It is that time of the year, when you start thinking about gifts and one of the most precious gifts is getting to spend time with your loved ones over the new year.

KSTVS school is happy to announce our school holidays for 2017! There will be no group classes from 25th December – 7th January 2018 and back to business on the 8th January 2018. Please note that there will be no group classes on those days but our office still operates for visa extensions, new language students and private classes.

“Be blessed to spend the new year with your loved ones, friends and family. Be delighted and may all the good things come your way in the next year coming! Happy 2018”

From us at Koh Samui Language & Vocational School

 

First, let us thank those of you who have already answered the questionnaire below.  Your opinion is very important to us and helps us make our school better.

If you haven’t completed the survey yet, this is just the right moment to do it. It will not take you more than 5 minutes and will make a great difference to us.

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A piece of Greece in Koh Samui!

Our next social event is coming soon.

Join us for some great food, music, drinks, and to say hello to new students and teachers!

When?

Friday 15th December at 7pm.

Where?

Fi Greek restaurant offers authentic Greek cuisine in Koh Samui! Delicious food, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff will make it an unforgettable night!

Fi Greek estaurant. 2/56 Moo 6, Chaweng, Amphoe Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand 84330
(Next to TESCO LOTUS-HOME PRO- Chaweng)

 

 

Who?

Friends and family welcome. The more the merrier!

What’s on the menu?

Delicious falafels, juicy kebabs, souvlaki, vegeterian mousaka and more. Definitely not to be missed!

How much?

 

400B for a set menu with a bottle of beer.

420B for a set menu with a glass of wine.

 

What do I need to do?

 

Please, confirm your attendance for this dinner:

 

  • Email: [email protected]
  • or tell us at school
  • or send a message on the school whatsapp group

Why siesta when you can FIESTA!

Our next social event is coming soon.

This is not only a chance for us to get together, but we will also be saying farewell to our Principal, Sarah, who is returning to England.

Join us for some great food, music, drinks, and to say goodbye!

When?

Friday 1st September at 7pm.

Where?

Tasty Bar and Café is the ultimate Spanish restaurant in Koh Samui! Not only is the food exceptional, but staff are fantastic too.

Tasty Bar and Cafe, 147/1, Moo 2, Chaweng, Bohput, Ko Samui 84320

Who?

Friends and family welcome. The more the merrier!

What’s on the menu?

Delicious Paella, homemade bread with oils, olives, and Spanish tortilla, washed down with a glass of Sangria.

How much?

 

Only 350B each!

 

What do I need to do?

 

You MUST confirm your attendance for this dinner:

 

  • Email: [email protected]
  • or tell us at school
  • or send a message on the school whatsapp group

An Introduction to Penang

An ED visa trip from Koh Samui to Penang shouldn’t be viewed with exasperation; Penang is an island rich with history, culture, diversity, and cuisine. Penang has long been a haven for traders of all kinds dating back to the first trade routes from the Middle East, India, and Asia. Penang was particularly influenced by the British since it was first colonized back in 1786 when the British East India Company came ashore to claim it, their influence today is seen in the continued prevalence of the English language and the imposing colonial administrative buildings dotted around the capital of Penang in Georgetown. Prior to British colonization and in the postwar era there have been multiple migrant waves of ethnic Indians and Chinese to Penang. These ethnic and cultural groups came to dominate certain types of trading goods such as spices and gems. Nowadays you can see the legacy of the Indian and Chinese diasporas in Penang through the use of Chinese in certain business circles and most prominently on shop signs. Whereas the Indian legacy is encountered in the Little India district where most locals are of Indian heritage, elaborate Hindu temples stand side by side with older mosques and Buddhist temples, not to mention the Indian food market in this area. Quite simply, Penang is rich in culture and worth exploring. With that in mind, here are some recommendations on where to stay and what to do.

Where to Stay

As the Thai consulate is located in the capital of Penang, Georgetown, it makes sense to book accommodations in this area.  Just as Koh Samui is brimming with top quality accommodations, so is Georgetown. Not only that, Georgetown is rich in culture and cuisine for those looking to get out and explore their local surroundings.

