Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Thai in Oakland, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have four key opportunities for learning Thai interactively in Oakland, 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 a little more affordable.) Your second resource can be local for-profit language academies that cost less 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 Oakland, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Oakland, CA and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for fifty or so instruction hours each semester. Language centers and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Thai tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review 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 prove your profeciency level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research those 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 classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Formal 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 many expressions, have simple conversations, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Thai. After mastering 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 learn Thai?
Some people brag about their 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 active use. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your already acquired level of Thai or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for 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.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Thai teacher?
In language centers, 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 video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges usually schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week 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.