What I Learn About International Schools in Thailand

[@LullabyTania]

We have problems with racism and discrimination here in the school in Germany. Moving back to Thailand is always a dream but the cost of the international school is outrageous, that hurt us a lot even more.

[@bacc1316]

Our daughter was born in Thailand but attended school in the US through the 9th grade. We returned to Chiang Mai where she attended an International school for two years to the 11th grade. She always was a A student and on the honor role every year of schooling. We found the school curriculum at the International school sub par at best. We moved back to the US for her to attend her senior year with her friends. For the first time she found it to be a little struggle because of the lack of education she received in Thailand. Still did finished on the honor role and now is a sophomore in a university in the states. The International school is definitely a money making business first and education second ( like all higher schools ). For the Thai students that are going to stay in Thailand after they graduate it is ok. But it really does not prepare the student for the west. The American teachers at the International schools are young with just a little teaching experience . They look at it as an adventure to go live in Thailand and get paid. You are not going to find the older more seasoned teachers taking a pay cut from teaching in the States and move there families to Thailand.

[@robertdz2381]

western education is not education anymore, it is indoctrination to produce subjects of the degenerate system.

[@robertdz2381]

Chaing Mai is an outback, you can't compare a school in Chaing Mai to Bangkok international school. Or perhaps she was lacking being woke enough ??

[@MyBelch]

Honor roll ... their families ... otherwise I agree.

[@AnuchaFarm]

I am Australian, wife and 14 year old son are Thai. We lived in Australia and our son attended school in Australia. Four years we have lived in Chanthaburi, our son continues distance education in Australia. Currently year 10. Cost A$360 pa. He attends a local government school afternoons for free. Best of both worlds? 7:44

[@nehahimmat]

Keen to know more as we are planning to move from Australia to CM. Would love to know more. Please let me know how I can reach you

[@xt2561]

I appreciate your honesty and insightful perspectives, especially on sensitive topics. Thank you, Forrest, as always.

[@vaguelyvagrant9694]

There are a lot of international schools in Bangkok, but only a handful are reputable outside of Thailand. Most of those don't use American or British curriculum but the IB (international baccalaureate). These are also all non-profit and very expensive. A lot of these also are very big of DEI so they are not just hiring "western-looking" teachers. This is part of their accreditation. The "influential parent" making demands is literally at every international school around the world (and I've been teaching at international schools in different countries for 17 years). I'm curious to know which schools you were talking about. There is definitely a perceived "hierarchy" or tier system for international schools among international teachers. Some are seen as "top tier" (often associated or recommended by western embassies in the country) and others are seen as basically a local public school with foreign teachers.

[@vaguelyvagrant9694]

Not all western teachers are the same race. They often just have a passport that qualifies them for specific teaching visas.

[@yuji9733]

Enjoyed your videos! I'm glad that I ran into your channel as we are considering moving to BKK as a family with a toddler and a new born. My wife is trying to become a teacher in BKK so it's great to know some of the points raised.

[@smircgoesthere]

Your videos have been super informative and thought out. Thank you for sharing!

[@jjhollenkoppell2975]

I really respect & appreciate your brutal honesty! This video was really informative. I am moving to Thailand in March 2024 and will be looking for a teaching job.

[@khunesattnyeinchan6052]

What you said in this video, it's all true. No matter what kind of higher degree you hold, if you don't have a European look, you'll never get paid as same as the European-looking guy. Some schools even literally described "Native Speaker or the European-looking" in their JD for Teachers.

[@ComputationalThinking707]

3:00 It’s 2023 Forrest and I am an Asian looking teacher from the UK. I have been offered a job based on my qualifications at a top tier International school that promotes international values. I have looked on the schools newsletter, and can see they have teachers of British Indian, British Chinese, British Cypriot and Indian teachers as most international school will publish a photo of their subject teachers. Your theory may be true for those teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).

[@knoms6021]

I think you just got lucky, because what Forrest was saying definitely struck home with me. I am Canadian with Thai parents and a lot of the places I applied to just states that I "did not look Canadian". It was ridiculous.

[@143loveya_00]

My family and I are considering sending me to a boarding school in Thailand. (International.) So this video was beneficial! Thank you, sir.

[@adammeadows2289]

Great Video, have been waiting for someone to cover this subject.

