Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I master French in Quebec and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have a few key options for learning French interactively in Quebec. 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 less pricey.) Your other spource can be local specialized 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. Finally, you can look for a private French tutor in Quebec. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Quebec and online French tutors.
How expensive is it to learn French and what does a lesson with a tutor of French cost?
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 price of 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and individual French tutors charge $30-55 per 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 location, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Average student satisfaction 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and testing, 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 maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
Why is French so hard and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand most words, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of French. After attaining 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 learn 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 active use. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, try typing using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try other 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 instructor?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, always! The largest selection of tested French tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges usually run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.