Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on French in Beijing and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four primary opportunities for learning French interactively in Beijing. 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 a little more affordable.) Your second spource can be local specialized language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can find a private French tutor in Beijing. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Beijing and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap 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 cost of 45-48 course hours each semester. Language schools and independent French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $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 hometown, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and exams, 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 add-ons they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students 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?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn French. According to experts, you can gain basic French fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback 5 hours a week you will be able to understand common words, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and enjoyable 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 just have a 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 dedication. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of French or proficiency in 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, try typing using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in French out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own French tutor?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of approved French tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges typically structure classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule offer 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.