Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in Sebastopol, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have several main choices for learning French interactively in Sebastopol, CA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your other possibility can be local private language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can find a private French tutor in Sebastopol, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Sebastopol, CA and online French tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn French and what do French tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language academies and independent French tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey French tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and popularity. 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, so research those in advance. With personal French tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from many 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. According to experts, 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 many sentences, express yourself, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking French?
Some people seem to 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 practice. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit 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 TV, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in French out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own French coach?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested French tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools make available 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.