Situated on the flood plains, eighty-six kilometers north of Bangkok, the island of Ayutthaya is a blend of the old and the new.  Modern schools and universities merge with ancient structures, built during the period of history when Ayutthaya was the capital city of Thailand.  Now, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its protected ruins and historic parks are a Mecca for thousands of tourists, who come to see and photograph the magnificent edifices of a bygone era.  In many ways, the spirit of the past is reflected in attitudes and life-styles of the people who live in this tranquil, fascinating city.

          A.U.A. Ayutthaya Language Center opened in September 2002, with a compliment of two full time teachers.  Now, the staff comprises seven teachers, two administrative staff and a branch manager.  Working in conjunction with the Thai Working Group (TWG) from the host University’s staff, Rajamangala University Institute of Technology Suvarnabhumi, Wasukri Campus,  the branch manager and administrative staff, consult on the many ways of providing and improving procedures and facilities for this innovative branch.

          The approximately, three hundred students at A.U.A Ayutthaya originate from a variety of backgrounds and many travel from outlying areas, as far away as sixty kilometers.  Their ages range from 15 to 60 years of age.  The majority are working adults and university students, thus making our evening and weekend classes the most popular.  Our host university also provides us with a substantial student base.  With large industrial complexes around the greater Ayutthaya area, occasionally there are opportunities to provide offsite, special courses.

          In respect to our teaching methodology, A.U.A. employs a communicative approach to learning.  Our focus is very student- orientated, concentrating on reading and writing, speaking and listening skills.  With equal emphasis given to each, students are exposed to a holistic, balanced learning experience.  Lessons are designed to give the students opportunities for pair, group and whole class activities, encouraging free thinking and expression of their own ideas and reasoning.  Our teaching, though serious in intent, is designed to provide an enjoyable environment, in which the students are encouraged to develop, not only their knowledge of the English language and culture, but also their self-esteem.  Our objectives are to assist the students to gain the skills and abilities which will enable them, to fit in, interact and work with confidence within the international community that has become an integral part of Thai society and business.  We encourage, guide and facilitate self-learning so that students become independent, self-motivated members of the community.

          In addition to the normal classroom activities, A.U.A. Ayutthaya is involved in numerous special events.  For example, depending on the class level and suitability, excursions are arranged to visit surrounding Temples, giving the students a chance to meet and practice their communication skills with the many European tourists.  Out of the classroom situation, this gives meaning and purpose to their learning in a natural setting.  As well, we annually organize a combined Christmas Party and Graduation Ceremony, where students can mingle with their peers and teaching staff in a more relaxed and festive atmosphere.  Coinciding with these events, A.U.A. Ayutthaya joins with our host university in celebrating Children’s Day.  Our rooms and the surrounding driveway and parking area, is devoted to eating and entertainment.  Teachers, with lots of help from the Thai staff, set up their rooms with posters, games, balloons and music, giving staff, their family, children and friends from the local community the opportunity to meet and just have fun with the foreign staff.  An exhausting, but a rewarding exercise in public relations for all those involved.

          Does everything run smoothly all the time?  Even with the best intentions, events beyond our control can interrupt, or disrupt our carefully planned routine.  The rainy season comes complete with the usual power cuts and of course, this year, the massive flooding which has inundated Central Thailand and caused so much hardship for the population, had its impact on A.U.A. Ayutthaya.  Although we did not have to cancel any classes, students and teachers had considerable difficulty getting to A.U.A. Many had their homes and surrounding areas flooded to the extent they had to move out and find temporary accommodation.  Many had to travel by boat to get to roads where wheeled transport was available.  As with all disasters of this magnitude, their have been some positive aspects.  Foreigners worked with their Thai neighbors, moving furniture and belongings above the flood levels and toiled side by side, building sandbag dykes in an effort to control the water.  People who would never have met, let alone spoken to each other, faced a common problem together.

          On a more cheerful note, interruptions to our timetable can occur by courtesy of our abundant wild life.  A quiet sit down at an outside table with a cup of coffee before beginning class, can be a little hazardous when a Pit Viper has decided enjoy its siesta under the table.  We also have our resident Monitor lizard which lives under the concrete of the car park.  Timid, it occasionally walks past us with its inimitable gait, until a camera is produced, then it disappears with a surprising burst of speed.  On one other unforgettable occasion, a squirrel was traversing the main power lines into the university, when it stuck its nose in the wrong place. There was a flash of lightning and a thunderous bang.  The squirrel, singed whiskers and its hair standing on end, landed beside one of our teachers, sitting outside and the power supply was effectively cut off.  Unbelievable though it may seem, after about ten minutes of ministrations by staff, a very wobbly, disorientated little squirrel staggered up and continued his journey.  By an alternative route, I might add.

          How can we assess the effectiveness of our teaching at A.U.A. Ayutthaya?  For beyond statistics of role numbers and exam results there is another measure.  That is when students bring their babies and children to meet their teachers, or stop to talk with us and our respective spouses in the supermarket.  The occasions when we are invited to social events, like weddings, or when a student comes, glowing with pride to tell us about a promotion or a new job, where their ability in English was a contributing factor in their appointment.  We feel accepted and a part of the Ayutthaya community.