Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Thai in Cary, NC and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have four principal choices for learning Thai interactively in Cary, NC. 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 better priced.) Your second possibility can be local specialized language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can opt for a private Thai tutor in Cary, NC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Cary, NC and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Thai and what do Thai tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Thai course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of fifty or so class hours each semester. Language academies and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Thai tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Average student satisfaction 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, 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 specializations they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so hard and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
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 everyday phrases, 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 quick and enjoyable 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 achieve a good level of 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 require at least 600 hours of study. The required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your current 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 TV, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Thai out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Thai coach?
In learning centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested Thai tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges run 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, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.