Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Arabic in Houston, TX and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have 4 main choices for learning Arabic interactively in Houston, TX. 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 cheaper.) Your 2nd option can be local private 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. Last, you can find a private Arabic tutor in Houston, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Houston, TX and online Arabic tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Arabic and what does a lesson with a tutor of Arabic cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate Arabic course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of 45-48 course hours each semester. Language centers and individual Arabic tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Arabic tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 11 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and specialization. Real student rating average for Arabic lessons on Preply is 4.94 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Arabic do I need 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 tests, so research the details in advance. With personal Arabic tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Arabic so hard 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 Arabic. Realistically, you can gain basic Arabic fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand most expressions, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Arabic. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Arabic tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking Arabic?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Arabic will require at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of Arabic or proficiency in 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, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Arabic out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Arabic classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Arabic tutor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, always! The largest selection of tested Arabic tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges as a rule schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools make available 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.