[@bingbingbaobei]

I haven't seen Thailand, but lived for a long time in China. While there were some schools with good teachers, most of the schools just seemed to be going based on white faces with teachers I would definitely never want teaching my kids. The funniest part about the international schools is the hiring policy. The schools will list the prestigious universities their students got into on their website, and sometimes on the wall of their school. However, most of the teachers had degrees from places like Northwest Tennessee University (I made that up, but on par with that). I applied for a job at the encouragement of a friend, and got a unique look into how IS's hire. The golden ticket is to have a BA in Education (eve at the secondary level). From there, the more experience you have, the more desirable you are. Some value a MA, but seemingly only in Education (even if you're teaching IB History). A PhD in your field is seen as worthless. And they don't care whether the teachers went to Harvard or where. I went to a top 10 school in the world. The vice principal hadn't heard of it. I also attended a Chinese Ivy League. He hadn't heard of it (despite being in China). And my undergrad was from a top 200 school in the US. Also hadn't heard of it. I have seen some schools with teachers with impressive backgrounds themselves. However, this was an absolutely huge turn off for me. You don't need to go to a top 10 school, but when the vice principal only has online degrees and doesn't actually know about university rankings... eek... I'd rather homeschool my kids. Unfortunately, the more I've talked to people, the more I've heard this industry is this way. Teachers just need years in the classroom, and the ability to check extremely specific boxes which seem quite arbitrary.

[@meatloaf7765]

great video, I would love more information about international schools in Thailand. If you have time, thx!

[@braedenp6062]

Super informative man! Great video!

[@johnwong6717]

Great info Forrest! Definitely a bias across all of Asia for Western-looking teachers. The "bending" of rules also happen private high schools in North America that cater to wealthy foreign students.

[@Normalregularhuman]

What are the best international schools for high school students in a more nature/beach area that is safe. Less than $14,000 per year? TY!

[@erwinholsters6808]

Hello Forrest, interesting video, thanks for your honest view ! Would you happen to know what would be a good international school in Pattaya ? thank you

[@shane1948]

The most established one is Regent's International School Pattaya, but it also depends on where you are staying because many of these schools are far from the city center.

[@aloisification]

Many thanks! Any Tips for teachers planing to apply?

[@ewstuber]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@Bobbychristopher]

Agree with alot of your statements here. Not a fan of the Trust Fund crowd. Many of them end of getting top tier college educations abroad and then do NOTHING after graduation, just live off daddy's money. What a waste of human flesh!!!

[@andreww3621]

They win the lottery the day they are born

[@Photojouralist123]

I went to ISKL in Kuala Lumpur. Don’t think I would send my kid there no way

[@pondypoo]

Studied in international school since kindergarten till grad. Only the super rich can go here, and most become extremely successful, maybe a lil hep from nepo

[@Pat_KraPao]

No, the super rich send their kids to school in England.

[@johnkong9492]

thanks for keeping it real. Just to ask. did you graduate in an international school in Bangkok?

[@tuber6382]

I attended RIS in Bangkok back in the early 1980's

[@saschaputsathit4244]

I went to Swiss school in BKK in the 70s, was great.

[@Eminence_in_shadow]

School name

[@chutichate1]

@@Eminence_in_shadow en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIS_Swiss_Section

[@tpb1006]

@@Eminence_in_shadow Ruamrudee I guess

[@davidsmiottawa]

Info packed. Tx

[@Pat_KraPao]

Not true about international schools being mostly located outside of bangkok city center. There are many schools located within the center.

[@EddieJRIriias]

Over here, in Honduras, we also have Bilingual (or multilingual) schools where they are private offer the same (or better) curriculum than international (basically the same thing) but with less international student population. Is there an equivalent to this in Thailand?

[@swaramusicchannel]

Can you send me the details of the best international schools in bangkok for asian students for low annual fees ? Pls

[@Sweetsweetraven]

Do you have any knowledge or videos on American kids going to public schools in Thailand? I’m curious to know more about US kids getting a public thai education for a year or two how that would affect them being able to enroll back into a US school system. If the education credits transfer.

[@LivingInThailandWithKami]

I have that same question

[@mimimanx7501]

My daughter is currently in 9th grade. We live in California and are looking into reputable international schools. Which school is considered the top international school with American curriculum in Bangkok or nearby cities?

[@spikechan8338]

None! keep you daughter in USA. The rich Thai parents send their kids to USA?????????????

[@Akdon67]

ISB

[@Neednoy2]

NIST.

[@GrassySlayyy]

Isb I go there

[@GrassySlayyy]

@@Akdon67yo I go to isb

[@terencegraham8414]

The University teachers are very well paid and this adds to the top dollar costs for the yearly fee. It's only the low class Teflers who get paid pennies.

[@pvasir]

Very true with Western looks.

[@jh5cha]

Too vague on the "bend." Please explain an example of such

[@sanjuanjimbo]

Spot on!

[@Eric-ph4yw]

I'd be more than willing to bend the rules. I know how to play the game. It's unfortunate but thats the world we live in.

[@kewintaylor7056]

As single person…i dont quite understand what is what… Thx for information anyway.

[@emmahawkins3588]

If my daughter only speaks English and writes English does any school speak in English over there

[@Pat_KraPao]

Yes, all international schools are taught in English. They'll also learn Thai and a choice of French or Mandarin.

