Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on French in Northampton, MA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have four key opportunities for learning French interactively in Northampton, MA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your other possibility can be local specialized 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. 4th and last, you can choose a private French tutor in Northampton, MA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Northampton, MA and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn French and what does a lesson with a tutor of French cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language academies and independent French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey French tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, ratings and specialization. Average student satisfaction for French lessons on Preply is 4.93 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of French do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research the details in advance. With personal French tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so hard and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Formal 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 expressions, have simple conversations, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After gaining 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 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 require at least 600 hours of active use. The required duration of time can differ significantly depending on your available level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional 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 choose my own French instructor?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified French tutors with detailed profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically give 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.