Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Dutch in Queens, NY and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four key opportunities for learning Dutch interactively in Queens, NY. 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 other option can be local specialized language academies that charge less 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 Dutch tutor in Queens, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Queens, NY and online Dutch tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Dutch and how much should Dutch tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate Dutch course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for fifty or so instruction hours each semester. Language centers and private Dutch tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Dutch tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 36 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for Dutch lessons on Preply is 4.93 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Dutch language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Dutch tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Dutch 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 Dutch. In reality, you can gain basic Dutch fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand many sentences, be understood when you talk, 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 Dutch. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Dutch tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Dutch?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Dutch will require at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of Dutch or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea 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 Dutch out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Dutch classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Dutch coach?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, certainly! The largest selection of approved Dutch tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges run classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually make available 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.