Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Dutch in Melbourne and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 principal possibilities for learning Dutch interactively in Melbourne. 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 a little more affordable.) Your second resource 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. 4th and last, you can find a private Dutch tutor in Melbourne. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Melbourne and online Dutch tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Dutch and what do Dutch tutors charge?
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 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language academies and individual Dutch tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Dutch tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 37 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and popularity. Real student rating average for Dutch lessons on Preply is 4.93 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Dutch do I need to know 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 load and exams, so research all such requirements 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 classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Dutch so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Standardized 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand most phrases, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines 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 Dutch. After acquiring 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 just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Dutch will demand at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your current level of Dutch or proficiency in 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 TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek 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.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Dutch instructor?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested Dutch tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.