Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Italian in Bologna and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several key possibilities for learning Italian interactively in Bologna. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your 2nd option can be local commercial language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can find a private Italian tutor in Bologna. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Bologna and online Italian tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Italian and what do Italian tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Italian course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language academies and individual Italian tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Italian tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 21 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and popularity. Real student rating average for Italian lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Italian do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared pass a few pre-requisites. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and testing, so research those in advance. With personal Italian tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Italian not easy and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Italian. According to experts, you can gain basic Italian fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand most phrases, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Italian. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Italian tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to master Italian?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Italian will take at least 600 hours of active use. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of Italian or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Italian out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Italian classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Italian tutor?
In learning centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved Italian tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.