GETTING STARTED AND USING SKYPE TO LEARN THAI



How do I start my Thai lesson?

1) Please send me a message on the Contact page to request your free 30-minute consultation.
2) Within 24 hours, I’ll send you more information and available times when we can talk.
3) We’ll meet via Skype to discuss your needs and desires, what areas you’d like to focus on, a lesson schedule that fits in your schedule, and any other questions you may have.

What is skype?

Skype is free computer software that allows you to make free telephone or video calls over the Internet, anywhere in the world. It’s simple to install and easy to use. Read more about Skype or download it here.

What do I need to use Skype?

 1) A decent Windows or Mac computer (Details here )
2) A good Internet connection – broadband is best
3) Speakers: built-in or separate (Headphones or earpieces work, too.)
4) A microphone: built-in or separate
5) A webcam to make video calls so we can see each other
6) The Skype software, which you can download for free here
 

GUARANTEE, PAYMENT, AND CANCELLATIONS

How can I pay for my Thai course ?

We offer several payment options to suit your situation:
 
1. Paypal
The fastest and cheapest way to pay and get paid online. What is Paypal?? Find out here.
 
 
2. Visa card, Master cards, Discover or American Express cards
Your credit card transaction will be safe and secure through PayPal. Note: Usually there will be a small fee (less than 3%) we are not responsible for any fees involved.

 

3.Bank of America wire transfer


Any student who has an account with Bank of America can easily pay by wire transfer or direct deposit. There are NO extra fees with these options.

 

 
4.Wire transfer to my Thai bank
This is recommended for people who live in Thailand, or have a Thai bank account. Transfers from your overseas bank are possible, but the fees may be costly. Please check with your bank for more details.

 

 
5.Western Union, MoneyGram etc.

(Please contact us for more information on any of these payment options.)

What are your cancellation policies?

Life is full of surprises and sometimes you may need to cancel your course. If you need to cancel a lesson, please follow these guidelines:

1. No charge with 8-hours advance notification before the lesson time
Students who need to cancel a lesson MUST notify us at least 8 hours before the lesson time, via email

 
2. Notification received between 3 to 7 hours before the lesson time.
If we receive an email notification between 7- 3 hours BEFORE the lesson time, students will be charged for HALF of the lesson cost.
 
3. Notification received less than 3 hours before the lesson time
If we receive an email notification LESS than 3 hours BEFORE the lesson time, students will be charged the full amount of the lesson..
 
4. Missed class or no show
Students will be charged the full amount of the lesson.
 
5. Cancellation notification must be via EMAIL ONLY
PLEASE DO NOT send a cancellation message via SKYPE, FACEBOOK, or any other way.

Do you have a guarantee for your Thai lessons?



Yes! 100% Money-back Guarantee! If you’re not happy and satisfied after your first lesson, you’ll get a full refund for your entire course. (I’m not happy until YOU are happy.) If you aren’t happy after your second through tenth lesson, you will be refunded the percentage of your remaining lessons, i.e. after Lesson 2, an 80% refund; after Lesson 5, a 50% refund, etc.

YOUR THAI LESSONS

What materials do I get with the Thai lessons?

All your learning materials will be provided for you! Besides your one-on-one personalized lessons, everything you’ll need is included in the course package: videos, audio clips, PDFs, etc. (You may have to get your own pencil and paper!) I’ll create a course for you that is tailored to your specific needs. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how fast you can push your Thai language skills to the next level.

Is learning Thai difficult?

Learning Thai takes time, but it is not difficult. You just need to be prepared to make a good effort. Your Thai teacher will break down the most difficult aspects of the language into small pieces and make it easier to digest.
Pronunciation is the most difficult part of learning Thai. Thai is a tonal language. If you pronounce a word wrong, it could change the meaning to something else, or it could mean nothing! A teacher who is a native Thai speaker can help correct your pronunciation, and then it’s up to you to practice, practice, practice!!!
 
Believe me. Soon you will feel the satisfaction of understanding Thai. Before you know it you will start speaking. That’s when learning Thai becomes really exciting.
 


Do I need to have a gift for learning language to master Thai?

No, you don’t. Anyone can learn if they WANT to. In many countries most people speak more than one language. It can’t be because they are all gifted at languages. Learning Thai, or any language, is about attitude, not aptitude. A good attitude is what determines success.

 

Do I have to live where the Thai language is spoken to be successful?

It would be great if you could live in Thailand and learn the Thai language at the same time. BUT what if you don’t have that option? Why not learn Thai language online with a native Thai speaker? It’s a great way to prepare yourself before coming to Thailand.
 
With the Internet, language content is available to anyone with a computer, and you can download it to your iPod and listen. Living outside Thailand is no longer an obstacle to learning Thai.
 
 

Is it true only children can learn to speak another language well?

Recent brain research has demonstrated that our brains remain elastic well into old age. Children soak up new information like sponges, but adults have a wide vocabulary in their own language, and are better language learners than children.What adults need is the child’s willingness to experiment and desire to communicate, without the fear of ridicule. That is the core truth adult learners struggle with... the fear of being laughed at. I encourage all my students not to fear making mistakes, to laugh at themselves, and to learn from it.
 

Isn't it better to learn Thai in a classroom setting?


Classrooms may be economical to run and a great place to meet others. They have the weight of history and tradition behind them. Unfortunately, a classroom is an inefficient place to learn the Thai language. The more students in the class, the more inefficient it is.Imagine how much time you waste waiting for the guy sitting next to you to catch up to your pace? OR, if you are the slower one, you are likely to be left behind or ignored by your teacher. Whether you’re too fast or too slow, the class won't move at your pace and you’ll finally give up.My online Skype lessons take place in a one-on-one setting. We go at your speed. I can guarantee you’ll learn more in a single, 30-minute, one-on-one lesson than you would in a 90-minute group lesson.
 

I would love to learn Thai, but where can I find the time?

If you enjoy learning Thai, you will find the time. How about the time you spend surfing the Internet, playing video games, or watching TV? Some people download free lessons here and there, but never really muster the will to begin.What you need is a tutor with enough experience to lay out the steps to successfully learn the Thai language. You need a teacher who understands you and can adapt the lessons to fit your learning style.Personally, I have never found one book or one method that fits all my students. We all are unique. Each of us requires a specialized approach.Once you get started, even 10 or 15 minutes a day will soon grow to 30 minutes a day, or one hour. If you believe you can achieve significant results, and if you enjoy doing it, you will find the time.
 

Do you think an older person (60) can learn Thai?

I am not smart, but I would be determined. I understand your concern, and believe me, you are not the only one to think this. In my experience language can be learned at any age. True, as we get older we seem to forget things more easily than when we were young. It’s not because our brain becomes less able to learn, but unlike children, we have so many things to remember. My oldest student is 72-years old. It’s not his age that slowed down his learning, but that he was too busy and did not fully focus on the lesson.Currently I have a 62-year-old student from the UK, and he has been learning Thai with me for 12 months. He has 3 lessons per week and is as devoted to Thai lessons as he is to his full-time job. Right now he is one of my advanced students. The most important thing is that you have determination and an objective. This will carry you along your learning Thai journey and I am here to guide you through.