Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Russian in St. Louis, MO and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have four primary choices for learning Russian interactively in St. Louis, MO. 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 better priced.) Your other option can be local private 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 opt for a private Russian tutor in St. Louis, MO. If flexibility is key, you can compare local St. Louis, MO 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 as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of about 50 course hours each semester. Language centers and independent Russian tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private 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 geography, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Russian do I need 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, 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 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 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. According to experts, you can gain basic Russian fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback 5 hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, have simple conversations, shop and place orders 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 Russian. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Russian tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Russian?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Russian will necessitate at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of Russian or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch television, try typing using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Russian out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Russian classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Russian coach?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of approved Russian tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually 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.