Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Thai in Raleigh, NC and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have four key choices for learning Thai interactively in Raleigh, NC. 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 possibility can be local for-profit 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 find a private Thai tutor in Raleigh, NC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Raleigh, NC and online Thai tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 price of 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language centers and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced Thai tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, ratings and specialization. Real student rating average for Thai lessons on Preply is 4.97 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 level and tests, so research those 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 extras they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so challenging and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand most phrases, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 dedication. The length of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired 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 television, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Thai out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Thai teacher?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested Thai tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools 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.