Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Portuguese in Valley Stream, NY and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have 4 principal opportunities for learning Portuguese interactively in Valley Stream, NY. 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 better priced.) Your other 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. Last, you can find a private Portuguese tutor in Valley Stream, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Valley Stream, NY and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Portuguese and what do Portuguese tutors charge?
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 cost of fifty or so instruction hours each semester. Language academies and individual Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Portuguese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and student demand. Average student satisfaction for Portuguese lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Portuguese do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and tests, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Portuguese tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Portuguese so hard 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 Portuguese. In reality, you can gain basic Portuguese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand common words, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and fun 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 achieve a good level of Portuguese?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Portuguese will demand at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of Portuguese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, 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 Portuguese out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion 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 up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Portuguese 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 run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.