Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Thai in Durham, NC and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have 4 principal choices for learning Thai interactively in Durham, 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 cheaper.) Your other possibility can be local private language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can find a private Thai tutor in Durham, NC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Durham, NC and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Thai and what does a lesson with a tutor of Thai cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate Thai course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language academies and independent Thai tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Thai tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and specialization. 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research each program in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so hard 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. Realistically, you can gain basic Thai fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and enjoyable 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 just 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 practice. The required duration 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, write using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Thai out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Thai teacher?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of approved Thai tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.