Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Russian in St. Catharines and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 primary possibilities for learning Russian interactively in St. Catharines. 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 less pricey.) Your other option can be local specialized language academies that are better priced 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 look for a private Russian tutor in St. Catharines. If flexibility is key, you can compare local St. Catharines and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Russian and what do Russian tutors charge?
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 overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred class hours each semester. Language academies and individual Russian tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Russian tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and popularity. Real student rating average 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research each program in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations 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 Russian not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
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 five hours a week you will be able to understand many expressions, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking Russian?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Russian will demand at least 600 hours of practice. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of Russian or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Russian out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Russian classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Russian tutor?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Russian tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.