Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in Cambridge, MA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have several principal possibilities for learning French interactively in Cambridge, MA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your other option can be local for-profit language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can find a private French tutor in Cambridge, MA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Cambridge, MA and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn French and how much should French tutors ask?
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 overall charge for 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and individual French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable French tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and specialization. Customer review 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 pass a few pre-requisites. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research the details 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 extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Standardized 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand most expressions, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to master French?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in French will demand at least 600 hours of study. The required duration of time can differ significantly depending on your already acquired level of French or proficiency in 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 TV, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in French out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own French tutor?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of verified French tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.