Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Portuguese in Melbourne and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have a few key opportunities for learning Portuguese interactively in Melbourne. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your other possibility can be local specialized language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can opt for a private Portuguese tutor in Melbourne. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Melbourne and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Portuguese and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Portuguese tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Portuguese 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 centers and individual Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Portuguese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and specialization. Customer review average for Portuguese lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Portuguese 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. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, so research each program in advance. With personal Portuguese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Portuguese not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Portuguese. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Portuguese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Portuguese. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Portuguese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Portuguese?
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 Portuguese will demand at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired level of Portuguese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is advised 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, seek native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Portuguese out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Portuguese classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Portuguese instructor?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified Portuguese tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges as a rule offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.