Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn English in Helsinki and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have four key opportunities for learning English interactively in Helsinki. 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 2nd option can be local specialized language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private English tutor in Helsinki. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Helsinki and online English tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn English and how much should English tutors ask?
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 rate for 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language academies and independent English tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey English tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews for English lessons on Preply is 4.91 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal English tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is English not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn English. In reality, you can gain basic English fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand common expressions, express yourself, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of English. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have English tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 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 take at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired level of English 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 videos, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in English out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational English classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own English tutor?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested English tutors with extensive profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges typically schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically offer 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.