Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn English in Berlin and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have 4 key possibilities for learning English interactively in Berlin. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your second possibility 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. Last, you can find a private English tutor in Berlin. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Berlin and online English tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn English and what are the ballpark lesson costs for English tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate English course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for about 50 course hours each semester. Language academies and independent English tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced English tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, availability and student demand. Customer review average for English lessons on Preply is 4.9 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for English language skill level 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 load and exams, so research those in advance. With personal English 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 teaching children or teens, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is English so hard and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn English. According to experts, you can gain basic English fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday words, express yourself, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of English. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have English tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn English?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in English will demand at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of English or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in English out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational English classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the English teacher?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened English tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule give 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.