Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Thai in Niagara Falls and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have a few primary options for learning Thai interactively in Niagara Falls. 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 less pricey.) Your second resource can be local private 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 find a private Thai tutor in Niagara Falls. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Niagara Falls and online Thai tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Thai and what do Thai tutors charge?
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 fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language academies and individual Thai tutors charge $30-55 an 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 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, ratings and specialization. Customer review average for Thai lessons on Preply is 4.98 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Thai do I need 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 load 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 specializations they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Thai so hard and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal 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 common sentences, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Thai?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Thai will take at least 600 hours of dedication. The amount 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 recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, try typing using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try more 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, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened Thai tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule 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.