Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Thai in Vancouver and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have 4 primary choices for learning Thai interactively in Vancouver. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your other option can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can find a private Thai tutor in Vancouver. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Vancouver 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 one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language schools and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Thai tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, experience and popularity. Average student satisfaction for Thai lessons on Preply is 4.98 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 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 level and exams, so research the details in advance. With personal Thai tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Standardized 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 five hours a week you will be able to understand common expressions, have simple conversations, shop and place orders 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 attaining 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 achieve a good level of Thai?
Some people brag about their 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 existing level of Thai or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write 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.
🤳 Can I choose my own Thai tutor?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Thai tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule have 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.