Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I improve my Spanish in Almaty and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have a few primary possibilities for learning Spanish interactively in Almaty. 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 cheaper.) Your 2nd possibility can be local commercial language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can look for a private Spanish tutor in Almaty. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Almaty and online Spanish tutors.
Is it affordable to learn Spanish and how much should Spanish tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate Spanish course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for about 50 class hours each semester. Language academies and individual Spanish tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Spanish tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 16 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and student demand. Customer review average for Spanish lessons on Preply is 4.94 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 pass a few pre-requisites. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research the details in advance. With personal Spanish 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 teaching children or teens, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
Why is Spanish so difficult 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 Spanish. In reality, you can gain basic Spanish fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand many phrases, express yourself, shop and place orders 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 Spanish. After mastering 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 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 active use. The actual range of time can differ by a lot depending on your already acquired level of Spanish 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 news and movies, 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 Spanish out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Spanish classes online.
Can I choose my own Spanish instructor?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Spanish tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges as a rule schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually offer 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.