If you’re in Beginner Level, this page is for you.

This is the most basic entry point. It is designed for those with little or no understanding in Thai. It is not for those who have studied previously or have practiced Thai. Each class has two teachers, and they interact together and with the student through games, simple stories, and activities of all kinds.

You may feel a strange combination of hope and doubt at the same time. You will sense rather than really know that you are improving and you should feel good from the vast amount of language you are being exposed to.

Following your peers’ advice may lead you down a wrong path. The fact is, unless they’re already fluent, they probably don’t know how to advise you. Get to know a few Advanced Level students who started at the Beginner Level – they’ll understand what you’re going experiencing.

At this level, adjust from a focus on listening to a focus on watching. Guess about what’s going on and don’t try to hold on to words, especially when you begin to recognize them. Don’t waste time writing, looking up in dictionaries, and don’t practice outside of class. Gain understanding and don’t worry about speaking. You’ll do better communicating in your own language, just as our teachers are doing with you anyway. If you absolutely need to speak a few phrases or words, limit it to as few as possible, and memorize them.

Note: Our measurement of your progress includes things you do outside of our program. We will ask, or you can inform our office staff about input you receive outside of AUA. For example, you may live in a Thai household, surrounded by Thais all day, or you may work in an office where most of what’s going on around you is Thai. Treat every experience as if it were a class and you will be surprised at how fast you begin to understand what’s happening around you.