Ten Best French Podcasts Targeted to French Learners

Ten Best French Podcasts Targeted to French Learners French Learners Listen to These Ten Best Podcasts ChaptersLearning the Language via PodcastA Word on PodcastsRounding Out the Top TenLanguage learners these days have so many resources at their disposal, from the traditional classroom setting to immersion programmes in the countries that speak the language they study.Our ancestors had those selections as well, but they did not have web-based tools.They had no opportunity to learn French online and, while they may have heard occasional broadcasts in French, there were no such things as podcasts in those days.By comparison, our airwaves are saturated with a glut of language learning, and we have our choice of language courses for our listening pleasure.How can anyone be expected to find a steady staple of quality French speaking out of that morass?Let Superprof filter results of the series of podcasts available for the beginner, the intermediate French speaker and for those who understand advanced French. All to help you along in your French lessons.Our forebears did not have the tech nology to learn French that we have today Source: Pixabay Credit: Ryan McGuireRead about finding your ideal online French teacher. AnnieFrench Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CarolineFrench Teacher 5.00 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LowriFrench Teacher 5.00 (9) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarianneFrench Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThibautFrench Teacher 5.00 (3) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnnickFrench Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DéborahFrench Teacher 5.00 (10) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamyFrench Teacher 5.00 (2) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLearning the Language via PodcastThe thing about learning French in particular is that resources abound! In print and online, you'll find no lack of French learning materials, especially as compared to many other languages.The key to effective l earning would then boil down to what suits your learning style.We hope you will find a gem or two in these...FrenchPod101First, a disclaimer: Innovative Languages publishes language 'pods' in Spanish, in Chinese, in Italian... in 34 different languages. Thus we cannot call it a site dedicated exclusively to the French language.However, each language they present has its own web address, denoted by the language name, followed by pod101.Why 'pod', you wonder? Hint: it has nothing to do with a figurative pea pod...Podcasts were originally meant for download exclusively to Apple products, specifically the Ipod.  These days, you can listen to podcasts on any device you want.  With that in mind, you can download any and all of FrendPod's casts, to listen to and replay at your leisure.When you create your account, the first question you will be asked is what your level of French is. The selection runs from absolute beginner to advanced.From there, you would have your choice of learning pat hs, organised into topics.For example, you might choose Mastering Level 1 French and, starting at Lesson 1, you would progress through all of the lessons until that module is finished.This linear progression learning method is optional. You may also skip around until you find exactly where you need to be, and start your learning from there.Everything on FrenchPod101 is downloadable: the audio, the video and the lesson notes.Indeed, they thoughtfully provide notes for every installment that you can keep and refer back to.Isn't that considerate of them?News In SlowThis podcast series uploads a new topic weekly, generally dealing with some current event.Their pages are well organised, providing links to the various features they offer, such as a grammar overview, and a list of expressions used in the audio discussion.There is also a series of flashcards available for download!At the very top of the page, you would select what level you can understand French at, and then it is just a ma tter of applying yourself to the materials at hand.What if you are beyond beginner French but don't quite understand intermediate?The best part about News in Slow is that they discuss current events so, even if you don't catch every word, there is a good chance you know something about the topic at hand.Besides, that gives you more new language to study!One major difference between FrenchPod and News in Slow is the emphasis on French grammar.FrenchPod's philosophy is that absorbing grammar will be the inevitable result of hearing French conversation.News in Slow dedicates an entire page, linked to each lesson, in order to expound on grammar particulars for that podcast.If you are the type of language learner who needs to assimilate language mechanics in order to grasp language functionality, this would be an important distinction for you.If you are more of a free agent, you might appreciate this next French site...You can download a word of culture and language to your smartphone th rough podcasts Source: Pixabay Credit: FunkyFocusTalk in FrenchThis is more of a freestyle, random topic podcast site. Unlike the others discussed thus far, it tends to be targeted more toward advanced French speakers, and it does not provide a transcript, or lesson for lesson grammar page.It does include a grammar notebook, free for download when you subscribe.If you are at intermediate level or higher, this would be a great podcast to listen to, even if you don't yet know all of the vocabulary.By listening to this fluent narrative, you could really train your ear to pick up French slang expressions, also known as verlan.If you are ready to jump into advanced language and culture discussions, this might be the best podcast for you!Although it is subscription based, there are a number of sample podcasts you can listen to for free, just to see if it would be a good fit.On those free podcast pages, you may take advantage of their free French learning package!A Word on PodcastsBefore w e continue with our list of best French podcasts, let us go over some benefits of podcasts in general.Some people who learn language cannot see the point in exercising only one aspect of French study â€" listening comprehension, while being given no chance to speak French themselves.That is a valid point. After all, nobody has ever asked 'Can you listen to French?'