Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Thai in Mesa, AZ and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 main opportunities for learning Thai interactively in Mesa, AZ. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your other option can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can find a private Thai tutor in Mesa, AZ. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Mesa, AZ and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for fifty or so instruction hours each semester. Language academies and private Thai tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $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, positive reviews and popularity. 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. All 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 more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Thai. According to experts, 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, 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 rapid and easy 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to master 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 required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your already acquired level of Thai or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, 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 you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Thai tutor?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of approved Thai tutors with extensive profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges as a rule offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.