Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on French in Washington, DC and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have several main choices for learning French interactively in Washington, DC. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your second resource can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can find a private French tutor in Washington, DC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Washington, DC and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn French and what does a lesson with a tutor of French cost?
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 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and individual French tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly French tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and student demand. 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, 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 add-ons they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After attaining 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 learn 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 necessitate at least 600 hours of dedication. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of French or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, find 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 learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened French tutors with video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges as a rule structure 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.