Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in Grand Rapids, MI and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have several primary possibilities for learning French interactively in Grand Rapids, MI. 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 less pricey.) 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. 4th and last, you can look for a private French tutor in Grand Rapids, MI. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Grand Rapids, MI and online French tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn French and how much should French tutors ask?
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 price of 1/2 of a hundred instruction hours each semester. Language schools and independent French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey French tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and specialization. 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, 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 instruction for beginners, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so difficult 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand many words, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After mastering 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 seem to 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 practice. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your already acquired level of French or familiarity with 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 news and movies, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other 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 learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of approved French tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually give 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.