Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are the lessons?
The classes are held at our teacher training centre in Bangkok located in Big C Rajdamri, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

2. Will there be an entry test to assess my level of English?
Yes. The centre administers an entry test, consisting of 40 questions with an emphasis on grammar, in order to place you in a class appropriate to your knowledge of and communicative ability in English.

3. Are the teachers from outside of Thailand? What nationality are they?
The teachers are native speakers of English, and most of them come from Britain, America or Australia.

4. Is it possible to study free at other branches of ECC?
These classes are only available at our teacher training centres in Big C Rajdamri, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

5. What kind of lessons do the teachers give?
The teachers follow lesson plans which change daily. They cover the four skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - but the teachers will place most emphasis on developing speaking skills. There will also be games and other activities designed to develop your language ability or, for example, introduce vocabulary.

6. Do I have to pay anything at all?
There is no charge other than the 300 baht materials and administration fee. Refugees are exempt from this charge.

7. Do I have to pay for a coursebook?
You do not need to buy a coursebook as the teachers prepare and distribute hand-outs for their students on each day.

8. Do I have to pay to do the entry test?
This is included in the 300 baht administration fee.

9. What days and what time are the lessons?
The lessons run Monday to Friday from 14:00 to 16:00.

10. Why are there free English courses at ECC?
Because ECC is the longest established Cambridge CELTA training centre in Thailand and the free lessons are an integral part of the CELTA training programme. The CELTA trainees need teaching practice so that their teaching can be assessed and the teacher training centre needs students for the trainee teachers to practise on.

12. How long do I need to study to be able to speak English?
Your ability to speak English will not improve through study in the classroom alone. It also depends on taking the opportunity to use and practise your English elsewhere. For this reason it is impossible to be specific about how long you will need. It will vary from student to student.

13. Can I invite a friend to come and study with me?
Yes. English is the basis of communication in today's world and the teacher training centre is keen to expand young people's knowledge and ability in English to enable you to compete with developed countries.