Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn French in Southampton and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several principal opportunities for learning French interactively in Southampton. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your 2nd possibility can be local specialized language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can look for a private French tutor in Southampton. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Southampton 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 ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language schools and independent French tutors charge $30-55 an 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal French tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so hard and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Standardized 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand most expressions, have simple conversations, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After mastering 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 master 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 take at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your available level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, try typing using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the French teacher?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of approved French tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically make available 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.