Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Russian in Ithaca, NY and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four key opportunities for learning Russian interactively in Ithaca, NY. 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 less pricey.) Your second spource can be local for-profit 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. Finally, you can opt for a private Russian tutor in Ithaca, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Ithaca, NY and online Russian tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Russian and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Russian tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Russian course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of fifty or so class hours each semester. Language academies and independent Russian tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Russian tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, experience and student demand. Customer review average for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.94 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Russian 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 commitment and testing, so research those in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Russian. Realistically, you can gain basic Russian fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand common words, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 get better at speaking Russian?
Some people 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 practice. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of Russian or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, try typing using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Russian out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Russian classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Russian coach?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of verified Russian tutors with extensive profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges structure classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically 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.