Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Dutch in Kingston and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have 4 key opportunities for learning Dutch interactively in Kingston. 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 cheaper.) Your 2nd 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. Fourth, you can choose a private Dutch tutor in Kingston. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Kingston and online Dutch tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Dutch and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Dutch tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Dutch course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of about 50 class hours each semester. Language schools and individual Dutch tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Dutch tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 37 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review average for Dutch lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Dutch language skill level 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research those in advance. With personal Dutch tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Dutch so difficult 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 Dutch. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Dutch fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Dutch. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Dutch tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking Dutch?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Dutch will require at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of Dutch 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 TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other 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 choose my own Dutch teacher?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested Dutch tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically have 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.