Howard (left) and Bell (right) study Science in a sheltered environment at PELA
Chiang Mai, Thailand – Two students from the Prem English Language Academy (PELA) have experienced great success in 2009. Thai student, Tidamas (Bell) Vattanasiritham, and Jong Yeop (Howard) Lee from Korea have been promoted to the English for Academic Purposes Programme (EAPP) at the prestigious Prem Tinsulanonda International School (PTIS) following a very positive and intensive English language immersion experience.
Upon entering PELA in April 2009, Bell, a Grade 9 student at the time, was a beginner in English. “I didn’t know anything in English. I wanted to improve my English language ability because I knew it could give me great opportunities in my future,” she said. As a PELA student Bell received instruction in Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, and Writing. She also studied Science and Humanities in the sheltered immersion environment of the PELA classroom. Additionally, Bell attended Maths, Art, and Physical Education with her mainstream peers at PTIS.
Bell returned to PELA in August 2009 to continue her studies. After a second term of immersion she was ready to move on. “Bell’s determination combined with the extra time and attention she received at PELA allowed her to progress quickly. She was able to expand her English vocabulary, gain a better understanding of basic English grammar and develop the oral skills required to be promoted to the EAPP,” commented PELA Director, Tiffany Crook. Bell’s goal is to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) certificate and to graduate from PTIS with her peers. “Now I feel really good. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far and I want to keep improving,” added Bell with a winning smile.
Howard Lee, a Grade 7 student, came to PELA from Suwon, Korea, in late August 2009. “I could speak a little English, but I needed more practice,” he recalls. PELA gave Howard the time and opportunities he needed to gain the confidence necessary to fully participate in an English-medium school environment. Like Bell, he has successfully made the transition to the EAPP, and will eventually enter the PTIS mainstream. “I hope I will be able to speak English very well soon. That is my goal. I am working very hard to achieve it,” said Lee with determination.
The PELA mission is to help beginners learn English in a caring academic environment. Experienced and knowledgeable faculty members support students’ smooth transition into the mainstream of an English-medium academic programme. Highly-trained and well-qualified native speakers work with beginner students for up to five hours daily to ensure that they receive the personal attention they need.
Located in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, Prem Tinsulanonda International School (PTIS) is a very prestigious international boarding school in Asia offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The Prem English Language Academy (PELA) shares PTIS’ spacious, nature-filled campus, as well as its comfortable boarding facilities which accommodate international students from across Asia and beyond. PELA offers beginners a unique opportunity to be immersed in English while maintaining contact with their peer group in the mainstream. The tailored program at PELA provides personalised teaching and individual attention, focusing on the needs, interests, and goals of each student.
