Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in Strasbourg and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several principal possibilities for learning French interactively in Strasbourg. 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 second option can be local commercial language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can find a private French tutor in Strasbourg. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Strasbourg and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn French and what are the ballpark lesson costs for French tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of about 50 course hours each semester. Language schools and private 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 costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and specialization. Customer review 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and graded tasks, 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 specializations they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is French not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn French. In reality, 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 most words, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to master French?
Some people brag about their 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 amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with 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.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right French teacher?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges run 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.