Student Testimonials

"My name is Alfredo Incandela, I come originally from Italy, and I moved to Koh Lanta in 2011. When I first came to Koh Lanta, I fell in love with the island straight away. Its beautiful beaches, its nice weather, charming locals, the breathtaking sunsets and the absence of mass tourism which can be found in Phuket or other major Thai cities made me decide that I wanted to stay here a longer time. On this island you always have a choice, no matter if you want a quiet evening with friends, a party night, an adventurous day into the jungle or prefer to go jogging on the beach, yoga courses, elephant trekking, you got it all.

Anyway, time goes and I made a lot of Thai friends and I rapidly got interested in their culture and language. I already spoke Italian, English, French, Swedish and Brazilian Portuguese and as this wouldn't be enough I decided then to attend a Thai school starting my beginner course on June the 4th, 2012.

After the first month I could surprisingly speak some basic Thai and beside that I could write and read the Thai written language, which has totally 76 letters.

I was really happy with the teaching methods, and the teachers’ ability to make people with different skills, different backgrounds and different ages all to enjoy the course and make even complicated grammar concepts easy to understand. I have been myself teaching Italian in different European countries, and can be really critical when it comes to bad teaching methods or unprepared teachers, but I must admit that all teachers at LILS are excellently prepared and I've learnt a lot from them, even under a pedagogical aspect.

I have already completed the beginner and the intermediate level, I started the advanced level a couple of weeks ago and right now I can read for example news on a Thai newspaper, watch Thai TV, go out and enjoy time with my Thai friends with absolutely no need to speak any other language than Thai.
This is amazing for me; I’d never believed that in only 6 months I could reach such a good level in a language like Thai.

Going to school is fun, everyone is nice and we all enjoy our classes very much.
One more thing that surprised me lately is that companies, restaurants, pubs and resorts get really interested in hiring you when you can speak their language and want you to work at their companies, providing all necessary documents and visas, of course.

I would say to anyone who is thinking about spending a longer time in Thailand, or by any reason wishes to learn Thai, just come to Koh Lanta and attend LILS’ courses. It’s fun, it’s effective and you won’t be disappointed.
Carpe diem, you live only one time."
Alfredo Incandela, Italy

My Thai language skills landed me a job in Thailand

"When I first came to Koh Lanta, I was astonished by it´s beautiful beaches, peaceful surroundings and relaxed lifestyle. I realized that I wanted to live in Thailand, and I decided my first step should be to learn the language. As the Lanta International Language School was located on the island, I signed up for a 3-month course to learn the basics in Thai.

Within the first two weeks, we had learned to the entire Thai alphabet, which consists of 76 letters in contrast to the 26 we know from English. I was very impressed with the approach and lesson plan, which is really designed to make Thai understandable to us foreigners, as Thai bears no resemblance to any language most of us has ever known or studied. After I had completed the 13-week Beginner course, I then continued with the Intermediate course, which focuses on improving conversation as well as reading and writing.

After 6 months of studying Thai, I no longer needed English to interact with Thai people. Even in a situation when I did not know a specific Thai word, I could always explain what I meant in a way that the listener would understand. I followed through with the Advanced as well as the Proficient course, completing a full year of studies in the Thai Language.

I am happy to say that my studies resulted in my securing a position at a hotel here on Koh Lanta as a management trainee. Because I can now speak, read and write Thai fluently, and all the staff are Thai, I was given this great opportunity, and I can honestly say it had not happened were it not for my studies at Lanta International Language School.

Whether you want to live and work in Thailand, or simply want a deeper understanding of Thailand’s rich culture and warm, friendly people, I highly recommend you make a small effort to learn the language. Even after learning the basics, which can be done in 13 weeks, you will find that the country is open to you in a completely different way. You can interact in society in an active way, and truly understand the remarkable Thai people.

A year after starting my studies at Lanta International Language School, my dream of having a life and a career in Thailand has come true."
Erik Thorell, Sweden

Fun and hard work

"Lanta International Language School has a very good teaching technique. I have just finished my 8th week and completed Beginner Level 2. I can already read & write basic texts and I can hold 20 minute conversations about different topics. It has been so much fun but also hard work. During the lessons you will learn and practice a lot but it will be up to yourself to practice more after school and you have to dare start talking to improve. I have decided to continue 10 more months because I think that it will be worth every penny & minute I spend. Thank you LILS for your support and good teaching skills."
Linda Nordqvist, Sweden

"Khop-kun ka for your kindness and your positive energy! Great way to learn Thai in a funny mood. Talk Thai becomes easy with you!"
Haud, France

"Yesterday I went to Bangkok with my father. At the airport it was impossible to hear the English so I listened to the Thai information and explained to my father that the plane from Bangkok was late so our plane to Bangkok would also be late. I talked about everything with the taxidriver to the hotel. I talked with the staff at BTS, hotel and the bowlingcenter. And today I ordered food for some friends. I can only say thanks to Lanta International Language School and the great teachers there!!"
Lars Andersson, Sweden

"Merci beaucoup! It's the funniest school I've been!
Fabrice, France

Above: testimonial from Raymond from the US.
Below: testimonial in Swedish by Anna-Karin from Sweden.