Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Thai in Fairfax, VA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have a few primary choices for learning Thai interactively in Fairfax, VA. 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 other resource can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can choose a private Thai tutor in Fairfax, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Fairfax, VA and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 rate for 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language centers and independent Thai tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Thai tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and student demand. 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 pass a few pre-requisites. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and exams, so research the details in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
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 most words, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Thai. After acquiring 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 brag about their 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 required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your available level of Thai or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible 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 coach?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of approved Thai tutors with detailed profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule make available 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.