Is it better to learn a language from a tutor?

I am going to college for foreign languages, and I feel my degree will be useless (for the most part). I am thinking about dropping out (I am only in my second semester) or changing my major. I have no idea what career I want. All I know is that I want to learn as many languages as I can in this life (I don't want to go to college for anything else) and read as many books as I can. If I am going to do translating, I don't really need a degree for that. When I finish college, the only professional skill I have to offer to an employer are the languages I know. What if the career I want in the future does not revolve around languages (but also require a degree)? All I really know is that I want to live a vagabond existence (I want to connect with other countries and what they have to offer, and take in all the nature Earth has to offer). That's why I am thinking to just drop out of college and hire a tutor instead to learn languages (and go from there).

My only other interests are literature and history, and I don't really see what I can do with those either. I don't see myself becoming a teacher.

Right now, I am focused on learning German, Russian, and Greek. If I decide to stay in college, I will be taking French next semester as a side project (I am currently majoring in liberal arts since the college I am in does not offer the languages I want to study; I hope to transfer in the fall of 2021).

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rokrchik1211 · 26-30, F

You can try the Duolingo app for learning languages.

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BlackBloodDemon · 22-25, M

@rokrchik1211 It's not my way of learning, but thank you though. I have tried at least 3 of these types of learning softwares!

rokrchik1211 · 26-30, F

Yeah it is. I had two years of Spanish in high school and one semester of it in college but never really learned it. I’m now using the app for Spanish and feel like I am actually learning it now. @bijouxbroussard

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25, M

@rokrchik1211 I am glad that it is working out for you!

rokrchik1211 · 26-30, F

Best way to learn a language is go to a foreign country and be immersed in the language. You will pick it up quickly.

HannibalAteMeOut · 22-25, F

Do you Have to pay for college? If yes, that makes it hard, because it really is a great experience to learn from tutors who know it at an excellent degree. Every other method cannot get you too far, like being a translator. But I don't see a difference between college and hiring tutors, actually having a college degree could be more appealing to some employees.

Anyway if you want to practise your Greek, you can message me! I know it's hard learning a language that isn't widely spoken.

Nika2002 · 22-25, F

I'd think that being able to converse with someone fluent would greatly help.

SW-User

I think learning a language online is better you can study at your own pace.

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25, M

@SW-User That does not always work for everyone. I tried language softwares, such as rosetta stone and duolingo, but they were not really for me. Textbooks can be helpful but most of the time do not always completely work. I need human interaction and I will still be going at my own pace with a tutor. I want to be all in on this.

SW-User

@BlackBloodDemon I guess you do have a point I hope you find what you need.

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25, M

@SW-User Thank you (:

MarkPaul · 26-30, M

Perhaps you could lay tile.

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25, M

@MarkPaul Trade school is not my calling either, but that was a good thought!

bijouxbroussard · F

It clearly depends on your learning style. The advantage with a tutor is the opportunities for conversation if there aren't many Native speakers available.

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