Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in Irvine, CA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have 4 principal opportunities for learning French interactively in Irvine, CA. 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 a little more affordable.) 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. Finally, you can look for a private French tutor in Irvine, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Irvine, CA and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn French and what do French tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 45-48 class hours each semester. Language centers and individual French tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $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 hometown, experience and popularity. Average reviews 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 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 real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so difficult and are there ways to learn it faster?
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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand common words, have simple conversations, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to master 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 require at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of French or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in French out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own French coach?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.