Parental Perspectives on Selecting the Intensive English Program for Their Children. A Case Study : Witayanont School

Abstract

           This research examines parental perceptions of Intensive English Programs (IEP) in primary education at a private school in Bangkok, Thailand. The study aims to understand motivations for enrolment and expected social impacts. A survey of 89 parents whose children are currently in an IEP was conducted.
           The results indicate that nearly all of the parents (88.8%) believe IEP improves their children's social standing, with 67.4% strongly agreeing with this statement. The primary expectation from IEPs was overwhelmingly improved English performance (97.8% of respondents), followed by better academic results (42.7%) and increased foreign cultural awareness (32.6%). The perception that IEP was a more advanced form of education emerged as the most impactful enrolment motivator (74.2% rated it very important or extremely important). Notably, 71.9% of parents intend to extend their child's IEP beyond primary school, indicating a strong belief in its long-term benefits.
           This study provides valuable insights into parental perspectives on IEPs in the context of Thai education. These findings may be useful for education policymakers and IEP providers in Thailand, highlighting the need to develop curricula that address