Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Russian in Champaign, IL and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have a few principal possibilities for learning Russian interactively in Champaign, IL. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your 2nd possibility can be local for-profit 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 find a private Russian tutor in Champaign, IL. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Champaign, IL and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Russian and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Russian tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Russian course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and private Russian tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Russian tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review average for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Russian 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 volume and exams, so research each program in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian so hard and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Russian. According to experts, you can gain basic Russian fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand most expressions, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Russian. After attaining 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 necessitate at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired level of Russian or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Russian out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Russian classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Russian instructor?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, always! The largest selection of approved Russian tutors with extensive profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually 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.