Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn French in Walnut Creek, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have a few key possibilities for learning French interactively in Walnut Creek, CA. 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 less pricey.) Your other spource can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can opt for a private French tutor in Walnut Creek, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Walnut Creek, CA and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn French and how much should French tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of 1/2 of a hundred class hours each semester. Language centers and independent French tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private 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, ratings and popularity. 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal French tutors you can find reviews 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 a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so hard 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. Realistically, 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 most expressions, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After acquiring 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 get better at speaking 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 length of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in French out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own French teacher?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically schedule 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, 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.