Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in Houston, TX and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several primary possibilities for learning French interactively in Houston, TX. 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 a little more affordable.) Your second resource can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can find a private French tutor in Houston, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Houston, TX and online French tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of fifty or so instruction hours each semester. Language academies and individual French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable French tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review average 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research each program 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 specializations they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so hard 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. 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 common phrases, express yourself, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to learn 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 necessitate at least 600 hours of practice. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your already acquired level of French or knowledge of 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, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more 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 instructor?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with extensive profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges usually run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually give 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.