Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Portuguese in Sydney and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have four key choices for learning Portuguese interactively in Sydney. 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 a little more affordable.) Your other possibility can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can choose a private Portuguese tutor in Sydney. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Sydney and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Portuguese and how much should Portuguese tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate Portuguese course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and private Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Portuguese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews for Portuguese lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Portuguese 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and tests, so research each program in advance. With personal Portuguese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Portuguese so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Portuguese. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Portuguese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Portuguese. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Portuguese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Portuguese?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Portuguese will take at least 600 hours of dedication. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of Portuguese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Portuguese out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Portuguese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Portuguese instructor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested Portuguese tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools give 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.