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English Language in Thailand
English is the language of business, a truism of life that allows people from vastly different backgrounds
to communicate and make use of each others’ resources. English is an important language in Thailand,it is widely
spoken in all mayor cities, but not so much in the more rural areas. English is the country's second official language.
Internationally recognized certificate teaching English as a foreign language (CTEFL), internationally accredited by the BOAA.
While more people speak Mandarin as a native tongue, English is the global second language, a compulsory part of nearly every
school curriculum and the closest realization of the Esparanto dreamers. One company also hired a young lady to translate
in Japanese, but English was by far the preferred medium of communication. I was struck by the disparity of spoken English
ability, and a few times caught myself wondering just how many business deals might have been lost due to failures to communicate.
For the most part, due to the vagaries of the Thai educational system, the company owners can read and write English at a
much higher level than they can speak. As trade continues to expand, the need for English salespeople to assist in all
phases of the dealmaking process becomes more and more urgent. Volunteer work abroad, whether you teach English, care
for children in an orphanage, or help the elderly, is very well received in Thailand and is an extremely rewarding experience.
Whoever has good knowledge of English can improve their career chances enormously. Whereas it is relatively easy to
learn English in Bangkok, people living in rural areas and villages do not have as many educational opportunities. Therefore,
your volunteer work teaching English will be greatly appreciated.
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