Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Thai in Chicago, IL and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have 4 primary possibilities for learning Thai interactively in Chicago, IL. 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 a little more affordable.) Your other possibility can be local commercial language academies that are cheaper 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 look for a private Thai tutor in Chicago, IL. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Chicago, IL and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap 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 overall charge for 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language centers and independent Thai tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced Thai tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and student demand. 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai not easy 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. As proven by others before, 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 most expressions, express yourself, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun 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 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 require at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of Thai or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more 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 choose my own Thai instructor?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of approved Thai tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically 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.