Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Thai in Dunedin and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have a few key options for learning Thai interactively in Dunedin. 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 other spource can be local specialized language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private Thai tutor in Dunedin. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Dunedin 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 about 50 class hours each semester. Language academies and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Thai tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average 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 prove your profeciency level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and exams, so research all such requirements 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 students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai not easy and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Thai. In reality, 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 many expressions, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable 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 just 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 dedication. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired level of Thai or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, find 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 coach?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of approved Thai tutors with extensive profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges typically run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools give 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.