Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Thai in Pittsburgh, PA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have 4 key options for learning Thai interactively in Pittsburgh, PA. 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 other resource can be local for-profit 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. Fourth, you can find a private Thai tutor in Pittsburgh, PA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Pittsburgh, PA and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Thai and how much should Thai tutors ask?
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 cost of about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and independent 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 tuition on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, ratings and student demand. 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. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research each program 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 those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand most phrases, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks 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 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 master 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 take at least 600 hours of practice. The length of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Thai or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible 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.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Thai coach?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, certainly! The largest selection of tested Thai tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges usually schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools have 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.