Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in San Diego, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have 4 principal options for learning French interactively in San Diego, 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 2nd option can be local private language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can look for a private French tutor in San Diego, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local San Diego, CA 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 one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for fifty or so class hours each semester. Language schools and independent French tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $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 location, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and tests, 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 extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
One-size-fits-all 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 most phrases, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable 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 just have a 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 study. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading 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, find native speakers to speak with, try additional 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the French instructor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges as a rule 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, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.