Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master French in London and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four main choices for learning French interactively in London. 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 private 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. Finally, you can look for a private French tutor in London. If flexibility is key, you can compare local London and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn French and what do French tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 45-48 course hours each semester. Language academies and individual French tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey French tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, positive reviews and popularity. Customer review average for French lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for French language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, 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 intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Formal 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand most phrases, have simple conversations, shop and place orders 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to learn 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 study. The required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of French or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, try typing using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated 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 video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges structure classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools 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.