Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Thai in Beaumont, TX and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four principal possibilities for learning Thai interactively in Beaumont, TX. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your second resource can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private Thai tutor in Beaumont, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Beaumont, TX and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Thai and what do Thai tutors charge?
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 fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language academies and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Thai tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, ratings and popularity. Customer review 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 volume and tests, so research those in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so hard and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Standardized 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 five hours a week you will be able to understand common sentences, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Thai. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Thai tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Thai?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Thai will take at least 600 hours of practice. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of Thai or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write by hand and online using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try additional 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.
🤳 Can I choose my own Thai instructor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of approved Thai tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges typically structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.