Budget: If you’re staying on a budget there are a multitude of hostels to choose from in the downtown Georgetown area. A typical dorm bed in Georgetown should cost about 300 baht and private rooms at these hostels range from 600 baht and up. The Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hotel, Magpie Residence, and Tipsy Tiger Party Hostel are three of the most highly rated hostels in the downtown Georgetown area and only a 5 or 10 minute drive to the Thai consulate.

Mid-range: Again, you’re spoilt for choice in the Georgetown downtown area. Mid-range hotels start from 600 and go up to a couple thousand baht. That is not to say there aren’t cheaper hotels that are not hostels, you just have to do your own research to ensure the price you pay is worth it! Personally, on my ED visa run I stayed at a new boutique hotel called Ink Hotel which was situated not far from the embassy and within walking distance of food markets, McDonalds, shopping malls, cinemas, and bars. I paid 700 baht but it seems you can get a slighter better deal when you book online. For around 1000 baht a good choice seems to be the Red Rock Hotel which is located a mere 3km from the Thai consulate and has pool free of charge for guests. At slightly more luxurious and twice the price at around 2000 baht is the Berjaya Penang Hotel, which again has a pool to relax in, and is within 1km walking distance of the Thai consulate.

No Limit: If price really isn’t a concern then you will have no problem from choosing among the top hotels in Georgetown. These hotels range from 3000+ baht up to 9000+ and include the Hotel Penaga, Eastern Oriental Hotel, and the Eight Rooms – McAlister Mansion, all within a 10 minute taxi ride to the Thai consulate and all with a pool to while away the hours if you should choose to simply relax and soak up some sun from the comfort of your hotel.

What to Do in Penang

As an island rich with culture from the various ethnic groups that have traded, colonized, conquered, and de-colonized, there is lots to see and do.

Architecture: If you’re one to marvel at the record of the past left behind by the British, Chinese, Indian, and Islamic influences, look no further! The city is dotted with grand and imposing white colored British colonial architecture including City Hall, Fort Cornwallis, the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Clocktower, and the Eastern Orient Hotel to name a few. Chinese and Islamic architectural legacies can be seen in the form of the many buildings, temples and mosques around Penang, most notably the Chinese Khoo Kongsi clan hall, the Blue Mansion, and the Kapitan Keling Mosque.

Eat: Penang is a foodie’s paradise with Indian and Chinese culinary influences being most prominent. For Indian food look no further than the area of Little India in the downtown heart of Georgetown. Delicious Indian dishes for a fraction of the cost back home! Similarly, Chinese food can be found in abundance in Chinatown, not far from Little India or Little Armenia. If you’re a fan of street food in Thailand and wondering what they have on offer in Penang, head to the Sunway Hotel. Just out front on the right side of the hotel every night is a gathering of food stalls selling delicious food at bargain prices. Failing that, Western fast food places such as McDonalds, Burger King, and Dominos are common and at the several large shopping mall food courts you’ll be spoilt for choice. Premium dining options can be found online, at the malls, or in the luxury hotels.

Drink: Downtown Georgetown has more than its fair share of bars for all tastes. Most of the reputable establishments can be found either on the coast or near it. These include Hong Kong Bar, Georgetown Wines, and Beach Blanket Babylon. If you go to Times Square at the base of the mall you will see a big bar called Beer Factory complete with a large outdoor patio, they typically have specials when you order more than one beer and have a wide selection of local, international, and craft beers.

Shopping: Again, you’re spoiled for choice. Just as there are in much of the rest of Southeast Asia, Penang has more than its fair share of markets. Some of the most prominent night markets in Georgetown are the Macallum Street Night Market, Cecil Street Market, and the Little Penang Street Market. At these markets you should expect to see similar trinkets as you would in Thailand but with a local twist. If you wish for a more familiar shopping experience, check out the Penang Times Square or Prangin malls, they’re within walking distance from each other and contain a multitude of top designer boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, and much more.

