How to choose your online French lessons ?

Last updated date : 5th August 2024
Original published date : 6th May 2021

The pandemic has made online classes a common choice for students, professionals and language enthusiasts. The landscape of education has changed significantly. Knowing how to learn French online efficiently requires however to have realistic goals and to get access relevant resources.

Choosing the right online French lessons can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With so many options available, knowing what to look for can help you find the perfect fit for your learning style and goals. Focus on programs that offer structured content, engaging teachers, and support for your specific needs.

First, the teacher needs to be able to provide an invoice. They should have a SIRET or SIREN number (Siren means Company Directory Identification System. It is 9 digits long. Siret means a System for Identifying the Register of Establishments and is composed of 14 digits.) Unfortunately many teachers do this illegally and don’t declare their business.

A few language school and teachers have also a fake address, just buying a service sur Kandbaz, Se Domiciler et Les Tricolores. These addresses may look fancy in the 5eme, 7eme or 8eme arrondissement of Paris but these are actually not the real address. It’s ok if you want to have a class in a café but just be careful with the address. You could Google their address. Always ask as well where the lesson is provided. Some school also put a random address not necessarily registered but just because this look great on a map.

If virtual classes are convenient and flexible in our active life, be aware that some businesses may just want to take advantage of the situation. How to avoid the trap of the info dump for online courses ? How to find a great virtual teacher that will keep you motivated ?

When considering online French lessons, it’s important to know the costs involved and how to budget for them. Understanding the pricing structures, finding courses that fit your budget, and exploring free trials or discounts can help you make the best choices.

There are online businesses giving free classes or 10 euros classes. In France, as an auto-entrepreneur you have to pay over 20% taxes each month, therefore you can’t live on a 5 euros classes. These could be just students/not qualified teacher. Of course, it’s not because you pay a high rate that you get quality but this will give you a good indication. Rates should be clearly indicated on their website.

Furthermore, you should check if there are any registration fee. This is an additional cost that you should not forget.

Look for courses that match your budget and offer:

• Flexible scheduling: So you can learn at your own pace.
• Instructor experience: Higher quality teachers may charge more, but they can enhance your learning experience.
• Content variety: Choose programs with materials that suit your learning style.

Again you will sense if the Google reviews are valid or not (if there are no details, just blank reviews such as ‘the lessons are great’). You may want to find tutors with teaching experience. This can make a big difference in how lessons are delivered. Feedback and reviews from previous students can also provide insight. Look for testimonials that mention specific teaching strengths.

Feedback often shows how effective a course really is. Look for success stories from students who achieved their goals.

Key points to consider in community feedback include:

• Engagement Level: How involved are students in the learning process?
• Supportive Environment: Is there encouragement within the community?
• Diverse Voices: Are experiences shared by students of various backgrounds?

The delay of the first response will already gives you a good indication. If the teacher already takes 3 to 4 days to reply to you, there is a chance he/she won’t be so responsive and not fully dedicated to your learning journey.

Then, are the lessons for 45 minutes, 1 hour or 1.5 hour ? Some school don’t really give this details (or at least it’s written in small), so you may realize this after you’ve signed in. Great school should be transparent about the duration of the classes. If you plan on taking regular lessons for weeks, months or even years, this can make a huge difference.

So, of course you need to get on well with your teacher.  The best is really to try a first hour (at the normal price) and then decide. Your French tutor should also be knowledgable and willing to share useful tips and resources. Knowing the best apps to learn French or the books adapted to your level will make save time !

As you navigate the site, does it flow nicely, or are there a lot of pop-ups and broken links? This is something that you will be able to sense once you have explored the websites of different schools and are able to compare the quality. Is the website up to date, or so you notice that there hasn’t been much interaction with the site content ? This could be a good indication of the legitimacy of the business and the seriousness of the teacher.

The quality of the content is just as critical as the tutor’s experience. Review the materials used in the lessons. Look for engaging and relevant resources that suit your learning level. Good content should include a mix of reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities.

Also, make sure that the content is updated regularly. Language and culture evolve, so current materials help you stay informed. Check if the lessons offer practical applications, such as real-life conversations or common phrases.

To learn French effectively, you can benefit greatly from engaging with the culture. This involves using various resources that include literature, film, music, and online platforms. These tools can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the language.

To truly grasp the French language, immerse yourself in the culture. This includes exploring French customs, traditions, and everyday life. Understanding popular French festivals, cuisine, and regional differences will enrich your learning experience.

Try to attend local French events or festivals in your area if possible. Connecting with native speakers can also deepen your language skills. This gives you firsthand experience of conversations in context, making lessons more meaningful.

French literature, film, and music are excellent ways to enhance your studies. Start with classic kids novels like “Tintin” or “Les contes de ma mère l’Oye” (Mother Goose Tales) de Charles Perrault. These works help you familiarize yourself with vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

French cinema is another useful resource. Films like “Le Comte de Monte Cristo” and “Intouchables” not only entertain but also present the language in various contexts. Music from artists like Florent Pagny or Juliette Armanet can improve your listening skills and introduce you to cultural themes.

Online resources are vital for learning French. Websites like RFI Savoirs and TV5 Monde provide news articles, videos, and exercises tailored for learners. They offer a rich variety of content that covers culture, history, and current events.

Finally, you may consider joining online language sessions with Artificial Intelligence. It can boost your motivation and provide regular language practice. Tools like TalkPal AI or Mondly provide some guidance in your language journey.

If you’d like to know more about my French classes or would like to see specific articles published on this blog, feel free to reach out to me today.