Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Thai in Iowa City, IA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have four main options for learning Thai interactively in Iowa City, IA. 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 cheaper.) Your other resource 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 find a private Thai tutor in Iowa City, IA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Iowa City, IA and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap 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 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and independent Thai tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced Thai tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and popularity. 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and testing, 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 best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
One-size-fits-all 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday phrases, express yourself, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Thai. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Thai tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to master Thai?
Some people seem to 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 dedication. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of Thai or proficiency in 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 by hand and online using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try additional 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 teacher?
In language centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of approved Thai tutors with extensive profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually 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.