Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Thai in East Grand Rapids, MI and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have a few primary choices for learning Thai interactively in East Grand Rapids, MI. 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 better priced.) Your 2nd possibility can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can find a private Thai tutor in East Grand Rapids, MI. If flexibility is key, you can compare local East Grand Rapids, MI and online Thai tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Thai and how much should Thai tutors ask?
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 overall charge for 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language centers and independent 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 tuition on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, ratings and specialization. Real student rating average 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and tests, so research the details in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, 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 ready 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 demand at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of Thai or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for 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 choose my own Thai instructor?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved Thai tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges usually schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually have 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.