Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Thai in San Francisco, CA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have 4 key opportunities for learning Thai interactively in San Francisco, CA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your second resource can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can choose a private Thai tutor in San Francisco, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local San Francisco, 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 by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for about 50 course hours each semester. Language schools and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Thai tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Average student satisfaction 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and tests, 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 instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so difficult and are there ways to learn it faster?
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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand many words, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and affordable 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 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 by a lot depending on your existing level of Thai or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch television, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Thai out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Thai classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own 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 tested Thai tutors with extensive 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 structure classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically make available 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.