Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Greek in San Francisco, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have four primary opportunities for learning Greek 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 resource can be local specialized 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. Last, you can opt for a private Greek tutor in San Francisco, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local San Francisco, CA and online Greek tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Greek and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Greek tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Greek course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and private Greek tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Greek tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 25 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for Greek lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Greek do I need 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 graded tasks, so research each program in advance. With personal Greek tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Greek so difficult and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Greek. Realistically, you can gain basic Greek fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand most expressions, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Greek. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Greek tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking Greek?
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 Greek will require at least 600 hours of active use. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your available level of Greek or proficiency in 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, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Greek out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Greek classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Greek teacher?
In language centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified Greek tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically structure classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools 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.