Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn French in Santa Monica, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have a few key possibilities for learning French interactively in Santa Monica, 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 less pricey.) Your 2nd possibility can be local for-profit 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. Last, you can choose a private French tutor in Santa Monica, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Santa Monica, CA and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn French and how much should French tutors ask?
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 about 50 lesson hours each semester. Language centers and private 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 tuition on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, positive reviews and specialization. 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume 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 extras they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so hard and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal 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 sentences, speak on some level, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and affordable 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 achieve a good level of 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 practice. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of French or knowledge of 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 news and movies, 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 pick my own French teacher?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with detailed profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule 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.