Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Thai in Charlotte, NC and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have a few primary choices for learning Thai interactively in Charlotte, NC. 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 a little more affordable.) Your second option can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can opt for a private Thai tutor in Charlotte, NC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Charlotte, 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 by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 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 more affordable Thai tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and popularity. Real student rating average for Thai lessons on Preply is 4.97 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 prove your profeciency level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, 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 specializations they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from 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. According to experts, you can gain basic Thai fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback 5 hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, speak on some level, do most everyday tasks 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 mastering 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 get better at speaking 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 take at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired level of Thai or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments 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 not easy you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Thai teacher?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened Thai tutors with detailed profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually offer 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.