Name: Anne Adams
Age: 29
Nationality: British
Courses: Beginner Level 1-3 (13 weeks)

>> Why do you want to learn Thai?
Last year I was volunteering in Thailand. I worked at an orphanage in Phang Nga for a month and at a girls shelter for another month and a half.

It was so hard to communicate as they spoke very little English and I didn't speak much Thai. We tried to use Google Translate but even though it is a great tool, it doesn't work very well between languages that are structured so differently such as Thai and English. After I left I tried to keep in touch via Facebook but that was hard as well due to the language barrier.

That's why I decided to learn Thai. I need the language so I can be of more help to the children and girls here. I am a computer programmer which is great for being able to work remotely and my dream is to have my own business that will enable me to both have a good income and be location independent so I can continue to support the NGOs here both financially and with my time. In the future I might even start my own organisation, and then I will definitely need to be able to speak Thai. 

>> Did you know any Thai before you started your studies at LILS?
I knew a few odd words I had picked up from being around Thai people, but I couldn't put together a sentence, except for "My name is Anne". 

>> How would you describe your language skills today?
They have improved dramatically! I feel that I can speak about most things now. I can read and write, and I am confident while talking with Thai people.

>> How would you describe the courses you have taken?
Beginner Level 1 was really fun! It was hard to learn the Thai alphabet but I learned so much in such a short time. Beginner Level 2 was the biggest step for me. Suddenly everything was in Thai. In Beginner Level 3 I started to really enjoy the language. If I thought of it as "hard" during previous levels everything started to make sense in Level 3. 

>>What do you think about Koh Lanta as a location for studying?
It's great! I really like this island. It's laid back and it feels like you're in the real Thailand because it's not so touristy. The locals are very nice. I have walked to and from school every day and so many people have stopped me to have a chat. There is a lot of opportunity to practice speaking Thai here which is great.

>> What would you like to say to people who are thinking of applying to a course at LILS?
Definitely do it! But be prepared that it's going to be intense. You have to be motivated to last three months but classes are fun, and you won't get bored. The material is relevant and useful and we practice a lot. The environment is good for learning and you'll have a nice bunch of people at school who will support you. The teachers here really care that you are learning and improving which is great!

I originally applied for the four weeks of Beginner Level 1 only but extended my course with another two levels as I found LILS to be a great place to carry on learning. So go for it!  

Name: Anders Wassan Öman Bunpuckdee
Age: 23
Nationality: Thai/Swedish
Courses: Beginner Level 3 (a 5 weeks course completed in 4)

>> Why do you want to learn Thai?
I grew up in Sweden and after finishing high school I started to work at different warehouses. I made good money but the working conditions took their toll on me. I worked nights and in 21 degrees (C) below zero and after a while my body reacted to the stressful environment and I became a zombie.

That was my wake-up call, I didn't want to live like that. As my mother is Thai and I have many relatives in Thailand I decided to see if I could start a career in the tourism business. I applied to a vocational school with a lot of workplace training that I spent on my relatives resort on the island Koh Samui.

The experience and knowledge acquired have helped me and my family to start our own resort - Don Sak Garden. It's an amazing place to find peace and mindfulness. If you like spending time in nature you can go hiking in the jungle or kayaking in the ocean, you might even see pink dolphins!

While in Thailand I also visited my uncle who works as a movie director. He told me that if I want to live in Thailand and if I am ready to work hard he could help me get a job in the film industry. But I would have to learn Thai first. A life and career in Thailand requires Thai language skills. So that's why I'm learning Thai.

>> Did you know any Thai before starting your course at LILS? 
Yes, my mother had taught me the basic structure of the Thai language. I had also been staying at the home of two teachers in the national park Pala-U in Hua Hin studying with them. So I could definitely make myself understood but I couldn't write much. 

>> How would you describe your Thai language skills today?
My reading and writing skills have improved a lot! The Thai teachers in Hua Hin used the traditional Thai style of teaching reading and writing which is based mainly on rote learning. Before starting at LILS I couldn't figure out the tones while reading, but the teachers here explained it the special LILS way which made me understand it all really fast. Now I know how to read and why the consonants and tone marks are put together the way they are.

