Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Portuguese in Charlottesville, VA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 primary opportunities for learning Portuguese interactively in Charlottesville, VA. 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 better priced.) Your other option can be local private 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. Last, you can find a private Portuguese tutor in Charlottesville, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Charlottesville, VA and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of fifty or so course hours each semester. Language centers and independent Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Portuguese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for Portuguese lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Portuguese do I need to know 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 level 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 specializations they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Portuguese so challenging 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 Portuguese. According to experts, you can gain basic Portuguese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, express yourself, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Portuguese. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Portuguese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Portuguese?
Some people just 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 active use. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of Portuguese 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 television, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Portuguese out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Portuguese classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Portuguese instructor?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened Portuguese tutors with video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges as a rule structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.