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The British Council is the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations with overseas countries. Established by Royal Charter as an independent organisation, we work closely with the British Government's Foreign & Commonwealth Office and with the British Embassy in each of the 110 countries in which we operate.

The purpose of the British Council is to enhance the reputation of the UK in the world as a valued partner. This objective, first drawn up more than 60 years ago, remains the overall mission of the British Council's network of 218 offices worldwide. It is founded on the belief that the culture, creativity, languages and way of life of a nation can be shared abroad as a means of strengthening mutual understanding and collaboration.

The British Council has been building relationships between Thailand and the UK since 1938. We established our first separate offices in Bangkok in 1952. We now operate from a network of 3 centres in Bangkok in Siam Square, Pinklao and Ladprao and a centre in Chiang Mai.

We build long-term partnerships and networks between Thailand and the UK. We do this by projecting creativity and creating opportunities to connect with the latest skills, ideas and experience.

Learn about the British Council and our work around the world

Annual Report 2009 - 2010

Building Partnerships and Networks

We develop partnerships and networks which tackle reform agendas and promote sustainable development, reinforcing the UK's reputation as a committed partner in Thailand.

We work closely with the Thai Government, educational & professional institutions, and industry on a range of Thai-UK collaborative projects in key areas of educational reform. Current projects include:

			improving standards of English language teaching in schools
			joint Thai-UK projects in research development and industry links, e-learning and university management under the Framework in Higher Education signed by Thailand and the UK in 2002
			developing effective links between education and enterprise
			supporting student-centred learning through creative teaching and learning tools such as museums and sports
			developing effective school leadership
			joint initiatives to develop new approaches to providing in-company skills training and assessment for industry

We develop and support collaborative projects to build professional Thai-UK partnerships in open and publicly accountable media, and for the legal profession (including developing an on-line networking resource for legal professionals).

We foster and sustain links between Thai and UK universities, professional bodies and individuals in key professional and academic sectors.

The Thai-UK Alumni & Professional Network (TUKAPN) is for all Thais who have studied in, or developed other professional links with the UK; and for all UK citizens who have done the same with Thailand. The Network's 2,500 members enjoy a busy annual programme of professional, cultural and social activities under the theme "Strengthening Old Friendships, Creating New Opportunities".

We recently launched the Thai-UK Teen Network for Thais aged between 13-19 years, who are involved in British Council language courses or activities, or have benefited from some aspect of education in the UK; and for all British teenagers who have educational or cultural links with Thailand. Members join fun activities (in person and on-line) to improve their English and make friends in the UK and around the world.

Creating Opportunity

We provide a welcoming, informative, and contemporary experience for everyone who visits us (whether in person or on-line) and everyone with whom we work.

Information and access (in-person/on-line)

Visitors to our new-look Learning and Information Centre and website will find information on and access to:

			the full range of our collaborative Thai-UK projects in education, English language teaching, science, the arts and society
			our programme of high-quality English language courses (classroom-based, work-based, online), teacher training courses and tailor-made courses for companies
			training and scholarship opportunities in the UK (including the British Chevening scholarships)
			a searchable database of all education and training opportunities available in and from the UK
			professional counselling, on an individual basis, about UK universities and educational institutions
			examinations and qualifications offered by academic and professional bodies in the UK
			professional and alumni networks linking members in Thailand and the UK
			the latest developments in cutting-edge UK creativity and innovation
			the rich and varied tourist attractions of the UK

English language teaching

We have three centres in Bangkok and 1 in Chiang Mai, offering high quality online and classroom-based English courses for adults and young learners; as well as English for Business; academic English for students and teachers; teacher training programmes; and in-company skills training.

Learning Lounge

Our members-only Learning Lounge, provides multi-media Supported Open Learning facilities for learners, teachers of English and others including:

			customised guidance - advice from qualified English teachers on developing customised learning programmes meeting individual needs, and support to learners as they progress
			on-line student guides – guided reading, activities and exercises on materials and websites
			integrated materials – computers, DVDs ,books and journals providing integrated learning support
			contemporary UK – books, magazines and videos (available on loan to i-zone members)

Educ@tionUK

We provide up-to-date information on education resources in the UK, including self-access information on education, training and scholarship opportunities in the UK, the award-winning EducationUK website which includes the only comprehensive on-line database on all courses in the UK; regular presentations by representatives from UK institutions, specialist missions and events; and an annual major British Education Exhibition.

UK examination and professional qualifications

We have recognised examination centres in Bangkok and Chiang Mai for the full range of British examinations, including IELTS, English for Speakers of Other Languages, school examinations (IGCSE and GCE), professional qualifications and university examinations.

Projecting Creativity

We present the contemporary face of the UK through its creativity, cultural diversity and recent achievements. We manage:

			high-profile public arts events throughout the year in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and major cities - for young people, professionals and the wider public - to showcase the best of the UK's contemporary film, fashion, design and music; and build and sustain creative partnerships and networks between Thailand and the UK
			seminars, interactive exhibitions, student competitions, workshops and other events to showcase the UK's creativity and world class role in science, technology and innovation. Through these events, we develop professional and educational partnerships between leading Thai and UK scientists, entrepreneurs and policy makers

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