Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Russian in Washington, DC and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have a few primary possibilities for learning Russian interactively in Washington, DC. 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 cheaper.) Your 2nd possibility can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can find a private Russian tutor in Washington, DC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Washington, DC and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Russian and how much should Russian tutors ask?
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 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and individual Russian tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Russian tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, availability and student demand. Real student rating average for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Russian do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, so research each program in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian not easy and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Russian. In reality, 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 common phrases, 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 ready and easy 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Russian?
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 Russian will require at least 600 hours of active use. The required duration of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of Russian or familiarity with 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, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try additional 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 choose my own Russian teacher?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of tested Russian tutors with video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule give 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.