Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn French in Dallas, TX and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have 4 primary opportunities for learning French interactively in Dallas, TX. 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 2nd option can be local for-profit language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private French tutor in Dallas, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Dallas, TX 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 as 1/10th 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 private French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable French tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, availability and specialization. Average student satisfaction for French lessons on Preply is 4.93 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. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal French tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Formal 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday phrases, be understood when you talk, socialize in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and fun 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to master French?
Some people just 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 practice. The amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your already acquired 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, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the French tutor?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested French tutors with detailed profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges usually offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule have 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.