Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn English in Coimbra and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have four principal possibilities for learning English interactively in Coimbra. 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 less pricey.) Your second 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 choose a private English tutor in Coimbra. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Coimbra and online English tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn English and what do English tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate English course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of about 50 course hours each semester. Language academies and individual English tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable English tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for English lessons on Preply is 4.9 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for English language skill level 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 commitment and graded tasks, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal English 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 those teaching online.
🔥 Why is English so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn English. According to experts, you can gain basic English fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several 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 quick and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of English. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have English tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking English?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in English will require at least 600 hours of dedication. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your available level of English or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in English out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational English classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the English coach?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested English tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms 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 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.