Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Russian in Pittsburgh, PA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have several principal opportunities for learning Russian interactively in Pittsburgh, PA. 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 better priced.) Your second resource can be local commercial 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 look for a private Russian tutor in Pittsburgh, PA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Pittsburgh, PA and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 price of about 50 course hours each semester. Language schools and private Russian tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Russian tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and popularity. Customer review average 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research the details in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Russian. In reality, 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 expressions, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Russian. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Russian tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 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 require at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your available level of Russian or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best 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, look for native speakers to speak with, try additional 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 coach?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of tested Russian tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule make available 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.