My listening and speaking skills have improved as well. The teachers here are great in encouraging everyone to speak Thai. The humorous atmosphere made it fun to speak during lessons. It was more like we were all sitting in a coffee shop chatting away like friends. I and my classmates had a really good time while learning. 

>> How would you describe the Beginner Level 3 course you just finished?
The teachers have been very accommodating and flexible in making sure that I would get as much as possible out of the course even though I hadn't studied with the group from day one, and my prior knowledge didn't match the Beginner level 1 and 2 course content exactly.

But I think the three month course would have been better to join. During the first two weeks on this tropical island I enjoyed the beach life so much that I almost forgot to do my homework. After that I got settled in and started a better routine of making time for everything. If I would have continued like this for another two months I think my Thai language skills would have gone through the roof.

>> What do you think about Koh Lanta as a place for studying Thai?
Koh Lanta suits me perfectly, even in the quiet low season. I like the relaxed atmosphere here. It makes it easy to maximize my days. If I can include learning Thai, go for a swim, do some exercise, have a good meal and see friends in one day, that day is fulfilled in my opinion and couldn't be better. Here I can have many of those days. 

>> Is there something special you would recommend visitors to do while on Koh Lanta?
Play beach volleyball during sunset, and go for a morning jog in the sunrise. It's a great feeling to just immerse oneself in the beauty around you. While you are at it practice your language skills by starting conversations with the people you meet.

>> What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying to a course at LILS?
Take the opportunity! Think about what you want in life. Would learning Thai benefit you and get you closer to self-fulfilment? If it would then Koh Lanta is a great place for you to pursue the Thai language part of your goals. Many students at LILS have very clear dreams and goals in life. I have learnt a great deal just by talking to my school mates. They have given me motivation and ideas which steps I need to take to get where I want to be.

And everyone at school is friendly and helpful. For example Henrik in Intermediate, that I had just briefly met, offered me to borrow his car when I mentioned that me and my friends wanted to go to Krabi for the weekend and teacher Prae helped us get a good deal on the hotel. There's a lot of trust and good feelings here. That's one of many reasons to why I'm already planning on coming back to take another course later. So see you at LILS!

Names: Petra and Torsten
Ages: 55 and 54
Nationality: German
Courses: Beginner Level 2 - Intermediate Level 2 (Five months)

>> Why do you want to learn Thai?
After having visited Thailand several times during the last 20 years we decided that we would like to live here permanently. And we believe that if you want to live in another country you have to be able to speak the language. It is a matter of showing respect for your host country. But knowing the language also makes things so much easier. Authorities will treat you better and we can bargain and negotiate to get better prices for example.

>> Did you know any Thai before you started your studies at LILS?
Yes, we knew some Thai, well we knew a lot about food and how to order many different Thai dishes but apart from that we couldn't say much. Torsten had studied with a Thai teacher in Germany but she used the traditional Thai style of teaching. We would have preferred to join the course at LILS from the start. Here we are advancing very fast compared to the traditional way of studying Thai.

>> How would you describe your language skills today?
Petra: I'm usually very fast when it comes to learning languages but I haven't met my goals. I would have expected to be more fluent by now but Thai is so different from any other language that I know so I suppose the learning curve is different too. In the beginning I was too shy to speak Thai on the phone but now I can make reservations and book tickets without any problems. 

Our life here would not have been so easy without our Thai language skills, Torsten adds. But we're not on a level where we can make really close Thai friends yet, although we are often invited to join parties, celebrations and visit the home towns of our Thai friends together with them. 

We would not have had this good Thi language skills without the school though. I think one month at school is equivalent to six months on the streets trying to immerse ourselves in the language, Torsten says.

