Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in Plymouth and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have several main choices for learning French interactively in Plymouth. 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 other possibility can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private French tutor in Plymouth. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Plymouth 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 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 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 most budget-friendly French tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, so research each program in advance. With personal French tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
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 many words, have simple conversations, socialize in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun 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 learn 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 take at least 600 hours of active use. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try more 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 instructor?
In colleges and universities, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of verified French tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools 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.