Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn French in Chicago, IL and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have 4 main options for learning French interactively in Chicago, IL. 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 other option can be local for-profit language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private French tutor in Chicago, IL. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Chicago, IL 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 as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of about 50 lesson hours each semester. Language academies and individual French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey French tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review average for French lessons on Preply is 4.92 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 prove your profeciency level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load 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 expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn French. Realistically, 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 many sentences, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy 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 require at least 600 hours of active use. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing 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, look for native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own French coach?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with detailed profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools have 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.