Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my English in St. Catharines and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have a few main choices for learning English interactively in St. Catharines. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your second resource can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private English tutor in St. Catharines. If flexibility is key, you can compare local St. Catharines 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 by dividing annual tuition by ten (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 English tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced English tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for English lessons on Preply is 4.92 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 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 load and testing, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal English tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is English not easy 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 English. As proven by others before, 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 everyday expressions, speak on some level, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of English. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have English tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 How long does it take to master English?
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 English will take at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of English or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try other 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 learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened English tutors with detailed profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.