Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in Lisbon and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have a few key options for learning French interactively in Lisbon. 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 2nd option can be local private language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can choose a private French tutor in Lisbon. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Lisbon and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap 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 by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language centers and private French tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey French tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and popularity. Real student rating average for French lessons on Preply is 4.92 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 pass a few pre-requisites. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, 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 classes for adults, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is French not easy 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 many sentences, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and affordable 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 require at least 600 hours of practice. The actual range of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of French or familiarity with 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 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 tutor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of verified French tutors with detailed profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges usually offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically give 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.