So you've decided to study a new language.
 The next step is to figure out how you will receive the instruction.
 Should you opt for a group course, where you will have a classroom of people to practice your studies with, or take an individual course, either with a private tutor or a language learning software? Group Learning When you learn anything with a group, there is the obvious advantage of an immediate support structure around you.
 If any part of lessons fail to make an impression on you, it won't be too hard to seek help from your classmates.
 Missed a class?  You can try to gather bits and pieces of the lesson from casual conversations with other members of the group.
In the same vein, a group lesson frequently means a one-size-fits-all approach to language learning.
If you're a slow learner who ends up in a class who picks up language fast, you'll either drag the group down or be left behind.
 Same case when you're faster in picking up instruction than the rest of your class.
  Simply put, group-based language learning doesn't give you the individual attention you are likely to need.
Individual Learning Individual lessons, on the other hand, allow you to choose a learning medium that plays to your strengths as well as accommodates whatever pace you will be comfortable in.
 If you have a mere six months to learn Chinese before your business trip to Taiwan, for instance, you can hire a professional tutor to get you up-to-speed as quickly as possible.
 If you're just learning the language in passing, you can opt for a low-cost language software instead, which should help you get the instruction you need along with interactive computer-based feedback.
So Which Is It? The choice of whether to opt for group or individual lessons is always a decision best left to you.
 If you work best with a group of people to challenge you, a class of individuals learning the same subject might benefit you immensely.
 If you work best on your own, however, the individual path may end up serving you better.