Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in Palo Alto, CA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have 4 primary possibilities for learning French interactively in Palo Alto, CA. 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 cheaper.) Your other option can be local private language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private French tutor in Palo Alto, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Palo Alto, 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 as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 45-48 course hours each semester. Language academies and individual French tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private 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 hometown, ratings and specialization. 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 pass a few pre-requisites. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research each program in advance. With personal French tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand common expressions, speak on some level, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After acquiring 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 get better at speaking French?
Some people just 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 active use. 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. As soon as you've learned the basics 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 other 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 tutor?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved French tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule make available 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.