Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Korean in Berkeley, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have several principal choices for learning Korean interactively in Berkeley, CA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your 2nd possibility can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can choose a private Korean tutor in Berkeley, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Berkeley, CA and online Korean tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Korean and what does a lesson with a tutor of Korean cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate Korean course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 course hours each semester. Language centers and independent Korean tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced Korean tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 21 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and popularity. Average student satisfaction for Korean lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Korean language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, so research each program in advance. With personal Korean tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Korean so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Korean. In reality, you can gain basic Korean fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand many expressions, be understood when you talk, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Korean. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Korean tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Korean?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Korean will take at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your available level of Korean 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 news and movies, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Korean out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Korean classes online.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Korean tutor?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, certainly! The largest selection of approved Korean tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges as a rule schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.