Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Thai in London and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have four main choices for learning Thai interactively in London. 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 2nd possibility can be local commercial 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. Finally, you can find a private Thai tutor in London. If flexibility is key, you can compare local London and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Thai and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Thai tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Thai course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for 45-48 course hours each semester. Language schools and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Thai tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and student demand. Average reviews 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 prove your profeciency level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and tests, so research each program 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 add-ons they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so hard 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. In reality, you can gain basic Thai fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand many phrases, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 require at least 600 hours of study. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Thai or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch television, start a journal or write posts and comments 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 not easy you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Thai tutor?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened Thai tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges as a rule run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually give 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.