Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Russian in Lubbock, TX and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have 4 primary opportunities for learning Russian interactively in Lubbock, TX. 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 less pricey.) Your other possibility can be local for-profit language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can choose a private Russian tutor in Lubbock, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Lubbock, TX and online Russian tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Russian and how much should Russian tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate Russian course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language centers and private Russian tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Russian tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.95 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research those in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can find out in advance 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 those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian so difficult and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Standardized 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 everyday words, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Russian. After mastering 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 achieve a good level of Russian?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Russian will take at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of Russian 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 news and movies, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Russian out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Russian classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Russian coach?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of approved Russian tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges typically structure classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually 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.