Schools in Pattaya: Which is Better – International or Online? A Detailed Guide!

Satit Udomseuksa School: Thai Meets English

• Type: Thai school with an English curriculum; semester-based payment.
• Fees: Starting from 58,000 baht (Grades 1–3) to 67,000 baht for higher grades, plus a 20,000 baht admission fee and 500 baht test fee. Textbooks cost extra (5,500–8,500).
• Meals: Included – eat to your heart’s content.

If you plan to stay for the whole term (about five months), this might work. Your child will be in an international environment and improve their English. However, if you leave early, getting a refund could be tricky – and usually not in your favor.

Link: Satit Location

Burapa English-Programme School: Another Semester-Based Option

• Type: Thai school with an emphasis on English.
• Fees:
  • 37,200 baht per semester (junior grades),
  • up to 78,750 baht (senior grades),
  • plus an admission fee of 20,000–30,000 baht.
• Meals: Not included; you’ll need to arrange food separately.

Again, you’ll pay for the whole semester upfront and hope your child can complete it (otherwise, the money is gone). There’s also an entrance test in English and math, and Thai language comes into play as well. While knowing Thai isn’t mandatory, it might make things harder for the child.

Location: View Burapa Location

BJP Elite Academy: A Blend of Cultures

• Fees:
  • For the entire year: 120,000 baht (~12,000/month).
  • Two payments per year: 62,500 baht per semester.
  • Three payments: 49,000 baht upfront, then 40,500 baht each for the remaining terms.
• Extras: Textbooks (5,500–15,000 baht), uniform (1,500 baht), insurance (1,500–1,800 baht).
• Meals: Included in the package.

This unique school blends English, French, and occasionally Russian programs. Sounds great, but you’ll need to pay a significant amount upfront.

Address: BJP Elite Location

Hidden Pitfalls of Traditional Schools

1. Mixed Reviews. Some parents say, “It’s amazing,” while others complain about superficial teaching or overly strict teachers.
2. Refund Issues. Thai schools often charge by the semester but return only a fraction if you leave early.
3. Cultural and Educational Gaps. Thai schools are very different, while Russian schools might feel too “laid-back.” Kids may find it boring or confusing, and parents might be dissatisfied.
4. Financial Burden. Paying for six months when you’re only staying for two or three can feel wasteful.

Why Online Learning is Winning

More and more people are choosing platforms like Foxford or InternetUrok. Both formats let you stick to the Russian curriculum while lounging on the beach in a swimsuit.

Foxford

• How It Works: Live webinars and mini-groups where kids interact with teachers via chat and voice.
• Cost: 20,291–29,700 rubles per month (depending on grade) or 155,250–227,205 rubles per year.
• Pros: Accepts maternity capital, no upfront fees, no need for uniforms, and all you need is the internet!
• Cons: Kids might get distracted – after all, there’s the sea and fruit around.

There’s also a “Premium Plus” option – a full package with webinars, live chats, mini-groups, assignments, and more. Surprisingly, the cost sometimes matches that of an offline school in Russia.

InternetUrok

• Teaching Style: Pre-recorded lessons available anytime – even at night.
• Cost: 8,900 rubles/month or 74,700 rubles/year.
• Pros: No extra hassle, discounts for multiple kids, and accepts maternity capital.
• Cons: No live interaction like, “Hey teacher, help!” Kids need self-discipline.

If your child enjoys interactive learning, pre-recorded lessons might feel dull. But for short periods to “stay on track,” it’s a practical and affordable solution.

Who Benefits from Online Learning?

• Families who love to move around: today in Pattaya, tomorrow on a nearby island.
• Anyone unsure how long they’ll stay in Thailand.
• Those tired of traffic and school commutes.
• Parents wanting to stick to the Russian curriculum without transitioning to Thai or international standards.

So, What’s the Best Choice?

• Offline: Ideal if you’re staying for a year or two, ready to pay a significant amount, and want your child in an English-speaking (Satit, Burapa) or familiar Russian environment (Raduga, Diplomat). But the risk of losing money is high for short stays.
• Online: Flexible, convenient, without huge upfront costs – perfect for those valuing freedom and sticking to the Russian curriculum.

The Final Word

If you’re staying for a month or two, online learning solves most problems. No fixed schedules, no paperwork hassle, no non-refundable fees. Your child can study on the balcony or by the sea. You could even give them a couple of weeks off and ease them back into learning with a laptop.

Yes, personal interaction in Thai schools sounds tempting, but only if you’re committed to staying for the semester. Otherwise, the money might vanish like a magician’s rabbit.

So, embrace online learning, save for mangoes, and don’t stress about surprise notebook checks. Choose a local school only when you’re confident in your plans. For those who love comparing details, we’ve created a separate table with prices and conditions. Scroll down – it’s all laid out clearly.

May your Pattaya adventure be magical, and your kids’ knowledge stay as sharp as ever!