Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Dutch in Chicago, IL and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have several main possibilities for learning Dutch interactively in Chicago, 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 a little more affordable.) Your other resource can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private Dutch tutor in Chicago, IL. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Chicago, IL and online Dutch tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Dutch and what do Dutch tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Dutch course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for fifty or so instruction hours each semester. Language centers and private Dutch tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Dutch tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 37 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and student demand. Customer review average for Dutch lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Dutch do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared pass a few pre-requisites. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and tests, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Dutch tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Dutch so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Dutch. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Dutch fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback 5 hours a week you will be able to understand everyday words, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Dutch. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Dutch tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to master 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 demand at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your available 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 television, write 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 pick my own Dutch tutor?
In language centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Dutch tutors with extensive profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.