Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in Alexandria, VA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have four primary possibilities for learning French interactively in Alexandria, VA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your other possibility can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can opt for a private French tutor in Alexandria, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Alexandria, VA and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn French and what do French tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for fifty or so class hours each semester. Language centers and private French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced French tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and popularity. Average student satisfaction for French lessons on Preply is 4.93 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for French language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and graded tasks, 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 specializations they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so difficult and are there ways to learn it in a better 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand common words, be understood when you talk, socialize 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 gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have French tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of French?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in French will take at least 600 hours of dedication. The amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own French tutor?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, certainly! The largest selection of approved French tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day 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.