>> How would you describe the courses you have taken?
The courses are very close to the reality of living in Thailand. The three modules in Intermediate; Family, Work and Culture, cover most of what you need in everyday life. The three Beginner courses give you all the tools you need to dive into the Intermediate topics. But you have to do your homework and come to class. Some days are frustrating as the course is challenging but the rewards are worth the hard work. When we can use the new vocabulary outside of school and understand more than we could before, then the frustration turns into a really good feeling. 

>> What do you think about Koh Lanta as a location for studying?
We have always liked Koh Lanta, since the first time we came here 18 years ago, and it was easy to make the decision that we want to live here. The island is so small that we can get to school within a few minutes and there is no such thing as traffic jams. Lanta is not overdeveloped. We don't want Starbucks and McDonalds, we prefer to have our coffee and eat at restaurants run by local families. The infrastructure is good enough for Westerners, you can find a variety of food from many countries and the local supermarkets have the daily things you need to buy. 

Another reason why we chose to move to Thailand is that we use it as a base for further travel in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Our dream has been to see the world and experience different cultures and now our dream has come true! We have even had the chance to train to become mahouts (elephant riders) here in Thailand which was an amazing experience!

But even though we are living our dream and enjoy every day of our lives we do so responsibly. We live in a simple Thai style house and spend our money so it benefits the local community rather than big global companies. We think about what we are doing.

>> What do you do when you are not studying?
We travel a lot and try to spend as much time in the Thai community as possible. And then of course we need to deal with the practicalities of taxes and tenants as we still have our house in Germany. We are so happy that the internet works so well! We also have many friends visiting us and when we are not studying Thai we are taking online courses to learn new things, Photoshop and photography for example. Then of course we enjoy taking spa treatments and massages, spend time at the beach and in nature. We feel so privileged and thankful for being able to live here.

>> What would you like to say to people who are thinking of applying to a course at LILS?
You MUST come and you MUST learn! The method is so good and if you want to learn Thai you should do it in Thailand. Lanta is a great location if you want to combine a nice environment with studying. You will find highly motivated and experienced teachers at LILS and they have a proven plan that works! But don't forget the most important part, which is your own input and effort. You will have to do the work to get anywhere. But we would strongly recommend anyone who is thinking about learning Thai to start at LILS.

Name: Veronika Persson
Age: 19
Nationality: Swedish/Thai
Courses: Intensive - Beginner Level 1 to Proficient Level 3 (One year)

>> Why do you want to learn Thai?
It all started when I watched a video blog of a girl who was going to Japan to study Japanese. I really wanted to do something similar and as my mother is Thai it was easy to pick Thailand as the destination
of my language year. My mother on the other hand was skeptical to my decision to begin with. I think she was worried about me as this was going to be the first time I would leave home to live in another
country. But she came with me to check the school and as Koh Lanta is a safe place and the school passed her inspection she agreed for me to start. Now, a year later, she is proud of me.

>> Then you knew some Thai before you started the course?
Yes, I could speak like a Thai child but I couldn't read or write. Even though I knew the basics I chose to start in Beginner Level 1 as I had  many gaps in my Thai and I didn't want to rush through learning how to read and write. After completing all courses I can speak and discuss like an adult. I have visited my Thai relatives every three months during my year in Thailand and every time they are so surprised of how much my Thai has improved. They say I use such sophisticated language.

>> Have you learnt more about the Thai culture?
My mother has kind of brought me up in a Thai home but in the Swedish society so I already knew quite a lot about the Thai culture before coming here. I have always tried to take the best parts of both cultures. I like the Thai way of taking care of your family and respect your parents. My Swedish friends sometimes use very impolite and disrespectful language to their parents but I could never do that. It would feel very wrong. I try to help my parents as much as I can. For example I cook dinner to my father every day.

Another thing that I like about the Thai culture is the importance of dressing and behaving well. Here it's not cool to be rude or to not care like many young people in Sweden believe. On the other hand it's easier to talk and joke about sensitive topics in Sweden as it's ok to talk openly about everything. In Thailand I have to be more careful.

