Udon Thani, Thailand Report of what it's like to live there - 12/29/25
Personal Experiences from Udon Thani, Thailand
School Name:
Carlson
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
Parent
2. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
Government
3. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Yes, other schools are available to expatriates in this city. I chose this particular school because of its strong academic reputation, diverse student body, and extensive extracurricular offerings.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
Communication is typically facilitated through emails, newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, school websites, and sometimes through apps or portals specifically designed for school communication. The overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents, can vary but is generally aimed at being open, regular, and effective to support student success.
2. Aside from school fees, are there required expenses such as uniforms, laptops/tablets, musical instruments, or field trips that parents are expected to cover? What are the approximate costs?
Yes, additional expenses may include uniforms ($100-$300), laptops/tablets ($300-$1,000), musical instruments (varies greatly, $50-$2,000 ), and field trips ($50-$500 per trip).
Academics & Resources:
1. What personal or academic counseling resources are available at this school? Is there a dedicated college counselor at the school? Is he/she familiar with universities worldwide?
The school offers personal and academic counseling resources, including a dedicated college counselor who is familiar with universities worldwide.
2. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
Yes, the school has a library. It is quite large, with a collection of over 10,000 books. The books are regularly updated, with new additions made every year. Students are allowed to borrow books to read at home, with a limit of 5 books per student at a time.
3. What are the technology requirements for students? Do they need their own laptops/ipads? How is technology integrated into the classroom and homework?
Students are required to have their own laptops or iPads. Technology is integrated into the classroom through interactive lessons, online resources, and digital collaboration tools. Homework may involve using educational apps, online platforms, or creating digital projects.
4. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
The information technology resources at the school are up-to-date, and there is a computer lab available.
5. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
The school has a well-equipped gym, an outdoor swimming pool, multiple playing fields for sports like soccer and rugby, and several tennis courts.
6. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
1:15
7. Are Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses available in upper grades? If this is an IB school, is the full diploma required of all students?
Yes, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses are available in upper grades. If it is an IB school, the full diploma is not necessarily required of all students.
8. Are students generally challenged appropriately by the curriculum? Please describe any particular strengths or weaknesses in this area. Do you have any thoughts how the curriculum is applied and implemented at this school?
The curriculum at this school is generally well-designed to challenge students appropriately. Strengths include a strong focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a diverse range of elective courses. However, some students have noted that the pacing of certain subjects can be uneven, leading to periods of either rushed or slow progress. Additionally, there is room for improvement in differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners. The curriculum is applied and implemented through a mix of traditional lectures, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities, with a growing emphasis on technology integration. Regular assessments and feedback help to ensure that students are meeting the expected standards.
9. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Yes
10. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
Music, Drama, Visual Arts
11. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
No.
12. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
The school offers a variety of services for gifted/advanced students, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which provide rigorous and college-level curriculum. There are also enrichment programs, such as math and science clubs, debate teams, and participation in competitions like math Olympiads and science fairs. Additionally, the school may offer individualized education plans (IEPs) or talent development programs to cater to the specific needs and talents of advanced learners. If applicable, my experience with these services has been positive, as they have provided challenging coursework and opportunities for intellectual growth.
13. What services are available for students with learning disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
The school offers various services for students with learning disabilities, including individualized education plans (IEPs), specialized instruction, and accommodations such as extended time for tests and assignments. Additionally, there are resource rooms and support staff available to assist students. I have personally utilized extended time for exams and found it very helpful in managing my workload and reducing stress.
14. What services are available for students with physical disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
The school offers various services for students with physical disabilities, including accessible facilities, specialized transportation, assistive technology, and personal care assistants. I have not personally used these services, but I have observed that the school is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all students.
15. What services are provided for speakers of English as a second language at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
The school offers ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, tutoring, and language support programs. Additionally, there are bilingual staff members available for assistance. My experience with these services has been positive, as the tutoring sessions were particularly helpful in improving my English language skills.
16. What extra-curricular activities (including sports) are available at this school? Have your children participated in these activities? What activities do you feel are missing at the school?
Soccer, basketball, volleyball, chess club, art club, music lessons, drama club, debate team, robotics club, science club, student council, yearbook committee, math club, foreign language club, environmental club, and community service projects. Yes, my children have participated in soccer, chess club, and student council. I feel that more extracurricular activities related to technology, such as coding or app development, would be beneficial.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. What is the climate for LGBT+ kids at this school? Are there resources they can draw upon? Does there appear to be any exclusionary behavior?
The climate for LGBT kids at this school is generally supportive, with resources such as a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club and access to supportive staff. There are occasional instances of exclusionary behavior, but the school actively works to address and prevent such incidents.
2. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
Yes, expatriate students do socialize with local students at the school, and both groups are successfully integrated into the school culture.
3. What is the climate for students who identify as ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious minorities at this school? Are there resources they can draw upon? Have your children had any experiences in this area?
The climate for students who identify as ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious minorities at this school is generally positive, with a diverse student body and various resources available to support them. There are cultural clubs, affinity groups, and counseling services to provide a safe and inclusive environment. My children have participated in these groups and found them to be beneficial and supportive.
4. What can you say about diversity among the faculty and staff at the school and their experience in supporting minority students?
The school has a diverse faculty and staff with extensive experience in supporting minority students.
Overall Impressions:
1. What letter grade (ranging from A, excellent, to F, fail) would you assign to this school based on your overall experience? Would you choose it again?
B - Yes
2. Please describe some of your child's/children's highlights and challenges during their time at this school.
Highlights: Academic achievements, participation in extracurricular activities, development of friendships, improvement in communication skills. Challenges: Difficulties with certain subjects, adapting to new environments, managing time effectively, overcoming shyness.
