Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Russian in Santa Monica, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have four primary options for learning Russian interactively in Santa Monica, 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 less pricey.) Your 2nd resource can be local commercial 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. Fourth, you can find a private Russian tutor in Santa Monica, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Santa Monica, CA and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Russian and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Russian tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Russian course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of about 50 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and individual Russian tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Russian tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and specialization. Average student satisfaction for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Russian language skill level 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 level and exams, so research the details in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian so hard and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Russian. Realistically, you can gain basic Russian fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand everyday expressions, be understood when you talk, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Russian. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Russian tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to master Russian?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Russian will require at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your already acquired level of Russian or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Russian out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Russian classes online.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Russian tutor?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened Russian tutors with video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools make available 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.