an escorted flight to Bangkok, solved the medical insurance problem, have good leads for a school. A very good Thai teacher lined up. researched activities for him. I've started back into Thai classes again so I can help with that.

His future monetary needs are in place now here or there.

I welcome you guys input, traveling uncharted waters.

Post by **maaka** » February 22, 2014, 10:34 am

Me again.. Call me Coach, its not a problem.
firstly, sorry for your loss, re the boys father passing..

Afew interesting aspects have come to light by other posters since my last message, which I may expand on..
Also, though the topic is far removed from your situation, there are some cross overs with my visit to my Judge friend today to get guidance as to what the procedure is to get appointed as a Manager of my demented mothers healthcare and property..

I know what you have said, and the path you have chosen thus far, but this will come down firstly to what the Court thinks, is in the best interests of the child..They may not consider a move to Thailand away from all he knows, as in his best interests..They may decide he is better off with the current legally appointed Caregiver and her five kids...

However, having said that, and I do not know if that situation is in the boys best interests or not.five kids in a two bedroom abobe does not seem adequate in this day and age...It will depend on the care he is receiving now, and all that entails..

However, if the caregiver and yourself are in agreement that the boy is better off with you, as grandad, and you can convince the court, that the boys care and welfare will be adequately attained in Thailand, then a court deciding custody, may go your favour..there are curved balls in that scenario..like if you yourself are elderly, of ill health, struggling to make ends meet, etc etc...just because you are grandad does not in itself give you custody of the boy, especially when the Aunt already has custody..

some like somone said ' getting him out of America ' as a minor, is the first hurdle in my eyes too.
There will have to be a case put forward, a story told as to why you think you should have custody, and how the boys future care will be undertaken by you.. The boy will be ask if he actually wants to go and leave in Thailand with you.. The court will ask that of him..

to me the schooling thing is secondry, but the ways and means has to be explored now, all set in place, because the court will want to consider this before any decision...

If the Aunt is going to retain custody, then you would need to have her legal permission, because I doubt whether the Court has given her permission to let the boy out of the USA unaccompanied...

anyway, these matters came to my mind, and I wrote them here as comment, but IT IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, YOU ARE TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE OF YOUR OWN..

Coach Maaka

Post by **arjay** » February 22, 2014, 3:49 pm

I'm sure there are many on this forum and elsewhere who would strive to get a child educated in the US as opposed to in Thailand, even if that meant the child having to lodge with more "distant" family or under less than ideal arrangements.

Post by **socksy** » February 23, 2014, 7:55 am

Couldn't agree more. Education far better than what your child would get here. Look on any Forums on Thai ex-pat websites to view opinions.