New Zealand, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, profoundly influenced Dr. Ryan James Whitehouse, affectionately known as Kru. Jaem. Born and raised amidst the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps and lush rolling hills, he developed a deep appreciation for nature and education. His journey began at Edmonton Primary School, where he studied from 1993 to 1998, before attending Rangeview Intermediate School and participating in an enriching exchange program to St. Hildas Secondary School in Singapore and Fukuoka, Japan. Dr. Whitehouse completed his secondary education at Rutherford High School, where, despite challenges in mathematics, he excelled in English Literature, inspired by a passionate teacher who instilled in him a love for Shakespeare.
The untouched splendor of New Zealand, with its dense forests, pristine beaches, and picturesque lakes, shaped his belief in the transformative power of education. Understanding education as a key to personal and professional growth, he pursued higher studies earnestly. He earned a Bachelor of Education in English with honors in 2017 from St. Marys, focusing on task-based language teaching. In 2018, he completed a Master of Science in Mental Health Psychology in Paris, exploring psychological capital in the classroom. His commitment to educational leadership culminated in a Master of Education in Educational Administration in 2020, followed by a Master of Applied Management in 2021, investigating strategic readiness for educational leaders. Most recently, he earned a PhD in Educational Leadership, emphasizing the role of religious institutions in social development.
Dr. Whitehouse’s Maori heritage adds depth to his understanding of community and identity, as traditional carvings and heritage sites tell the stories of the land and its people. Since 2007, he has lived in Thailand, where he has dedicated his career to teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and preparing students for IELTS examinations. Beginning in 2008, he taught at RMIT English Worldwide in Bangkok, covering English Conversation, TOEIC, TOEFL, Academic Writing, and General English. Currently, he serves as the Educational Administrator at Thinkin Cafe in Chiangmai, a premier school for IELTS test preparation, offering both Academic and General Training courses.
The IELTS test, comprising Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking components, assesses English proficiency in real-life contexts. As an approved agent of IDP Thailand, Thinkin Cafe underscores its commitment to quality education, with Dr. Whitehouse holding certifications from IDP Australia. All teachers are native English speakers from countries like New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US, ensuring high-quality instruction. Thoughtfully, Dr. Whitehouse integrates his research into IELTS courses, enabling students to brainstorm ideas more effectively within the exam’s time constraints.
His diverse student body includes individuals from Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Eastern Europe, enriching the learning environment and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Thinkin Cafe currently serves over 2,000 students, boasting a 94% success rate in helping them achieve their desired IELTS scores. Dr. Whitehouse often emphasizes, “Education is the key that unlocks potential and opens doors to a brighter future,” believing that empowering students with knowledge transforms lives and contributes to societal betterment.
Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys football, hiking, and trekking, embodying the adventurous spirit of New Zealanders. His recent explorations of Taiwan reflect his passion for the outdoors. Dr. Whitehouse’s vision is to pioneer affordable IELTS Test Preparation, making education accessible to all learners, regardless of socio-economic background. His dedication to the EFL community in Thailand is evident in his initiatives to provide high-quality education at the lowest tuition rates. Through his work at Thinkin Cafe, he has opened doors for thousands of learners, helping them achieve their academic and professional dreams. He views education as a fundamental right and a catalyst for positive change, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. The breathtaking tapestry of New Zealand’s beauty and adventure continues to inspire Dr. Whitehouse as he empowers students in Thailand to embrace their own educational journeys.
