Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Dutch in Watford and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have a few main choices for learning Dutch interactively in Watford. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your second possibility can be local specialized language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private Dutch tutor in Watford. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Watford and online Dutch tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Dutch and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Dutch tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Dutch course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 1/2 of a hundred instruction hours each semester. Language academies and private Dutch tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Dutch tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 36 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, ratings and popularity. Real student rating average for Dutch lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Dutch 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 load and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Dutch tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Dutch not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Dutch. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Dutch fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand most expressions, have simple conversations, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Dutch. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Dutch tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Dutch?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Dutch will take at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of Dutch or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write by hand and online using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Dutch out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Dutch classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Dutch tutor?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested Dutch tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually 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.