Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Thai in Surrey and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have four key options for learning Thai interactively in Surrey. 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 2nd possibility can be local commercial language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can find a private Thai tutor in Surrey. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Surrey and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Thai and how much should Thai tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate Thai course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred instruction hours each semester. Language centers and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $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 location, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. 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 commitment and exams, so research each program in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
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 everyday words, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 get better at speaking 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 require at least 600 hours of active use. The length of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of Thai or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea 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 additional 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.
🤳 Can I pick my own Thai tutor?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified Thai tutors with extensive profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually give 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.