Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in Cambridge and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have a few main options for learning French interactively in Cambridge. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your second option 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. Fourth, you can choose a private French tutor in Cambridge. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Cambridge and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn French and what do French tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language schools and independent French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly French tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, availability and specialization. Average reviews 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and tests, so research the details 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 intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French so difficult 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. According to experts, 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 many phrases, have simple conversations, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready 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 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 study. The length of time can differ a lot depending on your current level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, try to communicate with 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the French tutor?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of approved French tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges typically structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.