Best place to learn Swedish? Ideally licensed tutor

[u/Big-Edge1881]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can share their good experiences learning Swedish privately.

I previously completed Swedish SFI and would say I'm at a B1/B2 level, but unfortunately I have not been practising as I work at an international company. I would now really like to focus on improving my grammar and vocabulary.

Currently I'm on parental leave, so I would also like to learn so I can speak with my little one.

I'm open to paying, but only if I can really see that it is structured. I have previously tried distance courses through the municipality, but I found it difficult to follow the curriculum as the reading was extremely boring and there were too few speaking opportunities.

I would really appreciate any advice/suggestions so I can improve my Swedish quickly. I understand a lot, but I need to improve my speaking and writing 🙏

[u/Sensitive_Tea5720]

You can buy private classes via Italki. That has helped me massively with my German.

[u/Big-Edge1881 → u/Sensitive_Tea5720]

Thank you! Any tips for finding a good tutor?

[u/Short_Produce_7596]

First, you have a lot of help today that you did not have before. YouTube videos, ChatGPT, tv-programs with subtitles, radio, podcasts on Spotify. For me, watching tv and reading the subtitles helped the most. I know I did not answer your question, but I hope you can find inspiration to learning in more places. 🌸

[u/Big-Edge1881 → u/Short_Produce_7596]

Yes I'm currently using chat gpt and watching TV shows but unfortunately this just furthered my issues with understanding but having limited speaking opportunities. When I worked with Swedish colleagues I could practice but it's difficult at my current place..

[u/ComprehensiveEye2840]

I found Swedish paid course in Folkuniversitet offers much more structured and intensive learning compare to SFI. It has smaller class, so the teacher will pay more attention to you and can give you real-time feedback, for me especially on the pronunciation.

Private teachers also help. I used Preply to learn english conversation, and I bet they have Swedish teachers as well.

[u/Big-Edge1881 → u/ComprehensiveEye2840]

Amazing!! Thank you! Yes I've had veryy bad experiences with SFI. Glad to hear Folkuniversitet isn't the same 🙏

[u/I_Am_Zeelian]

Read books in Swedish (ideally by swedish authors that's not been translated to Swedish), watch Swedish TV, with subtitles if needed, this will help improve vocabulary and sense for the language.

[u/Big-Edge1881 → u/I_Am_Zeelian]

Thank you! I do this and go to the library with my little one but would really like to have more opportunities to practice speaking with a proper dialect and writing which are my weak areas.

[u/I_Am_Zeelian → u/Big-Edge1881]

You could check if your local church has "fikastund" or similar activities, it's usually catered more toward the elderly or poor, but they usually welcome anyone who just wants to be social and talk for a bit.

[u/Alive-Bid9086]

Go to "öppna förskolan'" and practice with other parents.