Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Dutch in Quebec and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several primary possibilities for learning Dutch interactively in Quebec. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your second possibility can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can look for a private Dutch tutor in Quebec. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Quebec and online Dutch tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Dutch and what do Dutch tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Dutch course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and private Dutch tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Dutch tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 37 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and specialization. Average student satisfaction for Dutch lessons on Preply is 4.93 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Dutch do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and tests, so research each program in advance. With personal Dutch tutors you can find reviews 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 those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Dutch 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 Dutch. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Dutch fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand many phrases, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Dutch. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Dutch tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to master Dutch?
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 Dutch will necessitate at least 600 hours of study. The actual range of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of Dutch or familiarity with 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 television, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Dutch out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Dutch classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Dutch instructor?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Dutch tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically have 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.