Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Portuguese in Austin, TX and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have 4 principal options for learning Portuguese interactively in Austin, TX. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your second resource can be local commercial language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can opt for a private Portuguese tutor in Austin, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Austin, TX and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Portuguese and what does a lesson with a tutor of Portuguese cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate Portuguese course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language schools and independent Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Portuguese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and specialization. Average student satisfaction for Portuguese lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Portuguese do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Portuguese tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Portuguese so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Portuguese. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Portuguese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, express yourself, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Portuguese. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Portuguese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Portuguese?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Portuguese will necessitate at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of Portuguese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Portuguese out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Portuguese classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Portuguese coach?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved Portuguese tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.