With fewer students, the cost naturally goes up. 20 hours are assigned for each course, English grammar and conversation course, speaking course, listening course and reading and writing course. The cost of these additional lessons (speaking, listening, reading and writing) are double that of the English grammar and conversation course. Additional costs include 200-300 baht for textbooks, while placement tests are free.
Next we come to the Thankful Knowledge Learning Center (038 724 239) which teaches all levels of English, as well as business English. Instruction is given throughout the year. You can choose between 10-person group lessons; 2-5 person private lessons and 1-to-1 private lessons. The School is open from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Sundays. In addition to the usual four areas of English instruction, the school Offers classes in Singing. Prices start from 100 baht/hr. for larger groups. This price does not include textbooks or other additional charges. A detailed analysis of their commitment to teaching is available by contacting the school.
LC International Languages and Computer School (038 361 948~9) (www.LCPattaya.com) offers only 1 to 1 instruction, 1-2 hrs/day for the above four areas of language acquisition (Grammar, Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing) the fee is inclusive of all charges including textbooks and other associated costs. The charge for one month of instruction (20 hrs.) is 8,000 baht; 3 months (60 hrs.) is 21,000 baht and 6 months (120 hrs.) is 36,000 baht.
A student completing the basic level should be able to engage in conversation with understanding and have a vocabulary of 3,000 - 4,000 words. At the intermediate level students should be able to translate passages and engage in more extensive conversation.
Easy Learn School is next (038 723 104), focusing primarily on beginner and intermediate English learners, with classes from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week, offering both 1-to-1 classes and classes for small groups. The three main areas of concentration are conversation, reading and writing. All materials are included in the course, which lasts from 20-60 hrs, with a cost of 300 baht/hr for 1-to-1 private lessons. The fees for group lessons are marginally less and depend on the size of the class. The teacher determines specific objectives for each student and will work to meet those objectives, with an emphasis on making English fun. The fifth school we talked to is Progress Language School (08 1577 2967 or www.progressschool.com) which offers basic and business English courses and English designed for specific work fields, such as hotels and restaurants.
The second-to-last school is the AUA Language Center, offering 18 levels (beginner to intermediate). They have 7 weekday terms and 4 Sunday terms each year (call for dates and a brochure). Classes begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 9:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Class size averages 12 students per class with all four areas covered, using a communicative approach. Placement tests are given to all incoming students at a cost of 200 baht; textbooks with CDs are 530 baht. Weekday tuition is 2,300 baht for 30 hours; 2,600 baht for Sunday (30 hrs). A detailed and comprehensive description of what is taught and what is required for the student to pass levels 4,8,12 and 15 can be found in the free brochure and on the website.
Finally, we come to the seventh and last school in our survey: the Text-and-Talk Academy (038 723 101 or www.text-and-talk.com), which offers all levels of English in all aspects of learning throughout the year, for both adults and children. Class times are flexible, based on students’ need. Class size varies from 1-to-1 up to 10 students. Once again, the fees depend on the number of students. For 7-10 students, the charge is 1,800 baht for 20 hours. The same 20 hours in a private 1-to-1 class rises to 6900 baht. Placement tests are free, while course materials range from 370 baht to 928, including CDs.
It is important to keep in mind that it may take more than the hours listed to pass any one level. Everything depends on the interaction between the student and teacher, the willingness of the student to pay attention in class, to do the homework. Also to practice by himself language skills such as pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar, as well as listening to CDs to improve his listening skills. No school can guarantee the level achieved by any student; it can only provide the tools, guidance and opportunity. 
