Thailand Program
8-Month Thailand Practicum Program
Message from the Thailand Coordinator
The practicum program in Thailand is an eight-month internship that runs from the end of June to the end of February. Selected practicum students will travel to Bangkok, Thailand at the end of June and will begin teaching at that time. Students intern in full-time teaching positions and are required to meet the demands of their full-time course load all while acquainting themselves to new culture.
Although the eight-month practicum programs are challenging and may not be for everyone, there are many benefits participating in our Thailand practicum program. Students gain an abundance of additional classroom experience at Lertlah Schools and upon completion of the program additional opportunites may arise. The practicum program also provides students with the unique opportunity of immersing themselves in another culture which has been an invaluable experience of many previous students.
Program Information
Each September students currently in either the fourth year Integrated Program or first year After-Degree Program are invited to apply; the program is open to elementary stream students only. They will then complete their final year of the Bachelor of Education Program in Bangkok while interning in Lertlah Schools. Students who are accepted into the 8-month practicum program in Thailand will complete their third practicum block in Manitoba during May and June prior to their departure. They may also be required to take a course in May and June on evenings and/or weekends which would in turn reduce the course load required of them in Thailand.
UWinnipeg instructors and professors will travel to Thailand throughout the Spring and Fall terms to present students with the required courses needed to complete their degree. Those who successfully complete the program will graduate with their Bachelor of Education Degree from The University of Winnipeg in February. Please note: In order to graduate in February students must apply to graduate by the November deadline.
Students who are accepted into the program are committing to the full 8-months in Bangkok, Thailand. During this time students will fulfill their teaching commitment to Lertlah School as well as complete all course requirements assigned to them by the Faculty of Education. Other than for any possible extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical concerns or family emergencies) students will complete their final year of the Bachelor of Education program in Thailand.
The program takes place at Lertlah School, which is a Kindergarten to Grade 9 bilingual school in a suburb of Bangkok.
Program Eligibility
- Students must successfully complete Practicum Blocks I, II, & III.
- Students must be able to illustrate their flexibility and adaptability.
- Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
- Students must be willing to attend all meetings and orientations to prepare for the program.
- Students must be interested in living in a different culture.
- Some travel experience is recommended but not required.
- Applicants will be interviewed. Interviews are normally scheduled in October or November.
Cost
The cost of accommodations and airfare are provided by Lertlah School. Students are responsible for the cost of tuition, living expenses, and all other costs related to the program. For a list of current tuition amounts please see the below link.
About the City
Bangkok, Thailand's capitol is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The Chao Phraya River feeds its network canals, flowing past the opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire. Bangkok has a population of over 8 million people (2010) it was founded as capital on April 21, 1782.
The weather in Bangkok is hot and humid most of the year. December and January are cooler months where you may need a sweater in the evening. Generally summer clothes are worn in Thailand all year.
Contact Information
Peter Bjornson - Thailand Practicum Coordinator
204.789.1461
Praveen Alahakoon - Thailand Student Advisor
204.789.1465
Amber Chessman - Program Assistant
204.258.3030
Lertlah School
www.lertlah.com