Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Thai in New Westminster and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have a few primary possibilities for learning Thai interactively in New Westminster. 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 second option can be local specialized 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. Last, you can choose a private Thai tutor in New Westminster. If flexibility is key, you can compare local New Westminster 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 as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and independent Thai tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Thai tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, positive reviews and specialization. Real student rating average for Thai lessons on Preply is 4.98 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Thai do I need 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 load and exams, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai not easy 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. 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 most phrases, 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 quick and fun 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 require at least 600 hours of practice. 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. As soon as you've learned the basics it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch television, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Thai out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Thai teacher?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of tested Thai tutors with full 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 twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.