Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Thai in Burnaby and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have 4 primary opportunities for learning Thai interactively in Burnaby. 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 less pricey.) Your 2nd option 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. Last, you can find a private Thai tutor in Burnaby. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Burnaby and online Thai tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 45-48 course 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 most budget-friendly Thai tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and popularity. Customer review average for Thai lessons on Preply is 4.98 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Thai do I need 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and tests, so research each program in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so difficult and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Thai. As proven by others before, 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 sentences, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and easy 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 require at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of Thai or knowledge of 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, write by hand and online using your new language skills, try to communicate with 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.
🤳 Can I pick my own Thai instructor?
In language centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested Thai tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually make available 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.