Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Russian in Stony Brook, NY and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have several main options for learning Russian interactively in Stony Brook, NY. 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 better priced.) Your second possibility can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can choose a private Russian tutor in Stony Brook, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Stony Brook, NY and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 price of 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language centers and private Russian tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $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 geography, ratings and specialization. Customer review average for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.96 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and testing, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian so hard and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
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 five hours a week you will be able to understand everyday words, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Russian. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Russian tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to master 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 dedication. The required duration of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Russian or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best 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, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Russian out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Russian classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Russian teacher?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified Russian tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually run classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule 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.