Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Spanish in Palo Alto, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have several primary options for learning Spanish interactively in Palo Alto, CA. 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 possibility can be local commercial language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can choose a private Spanish tutor in Palo Alto, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Palo Alto, CA and online Spanish tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Spanish and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Spanish tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Spanish course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and private Spanish tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Spanish tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 15 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and student demand. Average reviews for Spanish lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Spanish language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and exams, so research each program in advance. With personal Spanish tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Spanish not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Spanish. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Spanish fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand common expressions, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Spanish. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Spanish tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Spanish?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Spanish will take at least 600 hours of study. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of Spanish or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Spanish out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Spanish classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Spanish tutor?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of verified Spanish tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically make available 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.