Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Russian in Palo Alto, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have a few primary possibilities for learning Russian interactively in Palo Alto, CA. 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 cheaper.) Your other spource can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private Russian tutor in Palo Alto, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Palo Alto, CA and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Russian and what do Russian tutors charge?
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 rate for 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language academies and independent Russian tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Russian tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and specialization. Average reviews for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Russian language skill level 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 tests, so research each program in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand common sentences, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Russian. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Russian tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to master Russian?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Russian will require at least 600 hours of active use. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of Russian or proficiency in 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, 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 choose my own Russian teacher?
In language centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of tested Russian tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.