Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Academy located?
A: The Academy is located on Ekkamai Road in central Bangkok. The Ekkamai BTS Skytrain station is five minutes away (20 minutes walk), and shopping centres (i.e. EmQuartier, and Emporium), convenience stores, and restaurants are within easy reach.
Q: Can I walk- in for a class?
A: The Academy does not accept walk-ins. Candidates must register 30 days prior to course opening. If the course starts within less than 30 days from the date you wish to register, please get in touch for further advice.
Q: What types of courses do you offer?
A: The Academy offers training programmes focused on spa therapy, holistic therapy, aesthetic therapies and spa development and management.
Q: With whom is the Chiva-Som International Academy accredited?
A: Chiva-Som International Academy offers curriculums approved by the Thai Ministry of Education and the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology UK (CIBTAC), a prestigious and internationally recognised awarding body for Aesthetics and Beauty Therapy.
Q: What do the tuition fees cover?
A: The fees paid for diploma courses and training programs include a student kit, student uniform (depending on the course conditions) and all materials, products and equipment needed in theoretical and practical classes. The costs of meals, transportation and accommodation are for participants’ own accounts.
Q: What is a CIBTAC certification?
A: The internationally recognised CIBTAC diploma certifies that the participant has obtained the highest level of practical skills and a full understanding of the course and is qualified for international employment.
Q: What does CIBTAC stand for?
A: CIBTAC stands for Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (UK)
Q: What is the difference between the Regular Courses and the Diploma Courses?
A: A regular course requires 30 to 90 hours of learning, and a certificate will be presented upon successful completion of each course. The type of certificate is subject to the duration of the course: an Attendant Certificate will be awarded for 30-hour courses and a Professional Certificate will be awarded for 60- or 90-hour courses.
A diploma program comprises of two to four courses and varies from basic to advanced training level. A diploma requires a minimum of 120 hours of learning. After successful completion of the diploma program, you will receive a Diploma Certificate and a certificate licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education.
Q: What is the enrolment process?
A: To enrol in a course or a diploma, please fill in the online enrollment request form here. You are also requested to settle the first payment of at least 50% of your tuition fee within 30 days before the course opening.
Q: What documents are required for enrolment?
A: To enrol in a course, please prepare a copy of your passport or identification card, a copy of a recent passport photo, a copy of certificates of previously completed training courses within the fields of spa, aesthetic- or holistic therapy, and a Medical Certificate signed by a doctor stating that you do not have any infectious diseases.
Q: Does the Academy provide job opportunities after graduation?
A: The Academy does not provide employment after graduation but is happy to help find fitting opportunities. Relevant job vacancies will be posted on the Academy’s information board.
Q: What is the typical career path for a spa therapist?
A: Graduates of the Chiva-Som International Academy can seek employment at spas, cruise lines, health clubs, fitness centres, health and wellness facilities and beauty salons, or work as independent professional therapists. Those who choose to launch their own businesses in the health and beauty industry are strongly advised to consider the Academy’s special training course in Spa Development and Spa Management.
Q: Does the Academy provide WiFi?
A: Yes, the Academy offers complimentary wireless internet to its students.
Q: Does the school have the examination to graduate the course?
A: Yes, we do. The examination requires 60% to pass.
Q: How many days can I miss class and still able to graduate?
A: 80% attendance is required to complete a course and receive permission for the final exam.
Q: What type of clothes should I wear during study?
A: The Academy will provide uniforms for students (1 set per class, consisting of a polo shirt and trousers. You can wear proper attire (T-shirt with flexible trousers are recommended).
Q: How many participants are in a class?
A: Class sizes vary, but the student-to-teacher ratio is always low. We limit the maximum amount of students in practical classes to approximately 10 persons.
Q: Does Chiva-Som provide practical experience for student while in school?
A: Yes, we do. We provide case studies and practical training in a real spa environment on our facility for all practical courses.
Q : Which courses are accredited by CIBTAC?
A: The Anatomy & Physiology, Body massage, Diet & Nutrition, Skin treatments, Nail treatments, and Manual Lymphatic drainage courses are accredited by CIBTAC.
Q: If I have a physical condition, can I still enrol in a course?
A: The Academy will evaluate this on a case-by-case basis. Some courses, such as the Thai Traditional Massage course, are not suitable for participants with physical injuries. Moreover, we can not allow students with infectious skin diseases to partake in any courses.
Q: I do not speak English very well. Will I still be able to learn?
A: All courses require moderate English language skills. For Thai-speaking students, a selection of courses will be conducted in Thai language.
Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Thailand?
A: Most visitors may enter Thailand without a visa for 30 days. The permitted duration of a stay varies by the visitor’s country of origin.
For longer stays, you should apply for an appropriate visa prior to arrival to Thailand. A tourist visa allows the visitor to stay for 60 days, and a non-immigrant education visa allows stays up to 90 days. Students should consult the Thai Embassy or a travel agent in their home country for specific information prior to making travel arrangements.
Q: If I come to Thailand with a 90 days non-immigrant (education) visa, how can I extend my visa to stay longer?
A: Tourist and non-immigrant visas may be extended after you have arrived in Thailand. Please make sure you have applied for a “multiple-entry” visa. Visitors who wish to extend their stay may leave the country on a “border/visa run” to nearby Myanmar, Laos or Cambodia. Check with a travel agent for travel assistance and additional information. Visas may be extended for 15 days. Please always check with the Thai Embassy before making any travel arrangements.
Q: Do I receive the certification immediately after graduation?
A: No, not immediately. You will receive the certification within 2 weeks after graduation. For Holistic courses, all case studies must be completed before you can receive the certification.
Q: Is there a minimum age limit to enrol in a course?
A: Students must be at least 18 years old to attend any courses.
Q: Can I apply for a course without any prior experience?
A: Our courses vary in complexity, and range from beginner to expert level. Students without any experience can enrol in various beginner courses. Please contact us for more information.
Q: I am currently unable to travel to Thailand due to travel restrictions. Do you have online classes available?
A: Yes we do. The online classes are available for Anatomy & Physiology, Spa Development and Spa Management. For more information, please visit our Online Training page.