Excursions: If you can arrive in Penang on a Thursday, a great option would be to drop your paperwork off at the embassy early Friday morning and then hop on a ferry to Langkawai; Malaysia’s premier tropical island destination. That way you can have a half day there on Friday and stay even until Monday morning, getting to the Thai consulate in the afternoon. You could even substitute a ferry for a bus and head to Kuala Lumpur for the weekend. For those that would like a beach day without the hassle of ferries, look no further than Batu Ferringhi, the widely considered the best beach on Penang. You can reach easily reach Batu Ferringhi via public transportation. If you’re adventurous there are half day treks through Penang National Park or snorkeling trips to Pulau Payar Marine Park. Half or full day trips out to small local islands can also be arranged. Traveling with kids? How about Escape Adventureplay! It is described as a huge outdoor playground in a natural environment with a variety of attractions for all ages. More interested in learning about Penang and its vibrant history and culture? Try the Kek Lok Si temple or the Penang Colonial Museum. Whatever your interests are, Penang will surely have something for you.

Education Visas and Re-Entry Permits

Koh Samui Language School explains all

 

With recent stories flooding in about people getting arrested and detained at borders nationwide, we thought we should share a few do’s and don’ts with regards to visas and re-entry permits.

 

Do

 

Get the right visa

People here on tourist visas who have been skipping in and out of the country for long periods of time are being stopped, questioned, and deported. This is easily overcome by getting an Education Visa. An Ed-Visa allows you to stay up to 5 years in Thailand, without all the hassle of going in and out every 3 months.

 

Have the required money upon entry

If you are coming back in on your new visa, or with re-entry, immigration may ask you for 20,000 baht in cash. Please be aware that a bank statement will not be accepted and they will not allow you to go to an ATM, so be prepared with cash ready to present to them.

 

Have the required documents upon re-entry

If you get a re-entry permit, try to leave for no more than 7 days. If you need to leave for longer, make sure you have a valid reason such as medical treatment. Immigration will ask you for evidence if you’ve been gone longer than 1 week. Also, we will provide you with a signed letter supporting your return.

Please note, if you plan on taking more than a couple of weeks, you should be prepared to possibly have your visa cancelled. In this case, take your documents with you and then you can get another visa if you need to (although this will cost!).

 

Know what you’re talking about

If you’re on an Ed-Visa then officials will probably ask you some questions about what you’re learning. If you’re learning Thai, have a few phrases tucked up your sleeve to show them your skills.

 

 

Don’t

 

Enter/Re-enter Thailand through Bangkok

Most of the feedback we are getting seems to be coming from the Bangkok airports. Try to avoid them by flying through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and then to Samui. If you do arrive in Samui and there’s a problem, then we are here to help you. We have a great relationship with the immigration here so we have a lot more influence than if you get stuck elsewhere in Thailand.

 

Always believe what immigration tells you

Rules seem to change here quicker than the weather, so just because one immigration official tells you something, don’t take it for granted. No matter where you enter Thailand, it is up to the discretion of individual immigration officers as to what they ask you and what rules they wish to impose. Be prepared.

 

Say the word ‘work’

Unless you have a work permit, don’t tell anyone you are working, have been working, or that you previously worked here, even online. The cuffs will be out and you’ll be in jail quicker than we can say chok-dee (good luck).

 

We are happy to talk about any issues you may have with you visa or re-entry permits. Call in to the office to see us. Our door is always open.

Memory – the stages of remembering, how we can help, and memory idioms!

Remembering and Forgetting …hopefully our students don’t do much of the latter! In our intermediate class we have been learning about ‘memory’. Have you ever thought about how our minds create new memories, store them for, and then are able to recall them when they are needed? The fact that we can do this is …

 

Remembering and Forgetting

…hopefully our students don’t do much of the latter!

 

 

In our intermediate class we have been learning about ‘memory’.

Have you ever thought about how our minds create new memories, store them, and then are able to recall them when they are needed? The fact that we can do this is pretty spectacular. It’s this process which allows us to learn about the things around us and interact with the world.

Think about how many times we rely on our memory to help us in everyday life, from remembering the pin to your phone to recognising the person you met in the supermarket last week.

