Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in Thousand Oaks, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have four principal options for learning French interactively in Thousand Oaks, CA. 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 second possibility can be local commercial 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. Last, you can choose a private French tutor in Thousand Oaks, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Thousand Oaks, CA and online French tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 fifty or so course hours each semester. Language academies and independent French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey French tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, experience and student demand. 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and tests, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal French tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so challenging and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
One-size-fits-all 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 many phrases, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick 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 learners.
🤷 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 active use. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your available level of French or proficiency in 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 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the French teacher?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested French tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.