Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Thai in Bakersfield, CA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have 4 key options for learning Thai interactively in Bakersfield, CA. 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 better priced.) Your 2nd possibility can be local for-profit language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private Thai tutor in Bakersfield, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Bakersfield, CA and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Thai and how much should Thai tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate Thai course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for 45-48 course hours each semester. Language schools and private Thai tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Thai tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai not easy and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Thai. In reality, you can gain basic Thai fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand common sentences, have simple conversations, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Thai. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Thai tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Thai?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Thai will require at least 600 hours of dedication. The amount of time can differ by a lot 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 recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, try typing using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Thai out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Thai coach?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened Thai tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges typically schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.