Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Spanish in Santa Clara, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have a few primary possibilities for learning Spanish interactively in Santa Clara, 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 a little more affordable.) Your 2nd option can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private Spanish tutor in Santa Clara, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Santa Clara, CA and online Spanish tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Spanish and what does a lesson with a tutor of Spanish cost?
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 cost of 1/2 of a hundred class hours each semester. Language centers and independent Spanish tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Spanish tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 15 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, ratings and popularity. Customer review average for Spanish lessons on Preply is 4.96 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and graded tasks, so research those in advance. With personal Spanish tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Spanish not easy and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Spanish. Realistically, 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 sentences, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and fun 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking Spanish?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Spanish will necessitate at least 600 hours of study. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of Spanish or familiarity with 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, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more 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.
🤳 Can I choose my own Spanish tutor?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested Spanish tutors with video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges as a rule offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools offer 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.