Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Russian in Berkeley, CA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have several key choices for learning Russian interactively in Berkeley, CA. 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 better priced.) Your 2nd possibility can be local for-profit language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can opt for a private Russian tutor in Berkeley, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Berkeley, CA and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Russian and what does a lesson with a tutor of Russian cost?
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 cost of 1/2 of a hundred class hours each semester. Language academies and independent Russian tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Russian tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. Average student satisfaction for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Russian do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian not easy and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Russian. Realistically, 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 many expressions, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready 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 level practitioners.
🤷 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 take at least 600 hours of active use. The required duration of time can differ significantly depending on your available level of Russian 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 TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Russian out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Russian classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Russian instructor?
In colleges and universities, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). 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 time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges as a rule run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule make available 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.