The study of human memory is a major topic of interest within science, specifically cognitive psychology. But what is memory? How are memories made? Let’s find out…

The Stage Model of Memory

Many models of memory have been proposed over the years, but we like ‘the stage model of memory’ (Atkinson and Shiffrin, 1968) due to it’s simplistic approach to the basic structure and function of memory. The theory proposes three separate stages of memory: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

How can we remember better?

We want you to ‘have a memory like an elephant’ not ‘like a sieve’. Here are some tips and tricks to help you store all the information we throw at you during class.

 

Talking about personal memories

‘Take a walk down memory lane’. What kind of event was it and why do you remember it? When did it happen? Where were you? What was the background to the event? What were the main things that happened? How did it end?

Our intermediate class answered these questions in class. Here is some of their work…

 

For a link to the idioms used in this blog, click on the button below.

 

 

Let’s agree!

 

Student and School Agreement

 

Please take time to read our Student and School Agreement so that we are all ‘on the same page’.

It’s important for us to ensure we are working together, allowing both students and the school to realise their full potential.

Our agreement is a binding document which every student is required to sign.

 

 

‘on the same page’  is a commonly used idiom in English, but what does it mean?

  • Thinking in a similar way  e.g ‘Sarah called the meeting to make sure everyone was on the same page.’
  • Usage notes: usually said about efforts made together to solve a problem
  • Related vocabulary: on the same wavelength

 

 

 

Weekday English Classes

 

Our native English speaking teachers are here for your every need. We guide students through a fun and educational English course that encourages them to build competence and confidence as learners. Our course includes an excellent variety of creative activities that encourage children to develop academic, personal, and social skills.

Whether your child needs support with school homework, exam preparation, or just need some extra one-on-one English attention, we are here for you.

We offer a comprehensive course for after school classes, which are inline with the internationally accredited Oxford curriculum. We also have more advanced and specialist courses available. Should you require them, please ask.

 

Get Set Go 1

Our level 1 classes are designed with a smooth, fun, and interactive introduction to English in mind. We begin by introducing key sections of the vocabulary, such as colours and ‘hellos & goodbyes’ to help improve students’ listening and speaking. We also provide an introduction to phonics, reading and writing.

Due to our long term experience running language classes for children, we know how hard it can be to have a child focus on a whiteboard or textbooks, so we design our classes with fun and interactivity in mind. We make each lesson as stimulating as possible and we even organise field trips just to keep things interesting for them.

The textbook we use is ‘Get Set Go’ volume 1,  published by Oxford University Press. The textbook creates a rounded syllabus specially designed for children.

 

Get Set Go 2

These classes are a slight step up from their younger counterpart. In this class we aim to once again widen the student’s vocabulary and to introduce more descriptive words so the child can speak about different subjects with a base level of understanding. We work heavily on phonics, aiming to help the child to pronounce possibly difficult sounds in a clearer way. The child’s writing will also be worked on to a higher degree, as we attempt to have the child writing short concrete pieces on their own.

Just like the other classes we still aim to make these classes as fun and stimulating for the child as possible. Trying to learn a new language can be a massive strain even for the most experienced adult, so as a child we know they can lose interest if the classes aren’t engaging enough. So, we do our best to make them interesting as well as educational for the student.

Oxford University Press published ‘Get Set Go’ volume 2 are used in the class, combining a firm mixture of reading, writing, listening, and speaking tasks.

Get Set Go 3

This is designed for children up to roughly 16 years old, depending on ability. In these classes we aim to teach the child short, spoken pieces describing hobbies, places, wishes, etc. Their reading and writing will match their speech and they’ll be able to understand simple texts as well as being able to write short descriptive and concrete pieces.

In these classes the children are often more mature then their younger counterparts, therefore we try to create an educational environment while still including the fun and interactivity of the younger ages. We feel learning to speak a language should be a group activity and so the students are encouraged to engage in group work, enabling them to use their English in a comfortable and safe setting.

‘Get Set Go’ volume 3, published by Oxford University Press are the official textbooks for this class, giving the children different tasks focusing on speaking an reading, presented in an enjoyable way.

How much?

Private class per hour

600B