Learning a new language is just like learning any other subject or topic – a good teacher or school can make a significant difference in your endeavor. This is why prices for language courses can vary by a lot, as there are some courses that can only give you some basic lessons, whilst there are other courses that are more in-depth in their teaching style and can make it a lot easier to become fluent in that language. If you need help in choosing an online course for the Thai language in Singapore, then this read might just be for you.
Thai is the official language in Thailand, previously known as Siam. Thailand, literally translated as “Land of the Free”, prides itself as one of the few countries in the world to have never been colonized. Their language originated from their land itself and has very few influences from Western languages like English or Spanish. Thai is spoken by over 90% of the country’s population, and has its own unique script.
If you are thinking of traveling to Thailand in the future, whether it’s for work, vacation or education, then a gentle grasp on the Thai language would help immensely. Although there are many Thai people who can understand and speak English, you may still have a hard time understanding some signs and symbols as they are usually written and displayed in Thai script.
One way to solve this problem is by learning the Thai language itself. This is useful especially if you will be staying long-term in the country, such as for work or school. Not only will this help you communicate with the Thai people and read signs and symbols, but learning the Thai language can also help you connect with Thailand’s culture and history.
The first and one of the most important steps in learning a new language is by choosing a Thai language course that is right for you. Here are a few tips I can share on how you can choose the best one for you.
Choose a course that is offered in a school that is near your home or place of work.
Enrolling in a Thai language course, or any course in that matter, means that you will have to spend a significant amount of time each week in the school for learning. It is advisable that you narrow down your school or course of choice by considering only those that are at close proximity to your home or office.
This way, you can minimize the amount of time you spend driving or commuting and maximize the amount of time you spend studying. You will not only save on time, but also on energy and effort, as driving or commuting long distances can be exhausting.
Of course, you can also choose to enroll in an online Thai language course, eliminating the extra travel time and allowing you to learn in the comfort of your home. However, there are some drawbacks with online courses as well, as the experience may feel different compared to learning in a classroom designed for education. You may also be more distracted during the class as your focus can shift to something else within your vicinity.
Either way, whether you enroll in an offline or online Thai language course, you should still spend some time weighing the pros and cons before making a decision.
Look for online reviews or student experiences with the particular Thai language course to get a gauge on how people like the teaching style and their overall learning experience.
Thanks to technology, learning about anything can be as easy as a quick Google search. You may not learn Thai directly from a Google search, but it can lead you to websites, blog posts, online forums or social media posts that contain some reviews about the particular Thai language course.
Don’t just look at the numbers in the review as well, as each person may have different standards as well as different ways when reviewing a product. One person may consider 7 a low score, whilst the other one thinks a 7 is already a high review score.
Besides scouring online reviews, you can also ask your friends and other people you know that may have had an experience on that particular language course to help you by sharing their insights.
Make a decision whether you want to learn through an online course or through an on-site course.
Nowadays, learners have the option of attending class on-site or online. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages over the other, so it is vital that you as a learner weigh both options and decide on what is best for you and your situation.
When it comes to an on-site Thai language course, one of its main advantages is that you can work in a distraction-free environment that is conducive for learning. It is also a lot easier to ask questions or participate in practical discussions by being in the same place with your fellow learners. A drawback to on-site courses, however, is that you will need to travel to the language school every time you have class, which can cost you more time, money and energy compared to just going home and attending an online class.
Online classes have drastically improved since they became a thing. Due to the onset of the pandemic, many apps that were used for online classes have added multiple features to make learning easier not just for the student but the educator as well. It has also become easier to contact each other and ask questions compared to earlier attempts for online classes. The main advantage of online classes is that you do not need to spend time traveling to the language school, and can save you money and energy in the process. However, many people who have experienced an online Thai language course feel that the medium can feel a bit impersonal compared to an on-site class. There are also a lot more avenues to distract yourself from class when you are at home, especially if you do not have a dedicated room or area for studying.
Lingo School of Knowledge
87 Beach Road,
#03-01 Chye Sing Building
Singapore 189695
6253 3320
