Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn French in São Paulo and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have a few key options for learning French interactively in São Paulo. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your other option can be local for-profit language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can find a private French tutor in São Paulo. If flexibility is key, you can compare local São Paulo 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 as one-tenth 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 lesson hours each semester. Language academies and independent French tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable French tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and popularity. Average reviews 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 level and tests, so research all such requirements 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 teaching children or teens, etc.) For better 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. 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 many expressions, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 demand at least 600 hours of dedication. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your available level of French or knowledge of 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 television, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other 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.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right French tutor?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.