.The question is usually 'Can you speak French?'Nevertheless, there are tremendous benefits to be had in subscribing to an effective, intimate means of immersion into the French language, such as:portability â€" you can download a segment and take it with youtime-efficient: listen to podcasts while doing other things, such as household chores.Money-saving: you would have to go to a classroom or abroad to get this level of immersionpersonal: The French language goes directly into your ears, if you use earbuds, or surrounds you if you play it in your caron-demand: you do not have to tune in for your next lesson, or rush to a ny class. Podcasts will be there, ready for you to download and make use of, whenever you want them.All of these make excellent points for podcasts, but them being on demand is really the clincher, isn't it?That, coupled with the fact that most French podcasts we've investigated come with transcripts, grammatical notes, lists of new words and phrases, exercises and quizzes make this type of learning essential for the serious student of French.You may choose to download several French podcasts Source: Pixabay Credit: PIX 1861Rounding Out the Top TenDaily French Pod originates in France, and covers a variety of topics, from sniffling to China's relationship with France.Each segment comes with a downloadable transcript, a French vocabulary list and an exercise page. They are most suited to beginners.These French lessons are by subscription only.Another French for beginners podcast is Podcast Français Facile. Perhaps the best aspect of this site is that the lessons are organised accord ing to your level of fluency, as ranked by the French proficiency exam structure of the DELF.The possible downside is that the entire page is in French. As it is meant for beginners, there might be some difficulty navigating it.French etc. is in English, but the topics discussed are in conversational French.All topics are narrated by a native speaker of French, and are preceded by a short lesson in grammar.You can practice your spoken French by reading along with the transcript as your francophone host speaks.The bar at the top gives you the option of choosing what level  of French you can understand, and even offers a dictation exercise.If you have trouble with French verbs, there is a page to help make the subject clearer.There is a measure of free study materials, but a subscription will give you access to premium learning tools.To get away from language lessons, our final recommendation is to listen to news commentators discussing current events in French.France Info News specia lises in informative reporting, often adding humour and satire to their broadcast.If you are more advanced in your French studies, listening to these personalities is sure to give you an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of France.Even if you are not quite so advanced in your French learning, listening to these podcasts will introduce you to the rhythm and flow of French words, as spoken by someone whose native language is French.There are so many online resources available for online French learning that we could not possibly review and critique them all.However, we can direct you to a summary page with links to relevant podcasts, so that you might try them out for yourself, and select the best ones for your learning needs.We accept your heartfelt merci!Find out about the best French dictionaries and translators for learning French.

Should I Go To Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Should I Go To Rutgers University-New Brunswick The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Max received his bachelors degree in materials science from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. He is currently a tutor in Philadelphia specializing in algebra, pre-algebra, pre-calculus, and several other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at Rutgers University-New Brunswick: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Max: Rutgers University-New Brunswick is pretty expansive. Its one of Rutgers three campuses in New Jersey, yet it has four (or, some might argue, five) sub-campuses within it. This makes an intercampus bus necessary if you live on the Busch campus, you cant walk to the Douglass campus easily at all but walking within one sub-campus from a residence to a classroom is simple and quick. The Busch campus is a science and engineering setting with many research and classroom buildings, and a high number of on-campus apartments, many of which are occupied by graduate students. The Livingston campus is the smallest campus, but its also the newest; it contains genuine storefronts such as Starbucks and Qdoba, as well as many freshman dorms and new, modern apartments. The College Avenue campus is the heart of student life; it contains a plethora of off-campus housing, a variety of on-campus options, two different student centers, and lots of small eateries just off campus. Deeper into the off-campus areas, some say its unsafe, but most feel safe walking alone at night here. The undefined area between College Avenue and the Cook/Douglass campus is more treacherous; however, each on-campus area is quite safe. Cook/Douglass describes two overlapping campuses, the former of which hosts the biological and environmental science schools, and the latter of which is a renowned womens college. Each has similar living options to the other campuses, as well as a small off-campus section. Each also is very bike friendly, and having a car on campus isnt necessary. