Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in McLean, VA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have four principal possibilities for learning French interactively in McLean, VA. 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 cheaper.) Your 2nd option can be local commercial 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. Fourth, you can look for a private French tutor in McLean, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local McLean, VA 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 course hours each semester. Language schools and private French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly French tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review average for French lessons on Preply is 4.92 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research those in advance. With personal French tutors you can find out in advance 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 many 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. As proven by others before, 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 words, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After attaining 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 master 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 require at least 600 hours of dedication. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, try to communicate with 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 tutor?
In language learning academies, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of approved French tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges as a rule offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.