Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Portuguese in Waterloo and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have four key possibilities for learning Portuguese interactively in Waterloo. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your 2nd spource can be local private language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can look for a private Portuguese tutor in Waterloo. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Waterloo 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 price of 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language centers and independent Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $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 geography, positive reviews and student demand. 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 pass a few pre-requisites. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level 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 specializations they make available (like classes for adults, 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. 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 many words, have simple conversations, shop and place orders in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Portuguese. After attaining 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 require at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ significantly depending on your available level of Portuguese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments 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 tutor?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, certainly! The largest selection of verified Portuguese tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges as a rule run classes two times weekly 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 choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.