Want to learn French online? It’s a great decision, but with so many options available, how do you choose the right online French course for you? Although most Canadian provinces are predominantly English-speaking, learning to speak French is an asset that will open many doors for you, especially if you are an immigrant. Learning a global language that is romantic and culturally rich is a bonus.

French is the second most learned foreign language after English and the fifth most spoken language in the world. Therefore, you have the choice between many possibilities to learn the language online. But how to make the best decision? Here are five things to consider that should help you choose the best online French course for your needs.

What do you want to get out of your online French lessons?

First, you need to determine your goals. Do you plan to live and/or work in a French-speaking province like Quebec and do you want to speak the language fluently? Or do you want to learn the language for an upcoming trip to a French-speaking country? If you’re learning the language for a short trip, consider a course that teaches real-world scenarios or conversations with words and phrases you might need to know, such as asking directions, greeting people or, where to find the toilets. For work or a long-term stay in a predominantly French-speaking region, it would be better to find a more rigorous course that teaches all aspects of the language.

What is your level of French language proficiency?

Are you looking for French lessons for beginners, or do you already know a few words or phrases? It is essential to consider your current level of proficiency in the language, as this will help you choose between a beginner, intermediate or advanced level course.

What type of online learner are you?

Are you an online learner who prefers group sessions or private lessons? Consider how you learn best before choosing a course; this will help you maximize your investment by ensuring the learning environment is right for you.

What is your budget and availability?

Your time and money are valuable; think about how much money and time you’re willing to spend on your online course. Live classes have fixed attendance days and times, while you can take pre-recorded lessons at any time. Prices vary depending on course format, class size and other factors.

Are the instructors experts?

If you still haven’t decided on the type of online French course that’s right for you, you might want to know who will be teaching you. Are the educators qualified experts with experience in one or more French-speaking countries? It would be even more helpful if you were taught by a native speaker or by teachers with different accents. For example, a Canadian French teacher may pronounce words differently than a European French teacher; learning from both speakers could be advantageous.

At Berlitz Canada, we want our students to be ready for the world. This is why we offer qualified Canadian and European instructors to guide you towards mastering French. Thus, you will always be able to communicate effectively despite language variations. We want you to get the most out of the time and money you spend on our French lessons.

Visit our French language page or send us a message via our contact form to find out more about our online courses. Let us help you achieve your French language goals!