Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn English in San Francisco, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 key choices for learning English interactively in San Francisco, CA. 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 better priced.) Your second spource can be local commercial language academies that charge 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 opt for a private English tutor in San Francisco, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local San Francisco, CA and online English tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn English and how much should English tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate English course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and individual English tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly English tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, availability and specialization. Real student rating average for English lessons on Preply is 4.9 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for English language skill level 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 load and exams, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal English tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is English so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn English. Realistically, you can gain basic English 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, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of English. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have English tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn English?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in English will necessitate at least 600 hours of dedication. The required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of English 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 videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in English out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational English classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the English coach?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of tested English tutors with video 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 structure 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.