Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Russian in Calgary and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several key choices for learning Russian interactively in Calgary. 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 a little more affordable.) Your second possibility 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. Finally, you can choose a private Russian tutor in Calgary. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Calgary and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Russian and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Russian tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Russian course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and independent Russian tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Russian tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, availability and specialization. Real student rating average 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 prove your profeciency level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and tests, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Russian 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 classes for adults, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian so difficult and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Russian. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Russian fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback 5 hours a week you will be able to understand most phrases, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Russian. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Russian tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 demand at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of Russian or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Russian out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Russian classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Russian coach?
In colleges and universities, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of verified Russian tutors with extensive 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 typically offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically offer 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.