Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in Chapel Hill, NC and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four primary options for learning French interactively in Chapel Hill, NC. 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 cheaper.) Your second resource can be local for-profit language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can look for a private French tutor in Chapel Hill, NC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Chapel Hill, NC and online French tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 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 lesson hours each semester. Language academies and independent French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable French tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and popularity. Real student rating average for French lessons on Preply is 4.92 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research those in advance. With personal French tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so challenging and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn French. In reality, you can gain basic French fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, 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 fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have French tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 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 require at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your current level of French or knowledge of 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 videos, write 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 you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own French tutor?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges usually structure classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.