Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Russian in Mountain View, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have four principal choices for learning Russian interactively in Mountain View, CA. 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 2nd 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. Last, you can opt for a private Russian tutor in Mountain View, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Mountain View, CA and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Russian and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Russian tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Russian 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 academies and independent 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, positive reviews and student demand. 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian so hard and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Russian. According to experts, 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 many expressions, be understood when you talk, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Russian. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Russian tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 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 dedication. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your available level of Russian or knowledge of 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 news and movies, write by hand and online using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible 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 pick my own Russian teacher?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of approved Russian tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges run classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually offer 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.