Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Thai in Victoria and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have four primary possibilities for learning Thai interactively in Victoria. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your 2nd spource can be local commercial 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. Fourth, you can find a private Thai tutor in Victoria. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Victoria and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap 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 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and independent Thai tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Thai tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 18 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, experience and popularity. Real student rating average 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. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume 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 extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so hard and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
One-size-fits-all 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 most phrases, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 study. The length of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired level of Thai or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Thai instructor?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Thai tutors with video 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 offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools offer 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.