Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Korean in Birmingham and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have a few key choices for learning Korean interactively in Birmingham. 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 less pricey.) Your other resource can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can look for a private Korean tutor in Birmingham. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Birmingham and online Korean tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Korean and what do Korean tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Korean 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 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language schools and private 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 rates on Preply averaging 21 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and specialization. Customer review average for Korean lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Korean do I need to know 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. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and exams, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Korean 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 more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Korean so hard and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Korean. According to experts, you can gain basic Korean fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand most words, express yourself, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 demand at least 600 hours of study. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your available level of Korean or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Korean out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Korean classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Korean instructor?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of verified Korean tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges as a rule schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically have 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.