Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in Pleasanton, CA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have several key possibilities for learning French interactively in Pleasanton, CA. 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 second option can be local private 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 Pleasanton, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Pleasanton, CA and online French tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn French and what does a lesson with a tutor of French cost?
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 price of 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and private French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable French tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and graded tasks, 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 add-ons they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn French. In reality, 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 most sentences, express yourself, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and enjoyable 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to learn 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 practice. The length of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired level of French or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I pick 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, absolutely! The largest selection of verified French tutors with video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually 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.