Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in Freiburg and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have a few principal opportunities for learning French interactively in Freiburg. 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 commercial language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private French tutor in Freiburg. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Freiburg and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language academies and individual French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey French tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and popularity. Average reviews for French lessons on Preply is 4.92 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 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 level and exams, so research those 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 teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Formal 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday expressions, express yourself, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Relocating 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 get better at speaking 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 take at least 600 hours of dedication. The actual range of time can differ by a lot depending on your already acquired level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with 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.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right French coach?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically 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.