Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Portuguese in Herndon, VA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have several key options for learning Portuguese interactively in Herndon, VA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your other resource can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private Portuguese tutor in Herndon, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Herndon, VA and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Portuguese and how much should Portuguese tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate Portuguese 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 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and private Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Portuguese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, so research each program in advance. With personal Portuguese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Portuguese not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
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 several hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and affordable 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Portuguese?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Portuguese will demand at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Portuguese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics 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 other ways to think and speak in Portuguese out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Portuguese classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Portuguese instructor?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved Portuguese tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges offer classes twice a week 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.