Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in Arcata, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have several key choices for learning French interactively in Arcata, CA. 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 less pricey.) Your other spource can be local private 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 look for a private French tutor in Arcata, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Arcata, CA and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn French and what are the ballpark lesson costs for French tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for 45-48 course hours each semester. Language schools and independent French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly French tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, availability and specialization. Real student rating average for French lessons on Preply is 4.93 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much French do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal French tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so difficult and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn French. As proven by others before, you can gain basic French fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday words, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have French tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of French?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in French will require at least 600 hours of practice. The length of time can differ quite a bit depending on your available level of French or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, try typing using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the French tutor?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested French tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools make available 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.