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Max:Professors and teaching assistants are very clear about their out-of-classroom office hours in case students need extra help. Academic advising is less clear at Rutgers. Each school within Rutgers University-New Brunswick seems to have a different approach to advising. For instance, one department might match a student to an adviser in his freshman year; this relationship then lasts the entirety of the students college stay. However, another school might invite students to schedule an appointment with the Deans office, and receive advising from a randomly chosen faculty member. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Max:Rutgers University-New Brunswicks dorm life is particularly strong. After a student chooses to enroll at Rutgers, I highly suggest deeply exploring freshman on-campus housing options before filling out the housing application, and possibly before even declaring a major. There are countless living-learning communities available on campus to incoming students. Friendships made in these locales often dorms last into on-campus apartments (of which there are too few) or off-campus houses. Dorms tend to be located close to either classrooms or dining halls. Each sub-campus has its own dining hall and many classrooms. Each campus also has student centers that can help expand on the social atmosphere of dorms and allow students to interact with classmates in a different way. These student centers also have quieter areas for studying. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Max:Its tough to decide which programs are best represented and supported, but I can say with certainty that the school is known for its philosophy program, and that the job placement rate in the electrical and computer engineering school is exceptionally high. I studied materials science, but Rutgers University-New Brunswick struggles to support this field. Career fairs contained few employers seeking this degree, and the program could use substantial administrative improvement. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Max:Greek life is quite influential on campus, but its super easy to make friends and meet people without joining a fraternity or sorority. Joining a club with a moderate to large number of members that share common interests with you is an excellent way to make new friends. Rutgers University-New Brunswick has hundreds of student organizations, and theres a list of them all somewhere on the website. Anything that might be a subject of fascination, no matter how ridiculous or remote, probably has a club devoted to it. Another possible way to form new friendships is to live in a living-learning community, as I briefly mentioned earlier. Common passions and interests are developed in earnest here. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Max:My only experience with the Career Center on campus is asking for resume advice, which proved very helpful. However, many students I know have complained quite strongly about Career Services flaws. That said, reputable companies recruit often from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. I know that groups ranging from Merck (a pharmacy giant) to even the CIA have hired Rutgers University-New Brunswick undergraduates. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Max:Libraries almost certainly overcrowd during exam periods, with the exception of Alexander Library on the College Avenue campus, which is far too large to ever overcrowd. Student centers quickly overcrowd as well, but dorm lounges frequently reflect the size of the dorm, and therefore pretty much never overcrowd. Its not that these spaces dont have enough room rather, its that so many people want them. That said, there are an abundance of spaces to seek out. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Max:New Brunswick has a vibrant downtown area with restaurants ranging from established chains (Chipotle, Subway) to small local businesses. For the artistically inclined crowd, theres an art museum at the edge of campus and a few musical venues, too. Students quite often leave campus, especially on the weekends, to find fun things to do. However, living far from the College Avenue campus frequently limits a students ability to explore the downtown area. Buses dont often make stops in this area, and on weekends, buses run so infrequently that its anxiety-inducing to try to leave campus unless you live there. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Max:Being a state school, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is incredibly diverse. Class size is wholly dependent on major and class level; an introductory psychology class will have hundreds of students, but an upper-level engineering lab may only have ten. Class size never phased my ability to learn. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Max:My most memorable experience was actually an online class. Theres a different kind of playing field in an online class, one in which all students are truly equal. A professor teaching an online class cannot see our faces, and vice versa; furthermore, all students are able to work at their own pace. It was therefore most enjoyable for me to take two online classes, one each in two consecutive semesters, with the same professor. It can be easiest to adapt to a professors teaching methods online due to the increased flexibility. What made these classes most memorable was their subject matter. Prof. Sean Lorres online classes on Jazz Appreciation/Black Music History and Rock n Roll History were two of my six required humanities (non-engineering) classes, and they stuck with me the most strongly. The reading existed in a familiar cultural context, and the follow-up questions truly encouraged learning rather than rote memorization. I learned a lot of valuable information not only about art and music, but also about society and race relations in America. Check out Maxs tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.