Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Portuguese in Berkeley, CA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have 4 key possibilities for learning Portuguese 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 second option can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can opt for a private Portuguese tutor in Berkeley, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Berkeley, CA and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap 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 ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for about 50 class hours each semester. Language centers and individual Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Portuguese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, experience and popularity. Average reviews 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 prove your profeciency level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and exams, so research those in advance. With personal Portuguese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Portuguese 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 Portuguese. Realistically, 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 most words, express yourself, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Portuguese. After gaining 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 learn Portuguese?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Portuguese will require at least 600 hours of study. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Portuguese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online 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 Portuguese out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Portuguese classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Portuguese teacher?
In language learning academies, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested Portuguese tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically have 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.