Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Portuguese in Calgary and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have 4 key choices for learning Portuguese interactively in Calgary. 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 a little more affordable.) Your other option can be local for-profit 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. 4th and last, you can choose a private Portuguese tutor in Calgary. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Calgary and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 cost of 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language schools and private Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Portuguese tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and specialization. Customer review average for Portuguese lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Portuguese do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research the details in advance. With personal Portuguese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like instruction for beginners, 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 the easy way?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Portuguese. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Portuguese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand many sentences, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks 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 Portuguese. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Portuguese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 take at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of Portuguese or knowledge of 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 television, write by hand and online using your new language skills, find 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 tutor?
In language learning academies, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of verified Portuguese tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically run 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.