Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Polish in Oakland, CA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have four main opportunities for learning Polish interactively in Oakland, 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 second 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 Polish tutor in Oakland, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Oakland, CA and online Polish tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Polish and how much should Polish tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate Polish course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language centers and individual Polish tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Polish tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, positive reviews and specialization. Average student satisfaction for Polish lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Polish do I need to know 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 volume and exams, so research the details in advance. With personal Polish 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 a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Polish not easy 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 Polish. In reality, you can gain basic Polish fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, speak on some level, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Polish. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Polish tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Polish?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Polish will demand at least 600 hours of study. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of Polish or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Polish out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Polish classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Polish instructor?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved Polish 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 typically structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually make available 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.