Your first session is an opportunity for a tutor to assess your current French level, understand your specific goals (whether that's travel, work, or everyday conversation), and learn your preferred learning style. From there, they'll create a personalized plan focused on the speaking and listening skills most important to you, and you'll likely start practicing conversational phrases right away.

The timeline depends on your starting level and how frequently you practice, but research suggests reaching conversational proficiency typically requires 600+ hours of study. With consistent personalized tutoring combined with your own practice, many students see meaningful progress in conversation skills within a few months—though reaching comfortable fluency is a longer-term goal that benefits from ongoing engagement.

Many students struggle with speaking anxiety—worrying about pronunciation or making mistakes—and with understanding native speakers who talk at natural speed. Others find it hard to move beyond memorized phrases to actually think and respond in French. A tutor can address these specific challenges by providing a low-pressure environment to practice, slowing down dialogue when needed, and building confidence through repeated conversation practice.

Most students benefit from weekly sessions to maintain consistent progress, though the right frequency depends on your goals and schedule. Even one session per week, combined with your own listening and speaking practice between sessions, can lead to noticeable improvement in conversation skills over time. A tutor can help you create a realistic practice plan that fits your life.

Look for tutors with native or near-native French fluency, experience teaching conversation specifically (not just grammar), and ideally some background in language instruction or education. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have proven expertise in helping students develop real speaking skills, so you can feel confident you're learning from someone who understands both the language and how to teach it effectively.

Greenville has a growing international community, and you may find French conversation groups, cultural events, or international organizations that offer practice opportunities. A tutor can recommend local resources and help you integrate real-world practice—like conversation meetups or French films—into your learning plan alongside your personalized sessions.

Yes—many tutors who specialize in conversational French can also support classroom learning by helping with grammar, writing assignments, and test preparation. If you need help with both conversational skills and your school's French curriculum, let Varsity Tutors know, and you'll be matched with a tutor who can address both areas.