Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Thai in Birmingham and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have 4 primary choices for learning Thai interactively in Birmingham. 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 spource can be local commercial 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 opt for a private Thai tutor in Birmingham. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Birmingham and online Thai tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of about 50 class hours each semester. Language centers and independent 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 location, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Average student satisfaction for Thai lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Thai language skill level 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 level and tests, so research each program 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 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 in a better way?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Thai. According to experts, you can gain basic Thai fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, be understood when you talk, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Thai. After attaining 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 get better at speaking Thai?
Some people 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 dedication. The amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of Thai or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try additional 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 coach?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of tested Thai tutors with extensive profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.