Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn French in Shenzhen and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four main options for learning French interactively in Shenzhen. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your other option can be local private language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can choose a private French tutor in Shenzhen. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Shenzhen and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn French and how much should French tutors ask?
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 rate for 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language schools and individual French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly French tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. Average student satisfaction 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, so research the details 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 expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so difficult 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand everyday phrases, be understood when you talk, socialize in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to master 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 dedication. The required duration of time can differ significantly depending on your available level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, 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 this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own French instructor?
In language learning academies, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested French tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually make available 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.