Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on French in Marseille and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have 4 main choices for learning French interactively in Marseille. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your 2nd possibility can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can choose a private French tutor in Marseille. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Marseille 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 as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language academies and individual French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced French tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for French lessons on Preply is 4.93 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much French do I need to know 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. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal French tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so difficult 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. According to experts, 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 everyday expressions, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun 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 achieve a good level of French?
Some people 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 active use. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the French instructor?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified French tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule offer 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.