Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on French in Yaoundé and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have four principal opportunities for learning French interactively in Yaoundé. 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 better priced.) Your second possibility can be local commercial 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. Fourth, you can choose a private French tutor in Yaoundé. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Yaoundé 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 by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for fifty or so class hours each semester. Language schools and individual French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey French tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and student demand. Average student satisfaction 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, so research the details 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 instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn French. In reality, 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 many phrases, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast 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 students.
🤷 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 demand at least 600 hours of practice. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of French or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more 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.
🤳 Can I pick my own French coach?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested French tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually give 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.