>> How would you describe the courses?
The Beginner course, all three levels, give you a good foundation of the Thai language. You can have simple conversations in many various topics. The Intermediate course deepens your knowledge. This is when you really learn how to express yourself. In the Advanced and Proficient courses you need to study and speak like an adult.

>> What is the best thing that has happened during this year?
My personal development. I used to be very shy but now I dare to do much more. I can speak Thai with anyone and it doesn't bother me if I make mistakes. In the beginning I missed my home and friends so much. I was constantly homesick and I realized how much I depended on them. But then I got really good friends here who helped me to feel at home on Lanta too. If I'm sad there is always someone to talk to which feels great. Now I know I can feel at home in more places than one.

>> What is the worst thing that has happened during this year?
My visa run to Singapore. It was the first time I was completely alone in a foreign country. The staff at the embassy were really unfriendly and I felt uncomfortable the whole time.

>> What do you think about Koh Lanta?
It's a great island for learning Thai as there are not too many distractions. Still, there are plenty of things to do. For example you have to visit the national park and the beaches in the south, they are gorgeous. Another must-do thing is the snorkeling trip to Koh Haa, don't miss that one! And when you're done go to Lanta Seafood in Saladan and munch into their fabulous seafood dishes. They cook fast so it's the best place to go when you're really hungry.

>> What would you say to people who are thinking of applying to a course at LILS?
Even if you are hesitant about applying - just do it! It's always good to know another language. Every week you'll learn so much and the school is small so you'll never feel alone. Don't worry about not getting friends.

Name: Oskar Hardin
Age: 27
Nationality: Swedish
Courses: Intensive - Beginner Level 1 to Intermediate Level 2

>> Why do you want to learn Thai?
It all started when I visited Thailand in 2011 and realized that if I'm going to return to Thailand I would like to stay there for a long time. I pondered on my options and ended up with studying Thai as my best bet for getting a good start in the country.

>> If you look back on the first weeks of your course and the person you were back then and compare it with the person you are now – in what ways have you changed?
It's like comparing day and night. The person I was when I started is so different from the person I am now, at graduation. I have especially changed in the way I react to things, now I'm much calmer. I try to solve problems as they arise and not worry about things that might never happen. I have also lost 15 kilos which is quite a feat! 

>> What has been your best experience during your time on Lanta?
To learn Thai, to participate in three professional Muay Thai (Thai boxing) fights, and to discover parts of myself that I barely believed existed.

>> And your worst?
A few people that I haven't liked (but that would happen anywhere in the world), and a lot of the things that I did in the beginning of the year. I would really like to erase those events from history.

>> What do you think about LILS?
As LILS has been able to convert an analytical university student into a creative person in the classroom, I'm very positive to the school itself. The only negative thing has been some cultural misunderstandings with my teachers but I suppose I have to accept that.

>> Why did you get a tattoo of your graduation date on your arm?
I chose to get a tattoo of my graduation date together with Hanuman, the Hindu ape-like deity, because the year that I have spent at LILS has redirected my life 180 degrees compared to the “security” I had in Sweden. Even though I really miss my parents and my few close friends this year has taught me how to live and deal with obstacles and failures in a good way. This is so important to me that I chose to get a tattoo that symbolises this accomplishment in order to always remember it. 

>> What do you think about Koh Lanta and what would you recommend visitors to do here?
It's very laid back. I haven't been to such a calm and harmonious place in a long time. If you come here you have to try the Thai boxing training at William's Gym (Lanta Gym). And go for a long walk! You will discover so many things that you'll never see if you travel by car or tuk tuk.

>> What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying to LILS?
Are you insane?! No, I'm only joking. I would pat their back and praise their courage. Apply, and don't forget that you have taken a big step in the right direction. I would also add that living in Thailand is not the same thing as being on holiday here. When you study at LILS for a long period you will encounter another side of Thailand that you might not have seen on your charter trip to Phuket. And dive into it! Of course you can stick to your foreigner friends but seriously, how much will you gain from that? You are in Thailand in order to learn the language and culture, aren't you?

