While domestic parents are still anxious about school district housing, a group of "pioneers in education" have 

already taken their children to Chiang Mai. This small northern Thai city, steeped in the songs of Teresa Teng, 

is becoming a new educational choice for families around the world with its cost-effective, diverse, inclusive and naturally immersive international education ecosystem.

I. Why Chiang Mai? The "anti-involution" paradise of international education

The international education in Chiang Mai conceals the "sense of balance" that contemporary parents most desire.

Here, there is no annual fee threshold of over 200,000 yuan as seen in international schools in Beijing, Shanghai, 

Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The average annual tuition of mainstream international schools is only 50,000 to 150,000 RMB. 

With rent and living expenses included, a family's total annual expenditure can be controlled within 200,000 to 300,000 RMB, 

which is only one-third of that in first-tier cities in China. What is even more remarkable is that low cost does 

not mean low quality - among the over 30 international schools in Chiang Mai, half have obtained international authoritative 

certifications such as IBO and CIE, and over 80% of the teaching staff come from Europe and America, with a 100% certification rate.

The natural environment is irreplaceable. The average annual temperature in Chiang Mai is 25℃. Most international schools

 are built in valleys or beside rice fields, and the campus is like a park. In the rooftop farm of D-PREP School, 

students grow rice by themselves. In the forest classroom of VERSO School, math classes can be transformed 

into nature classes for observing the veins of leaves. The equestrian field at Brighton School is a popular choice 

for after-school clubs. Here, the myopia rate and obesity rate of children are much lower than those of their urban peers.

Second, three types of mainstream schools, catering to different growth needs

International schools in Chiang Mai are like a "diverse platter", where one can always find options that match the child's characteristics.

The British system is renowned for its rigor. Dulwich, as A global chain of prestigious schools, offers 

a complete range of IGCSE and A-level courses from kindergarten to high school. Many of its graduates 

are admitted to G5 universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. In class, the teacher encourages students

 to break down problems with a debating mindset. For instance, in history classes, students are asked to discuss 

the "impact of the Silk Road" from the perspectives of different civilizations.

The American IB system emphasizes the ability to explore. D-PREP is the benchmark of the IB curriculum in Chiang Mai. 

From PYP (Primary School) to DP (High School), it adopts project-based learning throughout. In the primary school stage, 

the "Community Exploration" project involves children interviewing street vendors and temple monks, 

and using mind maps to sort out the urban ecology. In the "Personal Design" course of high school, 

a student once designed an intelligent feeder for local stray dogs and won the International Youth Innovation Award.

Bilingual inclusive schools are suitable for the transition of young children. The "Dual Mother Tongue Program" at Varee 

School is quite distinctive: mathematics and science are taught in English in the morning, while humanities 

courses are studied in Chinese or Thai in the afternoon. On the playground, it is common to see 

European and American children and Thai children discussing cartoons in Chinese. This type 

of school is especially suitable for families who are worried about their children's language gap.

Iii. Real Life of Accompanying Students: It's not just about going to school, but also about choosing a lifestyle

Families who choose Chiang Mai International School often gain not only education but also a relaxed lifestyle.

Lily, a mother who accompanies her child to school, has a very representative daily routine: after sending her child 

to school at 7 a.m., she goes to the organic market by the old town to do some shopping. At noon, she chats 

with other parents in the school cafe. In the afternoon, she attends Thai language classes or yoga classes. "

Before in Shanghai, my child and I were like clockwork clocks. Now, after school, he goes climbing small hills with his Thai classmates, and I have my own life." "

The home-school interaction at the school is also heartwarming. During the "Family Open Day" each semester,

 parents can randomly audit any course. Every month at the "Cultural Night", families from all over the world 

gather with traditional delicacies. Chinese mothers' dumplings, American fathers' hamburgers, and Thai mothers' 

Tom Yum Goong soup are placed together, resembling a miniature United Nations.

What is even more precious is cross-cultural friendship. In a child's circle of friends, there are not only classmates from

 Europe and America, but also friends from Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia. At birthday parties, cakes, 

longevity peaches and Thai desserts will all appear at the same time. Some parents joked, "Now my child speaks 

Chinese with a touch of Thai accent and English with a mix of Japanese words, but he/she respects differences better than before."

Four. Three Practical Suggestions for Parents

If you plan to send your child to Chiang Mai International School, these details are worth paying attention to:

Plan 1-2 years in advance: Popular schools such as Dulwich College and D-PREP require queuing. It is recommended to 

submit applications as early as possible. Some schools may require children to take online assessments or interviews.

Younger age groups are more adaptable: The period from 6 to 12 years old is the best time for integration. Children 

at this stage absorb language quickly and can establish friendships with local classmates rapidly.

There is no need to flock to "prestigious schools" : Some medium and small-sized schools like Grace and Unity have 

smaller class sizes (less than 15 students), closer interaction between teachers and students, and offer better value for money.

Perhaps the most touching aspect of Chiang Mai's international education is not the halo of prestigious schools, 

but rather its calmness in returning education to its essence - when children can memorize words by the rice fields, 

conduct experiments in the forest, and learn empathy in a multicultural environment, those growth 

experiences beyond textbooks might be the abilities that the future world needs most.

If you also want to see the educational charm of this small city with your own eyes, you might as well follow [Senior Tai Le]. 

We will regularly share information on open days of various schools in Chiang Mai and interviews with 

students' families, allowing you to deeply understand this educational hotland without leaving your home.