Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Russian in Kharkiv and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have several main options for learning Russian interactively in Kharkiv. 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 other spource can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can choose a private Russian tutor in Kharkiv. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Kharkiv and online Russian tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for about 50 lesson hours each semester. Language academies and independent Russian tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced Russian tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review average for Russian lessons on Preply is 4.96 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. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and graded tasks, so research each program in advance. With personal Russian tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Russian so hard and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Russian. Realistically, you can gain basic Russian fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand many phrases, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Russian. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Russian tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Russian?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Russian will take at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Russian or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible 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 tutor?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened Russian tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges as a rule run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.