Name: Lieke Van Uhm
Age: 28
Nationality: Dutch
Courses: Intensive - Beginner Level 1 and 2, (2 months)

>> Why do you want to learn Thai?
My main reason for learning Thai is because I have a Thai boyfriend and I would like to be able to talk with his family and friends, as well as learn more about their Thai culture. Another reason is because I would like to find a job here, for example as a teacher or in the tourism industry, and then I will have a big advantage if I can speak Thai. I would really like to stay for a long time in this country. I love Thailand, the friendly people, the beautiful nature and the unique culture.

>> Did you know any Thai before the course started?
I knew a few random words, such as greetings and how to count, but I couldn't connect words into sentences. Now, after two months, I can create pretty long sentences, my Thai friends understand me much better and I understand them. 

I have always been interested in languages and Thai is a challenge because it is so different from the other languages that I know. The tones and the writing system were totally new to me. So I can hardly believe that now when I see written Thai I can actually read it! It is a great feeling but a bit risky because when I drive my motorbike I want to read every shop sign, which is not very safe.

>> How would you describe the course levels you have taken?
The first four weeks in Beginner Level 1 introduced a lot of new material but there was also a lot of repetition. The teacher used English quite a lot to explain the basics. We also learned the Thai letters and writing rules. During the next four weeks, in Beginner Level 2, the teacher used almost only Thai and we got to read and write words and full sentences. It felt a bit overwhelming in the beginning but I realized that I just had to start practicing and then I could do it. It is not only fun to study, you need some self discipline as well. But now when I can read, write and understand it feels very cool and satisfying.

>> What do you think about Koh Lanta as the location of the school?
The location is perfect! It's a great setting with the palm trees and the beaches. There is a good mix of quiet, chilled out places where you can relax and study but there are also many opportunities to have good parties. You can make your student life as it is supposed to be; a combination of studying and partying.

I like that Lanta is a relaxed island. Phuket and Bangkok are too busy for me and I could never study on Phi Phi Islands, it's too crazy over there. The locals are great on Koh Lanta. They are so friendly and want to help you practice your Thai. I get a lot of enthusiastic response from my Thai friends when I speak Thai.

The intensive course is demanding so as a compensation you need a quiet place, fresh air and some palm trees, it's a good balance. Lanta has everything you need - good restaurants, shops, beautiful beaches and a lot of things to do and see.

>> What would you like to say to people who are thinking of applying to a course at LILS?
I would definitely recommend this ideal setting and the school. LILS has great teaching and learning methods and it's very much worth it to study here.

Name: Fredrik Abrahamsson
Age: 28
Nationality: Swedish
Courses: Intensive - Intermediate Level 1 to Proficient Level 3, (9 months)

>> Why do you want to learn Thai?
My main reason for learning Thai is that I would like to ordain as a monk in Thailand. I then need to understand the Thai language so I can focus on the monastery life.

Another reason is that it's easy to like the Thai language, it has a kind of charm about it and it's very different from the other languages that I know. For example the written form of Thai looks very
beautiful.

>> Why do you want to become a monk?
When I was a teenager I started to question life and the society I was living in. It felt like there was something missing. One day in my early twenties I got the impulse to read a book about Buddha. It was
so inspiring that I continued to read all the books I could find about Buddhism and contacted a Buddhist society in my country. I listened to talks by Thai monks and their lifestyle appealed to me so I decided to
go to Thailand to experience it for myself. I stayed at a forest monastery for a month and I knew that this was the life I wanted.

Since then I have visited Thailand many times in order to learn the language and prepare for a life as a monk. The Thai language course at Lanta International Language School is my last year of preparation
before I give away everything I own and move to the monastery.

>> How is your present lifestyle? Will your life change a lot when you move to the monastery?
I have gradually simplified my lifestyle over the years. I realized that I don't need a TV so I gave it away to my sister. I sold my bed and slept on the floor so I could make my bedroom into a meditation room, and I eat just twice a day like Thai Buddhist monks do. It saves a lot of time and I feel much better.

