Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn French in Utica, NY and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have several primary choices for learning French interactively in Utica, NY. 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 less pricey.) Your 2nd possibility can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can opt for a private French tutor in Utica, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Utica, NY 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 by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for about 50 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 more affordable French tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and student demand. Customer review average 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, 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 extras they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French not easy 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. Realistically, you can gain basic French fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand most words, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 by a lot depending on your already acquired 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 videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own French instructor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of approved French tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually 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.