Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in Shanghai and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have several principal possibilities for learning French interactively in Shanghai. 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 cheaper.) Your second option can be local private language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can find a private French tutor in Shanghai. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Shanghai and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn French and what are the ballpark lesson costs for French tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language centers and private 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 hometown, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for French lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for French language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency 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 find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is French not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
One-size-fits-all 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, be understood when you talk, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and affordable 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 level practitioners.
🤷 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 require at least 600 hours of practice. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of French or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try other 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 pick my own French teacher?
In language learning academies, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested French tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically schedule 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, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.