AUA Language Center is Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious language school, this year celebrating its 65th anniversary; could you give us a brief background and history of the school and some of its key milestones?

The AUA Language Center (AUA) was established through the collaboration of the American University Alumni Association under the Patronage of HM the King and the US government as a bi-national center “to promote further mutual understanding between the people of Thailand and the United States through instruction in their respective languages, customs and traditions”.   During the first four decades, the American government provided technical and administrative support which laid a very strong foundation, and over the past 65 years, over 1.7 million people have passed through our classrooms, and left speaking

What is it that makes AUA stand our regards its facilities and curriculum?

AUA now has 15 branches, including 6 in Bangkok, all well-located and easily accessible by public transport. In the provinces, we have two in the North – Chiangrai and Chiangmai; one in the northeast in Udonthani, three in the Eastern Seaboard – Bangsaen, Pattaya and Rayong; two in the south at Hat yai and Songkhla; and one in Nakhon Pathom in the central region. We really have all bases covered

AUA teaches English using the Communicative Approach and teaching is provided on a whole class, small group or individual basis as well as online and at locations required by client organizations.  As far as Our English language courses go, we group them under 3 categories: U-Life, our flagship program which  consists of a variety of courses to strengthen English language foundations, including the immensely popular ‘English for Communication’. We have U-Career also which features courses to facilitate career advancement and U-Extra which provides more flexibility and diversity.

One special service we offer is a comprehensive English language consultancy for corporate and government institutions. This service ranges from needs analysis, course design and materials development to implementation of training, workshops, seminars and online services and even evaluation and reporting.

AUA has an outstanding range of school choice with a wide variety of facilities and the finest teachers- what about competition from other schools – how do you differentiate yourselves?

AUA is different from other language schools in many respects. We assure quality of teaching with affordable prices. Our teachers are all native English speakers for whom it’s required to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and an English teaching certificate. And our systematic professional development scheme for teachers ensures that the quality of teaching always remains high.

Another aspect that makes us unique is that AUA is the community element we aim to foster.

We aim to provide a supportive environment for English language skills development.

For example; we have an English clinic at every branch, providing help, free of charge, to anyone who has questions about anything regarding the English language. Through our AUA Plus programs, we offer value-added activities for anyone who wishes to learn and practice English in a fun and interesting environment.  These range from seminars, workshops, events, and club activities to online support and materials.

Do you have a final message you would like to communicate to  readers  of TIME and Voices of Leaders?

In an age of globalization and ASEAN integration where English is the common language, one way to gain a competitive edge is through the English language capacity of the workforce.  In Thailand, overall communicative English capacity of the Thai people is still considered weak, but AUA stands ready to facilitate the building and strengthening of the English language capacity of employees of both corporate and government organizations. Our 65 years of teaching experience enables us to effectively respond to diverse needs and requirements and to play an active part in the effort  to promote corporate advancement.