Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Thai in Ashburn, VA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have 4 main choices for learning Thai interactively in Ashburn, VA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your other option can be local specialized language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can choose a private Thai tutor in Ashburn, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Ashburn, VA and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Thai and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Thai tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Thai course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred instruction hours each semester. Language academies and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Thai tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and specialization. Real student rating average for Thai lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Thai do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and testing, so research each program in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so challenging and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Thai. Realistically, you can gain basic Thai fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand most words, express yourself, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Thai. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Thai tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking Thai?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Thai will demand at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Thai or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Thai out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Thai tutor?
In language centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested Thai tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.