Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Thai in San Diego, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have 4 principal options for learning Thai interactively in San Diego, CA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your 2nd spource can be local for-profit language academies that charge less 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 San Diego, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local San Diego, CA and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Thai and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Thai tutors?
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 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language academies and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Thai tutors can be found online, with rates 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.
📚 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and testing, 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 add-ons they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so difficult and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Formal 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 many words, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Thai. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Thai tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 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 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 a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, 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 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 instructor?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of approved Thai tutors with detailed profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically run classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually make available 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.