There’s a Facebook page for the Westerners whose choice of residence is in Isaan. All of them would differ your opinion.
I’m from Thailand, upon relocating back I’ve search all part of the country for my retirement home and Isaan was my choice. Not because I was born there, my retirement home is not the city I’m from and non of my friends or relatives are there.
Reputed universities like Julalongkorn and Thummasart offering international courses if you want to study for 3-4 years. My Chinese friends got their degrees from those universities.
I’m planning on going back with 2-3 years myself. I have houses and land for my projects , hit me up if you want to get together or shared the ideas. I’m in TX right now.
Educational visa is durable and seems to be easy to get.
This is about 15 minutes away from one of my home . Where is the endless rice fields? It’s a tourist destination with natural resources as you see here. Expanding your travel may help.
Thai language courses are not that long and yes you would required to be fluent before you can taking courses/going to a university. The prestigious Universities like Julalongkorn , Thummasat offering international courses which would qualified you for the visa.