Tired of trying to find Chinese schools in Thailand and feeling like it’s probably harder than actually learning the language? You probably just need to work through your options systematically, breaking your decision down into smaller chunks. Not doing so is like shopping without a list; you’re bound to overlook important things or get distracted by what you don’t really need. Here’s a straightforward way to find the best Chinese classes in Thailand for you.
Clarify Your Learning Purpose
There’s no single best place to learn Chinese. Your best place will be different from somebody else’s, and that’s because you’ll have different goals. So, let’s start by defining the goal of your Chinese lessons. If you’re learning for general travel, it might be better to find a Chinese course that focuses on speaking and listening. But if you’re learning for business, something that covers specialist terminology, negotiations and cultural nuances may be better.
Choose an Intensity Appropriate for Your Schedule
When you’re signing up for any course as a working adult, it’s important not to let your enthusiasm lead you astray. Be practical and realistic about the time you actually have available to study Chinese. If you’re drained after working 9-5, are you really going to want to choose a busy course that takes up all of your weeknights? On the other hand, intensive courses can be good if you’re on sabbatical.
Ensure Teachers are Qualified
In Thailand, you may find a lot of places calling themselves a ที่เรียนภาษาจีน (Chinese language school). However, some of these are informal setups run by Chinese expats rather than genuine educational institutions. There’s often a big difference between being able to speak Mandarin and providing effective Mandarin tutoring, even for native speakers. Look for Mandarin classes run by a qualified local Chinese teacher who holds a TCSOL certificate or similar.
Ask About the Class Size
Today, there are plenty of online learning opportunities. While these can be great for some, for many others, there’s no substitute for classroom learning. If you fall into the latter camp, class size can matter a lot. Smaller ones are often better for getting individual feedback and collaborating with others, but larger classes can take some pressure off. Try to find out about class sizes at each school you’re considering, and see which you prefer.
Evaluate Opportunities for Cultural Immersion
Chinese is not the main language in Thailand, but the government has recently been working on the development of international curricula with Chinese partners, and many Thais have Chinese heritage. So, there are often lots of opportunities for cultural immersion, so look for a Mandarin school that makes use of them. Many schools organise cultural activities and meetups with native Chinese to practice conversation and cultural skills in real life.
Work Within Your Budget
Chinese school costs in Thailand can vary widely, with their location, the qualifications of their teachers, reputation and many other factors affecting the price. Expensive doesn’t always mean better, so don’t worry if the options that best fit your learning style and schedule are cheaper in comparison to the others. To get a full picture of the cost, inquire as to whether textbooks, digital tools and cultural activities are included in the regular price.
See How Organised and Responsive They Are
Some popular Chinese courses and local Chinese teachers take on so many students that they aren’t able to offer much flexibility. They also may not be able to respond very quickly to questions and concerns. If this is something that matters a lot to you, pay close attention to your early interactions with them, and ask about flexibility directly.
Conclusion
Finding the right place to learn Chinese is easy once you break the decision down into individual criteria. Draw up a table and rank each option for a super easy way to decide.
