Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Portuguese in San Jose, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have 4 primary choices for learning Portuguese interactively in San Jose, CA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your second possibility can be local specialized language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can look for a private Portuguese tutor in San Jose, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local San Jose, CA and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Portuguese and what does a lesson with a tutor of Portuguese cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate Portuguese 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 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language centers and individual Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Portuguese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review average for Portuguese lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Portuguese do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research the details in advance. With personal Portuguese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Portuguese so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Portuguese. Realistically, you can gain basic Portuguese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday words, be understood when you talk, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Portuguese. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Portuguese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Portuguese?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Portuguese will require at least 600 hours of dedication. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of Portuguese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Portuguese out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Portuguese classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Portuguese instructor?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested Portuguese tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.