Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in Los Angeles, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have several key possibilities for learning French interactively in Los Angeles, CA. 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 better priced.) Your 2nd option can be local specialized language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private French tutor in Los Angeles, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Los Angeles, CA and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 overall charge for 45-48 course hours each semester. Language centers and independent French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced French tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, experience and student demand. Customer review average 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and tests, so research each program in advance. With personal French tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so hard and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand common expressions, have simple conversations, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and enjoyable 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 demand at least 600 hours of study. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of French or proficiency in 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 using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own French instructor?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, certainly! The largest selection of verified French tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges usually structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.