December 2009


UEC is happy to report that both Jill and Brian, the two TEFL graduates who are volunteering as English teachers at the Lopburi Welfare boarding school and Baan Gerda (see Oct ’09 news) have decided to extend their contract through 2010 as they realize the tremendous beneficial impact they have on the children at the school and center. Their comments and impressions in words and pictures will be posted in January 2010. From all of us here at UEC: Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

November 2009


Current UEC TEFL course participants organize and conduct an English language camp for more than 250 Thai Government school students. In cooperation with the Thai teachers of English at Thepsatri Rajabhat High School in Lopburi, UEC TEFL trainees and trainers put together the latest English camp with a focus on the practice of critical, creative and caring thinking skills. Students enjoyed the various activities and interaction with the native English speakers, while TEFL trainees appreciated the experience and additional exposure.

October 2009


Brian, a recent TEFL Institute course graduate, has moved to volunteer at Baan Gerda.  BaanGerda is a children's charity that provides homes and care for HIV infected and affected orphans. The small community is based in Lopburi province in Thailand. Unlike a state orphanage, BaanGerda has a unique family environment with foster parents looking after the children and their daily needs. A medical team is on hand to ensure that they receive the best treatment and medicine, and Brian will organize English language lessons and activities for the children during his time there. Learn more about Baan Gerda and volunteering.

September 2009


UEC has awarded a merit and need based scholarship for the TEFL course and the Master degree program to Mrs. Jatuporn Bunjongkaew. Mrs. Jatuporn has been a teacher in the Thai Welfare Education School system for numerous years and has shown tremendous dedication to her middle years students both academically and personally. Her interest in improving both her English as well as learn more about teaching will enable her to succeed in both programs, we are certain. Congratulations!

August 2009


Jill, one of our recent TEFL Institute course graduates, has moved to Lopburi to volunteer at the Welfare Education Boarding school (Rajaprajanugroh 33 Lopburi School). She has been given a two bedroom apartment on the large school campus and is excited to work with the 1000 children as the only foreign teacher. We will remain in close contact with Jill and support her in her life changing decision. To read more about volunteering..

July 2009


Current TEFL Institute course participants and UEC staff and instructors created and ran a free English camp for 260 youngsters at the Lopburi Welfare Education and Boarding school for HIV afflicted children. The experience was well worth the effort and an unforgettable one for all involved. While the temperatures were soaring, the kids were busy engaging in activities encouraging them to use and practice their English and newly learned vocabulary. All TEFL course participants did a fantastic job and one graduate has even decided to take a volunteer teacher position at the school! (Pics)

June 2009


UEC awards its first 100% need and merit based scholarship for the 120-hour TEFL course to Ms. Pimsiya, a Thai teacher of English who has been teaching at the boarding school for HIV infected children for the last ten years. More information on Ms. Pimsiya's school

May 2009


The TEFL Institute teaches more than thirty foreign teachers in its latest Thai Teacher Council certified and licensed Thai Culture course. Course attendees come from as far as Northeast Thailand to attend this required and expertly taught course at UEC. To sign up or read more

April 2009


UEC attends New York Teacher recruiting fairs to enable US certified teachers to gain an international teaching experience while volunteering their teaching skills at Thai Government and Welfare Education Schools in Bangkok and Northeastern Thailand.

March 2009


The TEFL Institute proudly announces the opening of its own coffee shop and food catering service for a cause, right on the UEC premises. TEFL course participants can choose from an array of Thai or Western breakfast foods, sandwiches and a Thai, US and Italian lunch menu. Beverage choices range from fresh squeezed orange juice and organically grown, homemade Thai tea, to freshly ground coffee, brewed from 100% Arabica beans. All dishes are individually prepared using only the best ingredients, such as cholesterol free rice bran or extra virgin olive oil, whole wheat pasta, or Thai organically grown brown rice. 100% of all proceeds go to support the education of Thai school children.

March 2009


UEC congratulates the Managing Director of UEC and The TEFL Institute, Nikolaus Mische, on the completion of his Doctorate degree in International Education Leadership from Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand. The completion of this degree means the start of exciting new academic endeavors for UEC, details to be announced soon.

February 2009


TEFL Institute course graduates who are working on the completion of their Buffalo State, State University of New York, graduate degree in Bangkok, have signed up to attend the East Asia Regional Conference for Overseas School Teachers, held in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, Malaysia. TEFL graduates will attend workshops and seminars, and get introduced to the exciting possibilities and options when working for the best international schools in East Asia. For more information: www.earcos.org.

January 2009


UEC started the new year with a free 2-day English camp for 200 middle and high school students in Takhli, Nakhon Sawan. Six dedicated staff members, friends and graduates went and put on activities for the children who did not have to pay for anything but their food. Everyone had a great time and plans are under way to put on more such camps in the near future. (Pics)