Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Portuguese in Ottawa and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have 4 key opportunities for learning Portuguese interactively in Ottawa. 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 second resource can be local specialized 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. Last, you can opt for a private Portuguese tutor in Ottawa. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Ottawa and online Portuguese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Portuguese and what does a lesson with a tutor of Portuguese cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate Portuguese course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language centers and independent Portuguese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Portuguese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 17 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and specialization. Average reviews for Portuguese lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Portuguese do I need to know 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 graded tasks, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Portuguese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Portuguese 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 Portuguese. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Portuguese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, 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 fast and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Portuguese. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Portuguese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking Portuguese?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Portuguese will demand at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Portuguese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Portuguese out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Portuguese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Portuguese instructor?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified Portuguese tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges usually run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools have 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.