Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Thai in Sheffield and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have 4 principal possibilities for learning Thai interactively in Sheffield. 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 better priced.) Your other resource can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can opt for a private Thai tutor in Sheffield. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Sheffield 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 price of 45-48 course hours each semester. Language academies 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 tuition on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and specialization. Average student satisfaction 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and graded tasks, so research the details 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 intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand common words, be understood when you talk, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to master Thai?
Some people 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 active use. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your current 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 news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more 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 choose my own Thai coach?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened Thai tutors with detailed profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges typically offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools offer 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.