When you decide to learn Thai online, you're immediately faced with a big choice: Do you use a large "marketplace" platform like Italki or Preply, or do you invest in a premium, independent tutor?
The marketplace option is tempting. You see hundreds of tutors, flexible scheduling, and prices that seem very low. It feels like a low-risk way to start.
But as many students discover, there's a difference between "price" and "cost."
Marketplaces are a great tool for casual conversation practice. But if you are a serious learner, an expat, a professional, or someone truly committed to fluency, you will quickly hit a wall. Based on market analysis, these platforms are designed for volume, not outcomes. They are often "impersonal" and can have "inconsistent quality".
You're not just looking for an hour of conversation; you're looking for a system that guarantees results.
So, what are you really paying for in a premium private lesson?
Myth vs. Reality: You're Not Buying "One Hour"
When you book a 1-hour lesson on a marketplace, you are often buying exactly that: 60 minutes of a person's time.
When you invest in a premium private lesson with me, you are investing in a complete, holistic service that wraps around that 60-minute call.
My work isn't just the 60 minutes we spend on Zoom. My work is a three-part process for every single lesson:
1. The "Before" (The Preparation):
I don't just "show up" to the call. Before our lesson, I review your long-term goals, analyze the notes from our last session, and prepare a brand-new, custom lesson plan designed specifically for your needs, level, and learning style.
2. The "During" (The Lesson):
The 60-minute lesson is 100% adaptive. If you're struggling with a concept, we'll slow down. If you're bored, we'll pivot. My job isn't to get through a "stock" PowerPoint; it's to ensure you achieve the objective of that day's lesson.
3. The "After" (The Follow-Up):
This is the most crucial part. After our call, I spend time creating your personalized lesson summary, detailing what we learned, your "wins," and your action points for improvement. I create and send you custom homework, and provide supplemental materials like audio files, flashcard decks, and corrected texts. You're not just left on your own.
A Dedicated Professional vs. a "Side Gig"
This is my full-time career and my passion.
I'm not just a tutor; I'm a TEFL-Certified educator. I spend my "off" hours just like a professional athlete: I create free content for social media, edit video courses, run my own website, and constantly refine my teaching methods.
On a large marketplace, you're often hiring someone who is doing this as a "side gig" for extra income. You're playing "tutor roulette," hoping to find someone good.
With me, you get one single, consistent expert who is fully invested in your success. Because my English is fluent, nothing is lost in translation. I am your teacher, your curriculum designer, and your accountability partner, all in one.
At-a-Glance: Marketplace vs. Premium Service
| Feature | Marketplace (e.g., Preply/Italki) | Premium Private (Thai with Nariss) |
| The Model | "À la Carte" - You buy 60 minutes. | "Holistic" - A complete, full-support service. |
| The Teacher | Varies. Often part-time, quality can be inconsistent. | One dedicated, full-time, TEFL-certified professional. |
| The Plan | Student-led. You must decide what you want to learn. | Teacher-led. A personalized study plan is built for you. |
| The Service | 60-minute video chat. | 60-min lesson + prep time + custom summary + homework creation & correction. |
| The Support | Limited to the lesson hour. | Full, ongoing support via email, plus custom audio files and flashcards. |
| The Experience | Can be disjointed, requiring third-party apps (Skype/Zoom). | A seamless, adaptive, and consistent curriculum. |
| Best For... | Casual conversation practice. | Serious learners seeking tangible results and a clear path to fluency. |
Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?
If you are on a very tight budget and just want to casually practice a few phrases once a month, a marketplace is a great tool.
But if you are a serious learner, an expat needing to navigate visas, a professional who needs to speak clearly, or a student who is simply tired of not making real progress: you need a system, not just an hour of chat.
When you invest in a premium lesson, you're not just paying for "an hour." You are paying for a professional to think about your journey 24/7. You are investing in a proven, personalized, high-value system designed to get you to your goals.
That is the true value, and in the long run, it's the real "good deal."
Ready to See the Difference?
The best way to understand my method is to experience it. Book your 100% free, 15-minute consultation. I'll assess your level, understand your goals, and build you a personalized study plan. No pressure, no obligation.
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Or, if you're ready to dive in, you can explore my lesson packs.
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