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.

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

 

Jog, run, or sprint your way to success!

 

Did you know that exercise improves memory and learning? Numerous studies show that a little daily exercise helps keep us alert and think more clearly. We are happy when you come to school and sit in our lovely air conditioned classrooms, but it’s important for us all to get moving and keep active too. What better way to do it than to join our school running club?

 

We may have just missed the Koh Samui Marathon, but there’s nothing stopping you from training for the next one. Or if the thought of running the length of Samui (twice!) gets you shaking in your trainers, jogging along the coast while you watch the sunset might be the thing for you.


  Whether you are a complete beginner, an occasional jogger, or a running superstar, we want you to join us!

 
Whatever your goal, this is a great opportunity for you to improve your fitness, socialize, and be part of a supportive network of like-minded people!
 
We can meet whenever and wherever you like (outside school hours, of course). 
 

On your marks, get set, GO!

Saturday School

 

Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and lots of FUN!

 

 

Our Children’s Saturday School offers students the best learning experience possible! We provide interactive, engaging learning experiences that give students the opportunity to make friends, have fun, and learn something new!

We offer small groups with highly qualified teachers. Our native English speaking teachers 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.

Students from 3 to 18 years old are welcome to join us!

View our flyers for more information.

 

Thai Conversation Class

Learn to speak the local lingo at Koh Samui Language School

Thai people are very friendly and would not hesitate to start a conversation with international travellers or expats living in Thailand. Whether you want to order food or ask for directions, this is the course for you to get started.

Make the most of your time in Thailand by attending our new Thai Conversation Class.

Our Thai Conversation class is taught by our native Thai Teacher, Khun Kae. She uses a variety of instruction and activities to teach you tips and tricks about Thai-tones, important words, and useful phrases.

Here is a sneak peak at one of our conversation classes earlier this week.

Why not come along and try one of our classes for FREE?  Please see our school timetables below.

 

 

 

Koh Samui Language School Social

 

It’s almost time for our favourite day of the month! This month we will be digging in to some of the best Italian food on Koh Samui. Da Bardo Restaurant is ranked 4th on the island on Tripadvisor, so get ready for some seriously scrumptious food!

 

 

When?

 

Thursday 27th July 7pm

 

 

Where?

 

It’s located on the road to the Lomprayah in Maenam. Turn off the main road under the archways and it’s about 50m down the road on the left

 

 

 

Who?

 

Friends, family, and new faces are all welcome

 

 

What’s on the menu?

 

A selection of pizzas from the restaurant’s menu

 

 

How much?

 

300B per person

 

 

What do I need to do?

 

Please confirm your attendance so the restaurant can be prepared.

Email [email protected] come in and see us at the school, or call us on 077248228.

Koh Samui Language School

New Schedule

 

For information about days and times of all Thai and English courses available at Koh Samui Language School, click on the link below!