Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Thai in Irvine, CA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have four main choices for learning Thai interactively in Irvine, CA. 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 2nd spource can be local specialized language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can find a private Thai tutor in Irvine, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Irvine, CA and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 price of 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and private Thai tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $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 geography, availability 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 load and testing, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so difficult 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. Realistically, 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 phrases, speak on some level, do most everyday tasks 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 gaining 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 just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Thai will necessitate at least 600 hours of study. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your current 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 news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Thai out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Thai coach?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of verified Thai tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically 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.