Thailand has a highly developed market for English language courses catering for booming domestic demand. Of course the market comprises General English courses geared to improving participants’ spoken and written English (with most courses focusing on oral communication). There are though a host of specialist and ‘Special Interest’ courses available ranging from Business English courses covering the language and skills required of people doing business in English, to English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses offering ‘Pre-Entry’ language and skills to students intending to study at English-medium educational institutions abroad or on ‘International Programs’ in Thailand. Particularly popular are courses leading towards the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test; a pre-departure examination of English language ability accepted by universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, much of Europe and increasingly the United States. Generally, all courses in Thailand are presented by qualified and experienced native English-speaking teachers. Given the abundance of cost-effective quality English language programs in Thailand, the country has become a draw for foreign students, mostly from within the region. English language training is particularly attractive to Japanese students who can receive training in Thailand at a fraction of the cost of in Japan. Chinese and Taiwanese students also favour studying in Thailand. What follows is a snapshot of available courses:
