Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn French in Palma and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have four principal opportunities for learning French interactively in Palma. 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 second possibility can be local for-profit language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private French tutor in Palma. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Palma 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 overall charge for about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and individual French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly French tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and popularity. Average student satisfaction 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. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and testing, so research the details in advance. With personal French tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Standardized 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks 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 gaining 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 get better at speaking 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 demand at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ significantly depending on your available level of French or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch television, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own French teacher?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested French tutors with detailed profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges typically run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically 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.