Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on French in Staten Island, NY and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several principal options for learning French interactively in Staten Island, NY. 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 a little more affordable.) Your 2nd option can be local commercial language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private French tutor in Staten Island, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Staten Island, NY and online French tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn French and how much should French tutors ask?
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 class hours each semester. Language schools and private French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced French tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. 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 each program 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 specializations they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so hard and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
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 several hours a week you will be able to understand common expressions, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Relocating 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking French?
Some people just 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 actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the French instructor?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested French tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges offer 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 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.