Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I master French in Mainz and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four principal options for learning French interactively in Mainz. 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 better priced.) Your second resource can be local private language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can opt for a private French tutor in Mainz. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Mainz and online French tutors.
Is it expensive to learn French and how much should French tutors ask?
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 rate for 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language academies and private French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced French tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and specialization. Average reviews for French lessons on Preply is 4.91 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 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 level 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 instruction for beginners, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
Why is French so hard and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all 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 most sentences, be understood when you talk, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable 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 learn 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 require at least 600 hours of study. The required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired 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 television, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try additional 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.
Can I choose my own French instructor?
In colleges and universities, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of approved French tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges structure classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule offer 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.