Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn French in Iowa City, IA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have several key options for learning French interactively in Iowa City, IA. 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 less pricey.) Your other option can be local for-profit 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. Last, you can look for a private French tutor in Iowa City, IA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Iowa City, IA and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn French and what are the ballpark lesson costs for French tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and independent French tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced French tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, positive reviews and popularity. Average student satisfaction 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research each program in advance. With personal French tutors you can find out in advance 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 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. Realistically, 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 many phrases, express yourself, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and fun 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 demand at least 600 hours of dedication. The required duration 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 best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write using your new language skills, seek 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.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right French tutor?
In language learning academies, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually make available 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.