I. Thailand Isn't a "Budget-Friendly" Alternative for International Education
Many parents mistakenly believe that Thailand offers affordable education, strong English proficiency, and convenient visa processes.
However, the reality is different: While Thailand does have many high-quality international schools, their admission requirements, tuition fees, and academic standards are comparable to those in Singapore and Malaysia. Only a handful of schools accept short-term students, and most of these are third or fourth-tier institutions struggling with enrollment. These schools do not represent the true standard of international education in Thailand.
Trying out a school before committing is nearly impossible at top-tier institutions. Waiting lists are already full for the next year or two—why would they have spots for short-term students? The better the school, the less they need the money, and the more they fear complaints from current parents. Would you be happy if your child’s class had a new short-term student every few days?
Even if short-term enrollment is possible, can your child truly integrate and keep up with the curriculum? These are major concerns. Short-term students often struggle to understand lessons and end up merely "experiencing the culture" in a corner of the classroom. This not only affects their academic confidence but also defeats the purpose of "international education."
II. Short-Term Study ≠ Formal Education
Many parents think, "Let’s try short-term study first, and then transition smoothly into long-term education."
But the truth is: Thailand’s education system does not offer a clear pathway for short-term students to transition into full-time programs. Neither does Australia, nor any other country in the world.
After a few months or a year of short-term study, schools generally do not provide official transcripts or recommendation letters for further education. This means the experience may not be recognized when applying to schools in Europe, the U.S., Australia, or New Zealand!
Moreover, due to differences in academic systems and curricula (especially with the mix of American, British, AP, and IB programs), students may find it even harder to readjust when they return home.
III. The World Is Tightening Policies on "Short-Term Study"
A clear signal: Australia, which was once friendly toward short-term study programs, is now gradually phasing out such options for Chinese students.
The reason is simple—short-term study involves gray areas in teaching management, visas, insurance, and curriculum alignment, which do not meet the formal requirements for international education.
Some Chinese parents apply for four-week programs but leave after two, damaging the trust of Australian educational authorities in Chinese students.
This serves as a reminder: "Short-term study" is not a pathway recognized by formal education systems but rather an "experience product" created by parents and agencies.
IV. Questions Parents Should Truly Ask Themselves
Is my child capable of living independently and understanding instruction in English?
Will the short-term study produce tangible, verifiable learning outcomes?
If my child enjoys Thailand, am I willing to let them complete a full academic program there?
If the answer to two of these questions is "I’m not sure," then short-term study is not the right choice.
An Experienced Educator’s Honest Advice:
Thailand is a country that welcomes international education, but it is not an "educational bargain." What truly helps a child grow is not the duration of short-term study, but whether parents understand the education system, language readiness, and psychological preparation.
So, if you simply want your child to "experience a new environment and practice English," consider winter or summer camps, intensive English training programs, or online international courses instead. These options are safer, more cost-effective, and better for testing your child’s adaptability than blindly opting for short-term study.