[@ThankyouIgotit]

Forrest Lee, I have a friend who wanted to rent the house very close to the UK international school..walking distance to the UK U

[@seojimjames]

Hey Forrest, Thank You so much for Your Expertise and Bandwidth, great videos always. I would like to schedule a consultation with you very soon, however I couldn't find a "Contact" link on your website, nor could I find :Pricing or Payment Methods. You can msg me or email me on those points. By the way, brilliant concept offering ExPat and Commercial Consultations, its about time. Thanks again, I ll schedule as soon as I hear from you.

[@stegura83]

How common is home schooling in Thailand?

[@Pat_KraPao]

Not heard of.

[@knoms6021]

You are so right in regard to your discussion about teachers. I was born in Thailand but raised in Canada and when I went back looking for jobs at international schools, they were so racist and you can totally tell how they would only favor the "western", typical Caucasian looking individuals. This is something that is not broadly talked about, but sure enough, better education needs to be had.

[@Pat_KraPao]

This is true in most of Asia like the Philippines, Vietnam, China, and South Korea. Caucasian candidates are favored.

[@BestInImpact]

@@Pat_KraPao I got a job at a top international school there and I accepted the offer. Are black teachers treated like trash there? They really wanted me to join and it seems like an amazing opportunity. Pretty discouraging to hear that about how racist they can be.

[@Pat_KraPao]

@@BestInImpact Blacks teachers are treated fine at international schools

[@robertdz2381]

Can anyone who has insights about Thai International schools if the curriculum is woke here in Thailand since Mrs. Forest Lee mentioned that there is American curriculum being taught in Thai International schools.

[@gastongeneral6861]

Just keep posting using the word 'woke' and you'll probably get what you want.

[@robertdz2381]

​@@gastongeneral6861 that is what everyone is using, that word. I live in Florida so we still exercise the free speech right.

[@gastongeneral6861]

@@robertdz2381 Sounds childish to me.

[@robertdz2381]

@@gastongeneral6861 you are just stup...id liberal.... don't text me.

[@Pat_KraPao]

It's woke. You should stay out of Thailand.

[@ismailqursoy]

❤

[@DennisdeRuiterrrr]

Crazy expensive...

[@kyle3497-l3j]

👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️🙏🏿🙏🏿🇸🇦🇸🇦

[@mluu510]

Thailand international school is ridiculous and the reason why i returned back to usa

[@stegura83]

Why?

[@mluu510]

@@stegura83 it was very expensive. More expensive than my luxury 2 bedroom condo in central Bangkok. I'll go broke educating my two children

[@bobobobomemem4888]

Hay pro i miss you

[@mr.g1683]

What grade/ age do they start teaching English in Thailand?

[@peeptbgod7047]

home school them tbh

[@veramann]

For those who don't know, most of the wealth Thailand and Southeast Asia is owned by people of white or light skin people. That is, Chinese and ethnic Chinese are in the higher social class, according the Yale University Professor, Amy Chou. In my opinion, the Chinese and the ethic Chinese who live Southeast Asia are smarter and more successful than other ethic groups because they have highest average IQ, especially for college and university students.

[@stegura83]

You will never see Thai Chinese girls working in a bar or in a massage shop. You will never see Thai Chinese men working on a farm or in construction either.

[@shane1948]

Most Thai Indians are very rich too, they own hotels, condominiums, and schools.

[@jekylltraveler]

What about the most important topic. Are international schools in Thailand woke? Do they teach critical race theory and other wacky progressive curriculum subjects like common core?

[@mixalis6168]

Nope,

[@Akdon67]

Yes to a certain extent. I attended ISB they’re definitely left leaning but it’s not full on woke. They did not teach critical race theory while I was there but that might have changed.

[@malikbooker9187]

What do you perceive as woke? I think teaching about history is very important

[@robertdz2381]

@@malikbooker9187 woke is woke, woke is not history you idiot, you must've been indoctrinated yourself, you subject.

[@robertdz2381]

a very good question because that is the main reason why we are considering to move to Thailand and send our kids to International schools in Thailand., are they woke, I do not accept any wokeness.

[@method341]

Private schools in general are a rip off. Just send your kid to a decent public school. Grades not good enough? Make them study harder.

[@spikechan8338]

Yep! 100%

[@terencegraham8414]

If you are in Australia i agree with you but if you are referring to Thailand you are having a laugh. Keep it real mate.

[@Yonnireed0101]

Lol private school better in grade school your kids are getting a more advanced curriculum

[@mixalis6168]

Lots of stories, are they true facts ? Have you the so called stories in writing ??

[@jefflee6542]

Hello Forest I'll be coming to thailand soon. I have a thirteen year old son. Is there any ladyboy school for him?