Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Russian in Ann Arbor, MI and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have several key choices for learning Russian interactively in Ann Arbor, MI. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your other resource can be local private language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can find a private Russian tutor in Ann Arbor, MI. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Ann Arbor, MI and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Russian and what do Russian tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Russian course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for about 50 class hours each semester. Language academies and individual Russian tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Russian tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Russian do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and testing, so research the details in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian so difficult and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Russian. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Russian fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand most expressions, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Russian. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Russian tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking Russian?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Russian will necessitate at least 600 hours of practice. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Russian or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch television, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Russian out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Russian classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Russian instructor?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of approved Russian tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have 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.