>> Did you know any Thai before you started your studies at Lanta International Language School?
Yes, I had studied on my own and spent quite a lot of time in monasteries and other places in Thailand where English is not spoken. Back then I had to listen a lot, pick up as many words as I could and
was forced to use the vocabulary that I knew. When I started my studies at the school I could join the Intermediate Course but I had to work hard on my reading and writing as those skills were lagging.

>> How would you describe your Thai language skills today?
Now I can understand almost everything I hear and I can talk about pretty much anything I want. But there is always room for improvement!

>> How would you describe the courses?
I have been impressed with the speed of learning. It's amazing to realize how much I have learnt in such a limited time. Listening comprehension and speaking as well as reading and writing. The courses
are put together in a way that makes you like going to school, so it will be sad to finish. I have started to like the student life on Lanta a lot. Actually it's the first time in my life that I've really enjoyed being a student.

The teachers and staff at the school have contributed a lot to the fantastic atmosphere that makes it enjoyable to study. The lessons are interesting and entertaining so it's easy to keep your motivation high.

>> What do you think about Koh Lanta?
I think it's an optimal location for studies. It's quiet and relaxed but still a lot of things to do in your free time. I would prefer a little less tourists but I will get plenty of that in the monastery.

>> What would you like to say to people who are thinking of applying to a course at Lanta International Language School?
Apply! Come here and try it!

 

 

Name: Mikael Hanning
Age: 42
Nationality: Swedish
Courses: Intensive - Beginner Level 1 to Advanced Level 2, (8 months) 

>> Why do you want to learn Thai?
My main reason for learning Thai is because I plan to move to Thailand when I retire. My girlfriend is Thai and I have two children who are half Thai half Swedish so I have a lot of Thai in my life. 

>> Did you know any Thai before you started the course?
I knew a few words, like how to order food but I couldn’t read or write. The first week of the course was easy but in week 2 or 3 my prior knowledge didn’t help me much anymore.

>> How would you describe your knowledge of Thai today?
Now I can talk almost fluently. I help out at an internet cafe and tour agency during the weekends and it’s a great feeling to be able to communicate with Thai people in their own language. I’ve learned so much in such a short time, it’s hard to believe that just eight months ago I wasn’t even able to hold a simple conversation in Thai.

I understand Thai TV pretty well but radio is trickier, radio hosts speak so fast.

I find it harder to read and write than to speak in Thai, but I’ve never been a good reader, neither in Swedish nor English. I can read easy stuff like text messages and children’s books in Thai but newspapers are still too hard for me, although my reading has really improved during the Advanced course.

>> How would you describe the courses?
The Beginner course is tough because that’s when you have to learn the foundation of the language. When you know the basics it’s so much easier to continue. That’s why I found Intermediate to be easier. I had done the groundwork and could start to build on that. The Advanced course is tough too but in a different way. The teachers expect you to take more responsibility for your own learning, for example by letting us choose our own magazines to read and present in class. I like that style of learning but it can be hard for someone who doesn’t have study skills.

>> Have you been bored in class?
Let me see... no never. Well, once we did project work in the Intermediate course. We got to choose a topic, interview Thai people, search the internet and write a report about our findings. That was a bit boring because we just came to school for an hour or so during the day to hand in our texts and get individual feedback. I like going to class and see my classmates and teacher so that was the only time that I was bored.

>> What do you think about Koh Lanta?
I like Koh Lanta because it’s not very commercialized. I’ve been to Koh Samui and Phuket and I would never like to live there. It’s too crazy. Lanta is more quiet and good for studying. My girlfriend got a job here after a week or two so she has enjoyed her stay too. Now the company that she works for doesn’t want her to leave. They’ve offered her positions both here and in Bangkok, maybe she’ll come back to work for them after our holiday in Sweden.

>> What would you like to say to people who are thinking of applying to a course at LILS?
You’ve only got one chance in this life - take it and come to study for a year. You’ll have a great time. It’s tough but you’ll get to see and experience so much. Do it now! Don’t wait until you’re older.