Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Spanish in San Mateo, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 principal possibilities for learning Spanish interactively in San Mateo, CA. 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 less pricey.) Your second possibility can be local for-profit 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. Fourth, you can opt for a private Spanish tutor in San Mateo, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local San Mateo, CA and online Spanish tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Spanish and what do Spanish tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Spanish course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for fifty or so class hours each semester. Language schools and individual Spanish tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced Spanish tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 15 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews for Spanish lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Spanish do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and tests, so research the details in advance. With personal Spanish tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Spanish so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Spanish. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Spanish fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand common words, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Spanish. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Spanish tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Spanish?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Spanish will require at least 600 hours of active use. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of Spanish or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Spanish out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Spanish classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Spanish teacher?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified Spanish tutors with full profiles and true 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 two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically give 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.