Frequently Asked Questions

Interactive French is an established French language center in Hong Kong, founded in 2011. We offer personalized French courses taught by certified native-speaking tutors for children, teenagers, and adults, with specialized preparation for IGCSE, IB, DELF/DALF, and TCF exams.

We are located in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. We also offer online French lessons via Google Meet for students who prefer remote learning.

Interactive French was founded in 2011 and has been providing high-quality French language education in Hong Kong for over 15 years. We have successfully taught over 10,000 students.

We prepare students for DELF (A1-B2), DALF (C1-C2), IGCSE French (Cambridge & Edexcel), IB French (Language A, B, ab initio), and TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français). We have a 100% DELF pass rate and excellent IB/IGCSE results.

We teach all age groups: Kids (6-11 years), Teenagers (12-17 years), and Adults (18+ years). Each program is tailored to the specific learning needs and goals of each age group.

Yes, all Interactive French tutors are native French speakers with university qualifications and extensive teaching experience.

Yes, we offer comprehensive online French lessons via Google Meet with the same quality as in-person classes. Our online program includes interactive materials through Google Classroom and personalized attention from native tutors.

Interactive French stands out with:

1. 100% native French tutors with teaching experience
2. Small class sizes (max 6 students)
3. Proven track record (100% DELF pass rate, 10,000+ students)
4. Comprehensive exam preparation (IGCSE, IB, DELF, TCF)
5. Flexible online and in-person options
6. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Our group classes have a maximum of 6 students to ensure personalized attention and maximum speaking practice. We also offer private 1-on-1 lessons for accelerated learning.

Course duration varies by program:

• Kids courses: 10 hours per level
• Teens courses: 15 hours per level
• Adults courses: 15 hours per level
• Exam prep sessions: 1.5 hours per session
• Private lessons: Flexible scheduling by the hour

We offer flexible scheduling including weekday evenings, weekends, and daytime classes. Private lessons can be scheduled according to your availability, including lunch hours and holidays.

Yes, most courses are available in both formats. Our in-person classes are held in Wan Chai, while online classes are conducted via Google Meet with full interactive capabilities.

Course fees include: All instruction by native French tutors, access to Google Classroom materials, progress tracking, homework assignments, and regular assessments. There is a one-time material fee of HKD 100 per level for textbooks and resources.

Yes, we provide trial lessons for private courses. For group courses, if the class is already confirmed or in progress, prospective students can attend one session to check the suitability before enrollment. If the course has not yet reached the minimum enrollment, group trial arrangements will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

For private lessons, we require 24 hours’ notice for rescheduling. For group classes, make-up sessions can be arranged with advance notice. Please contact us for detailed policy information.

Yes, we provide certificates of completion for all courses upon request. For exam preparation courses (DELF, IGCSE, IB), we prepare students for official certification exams administered by accredited examination bodies.

Interactive French maintains a 100% DELF pass rate. All students who complete our DELF preparation courses and follow our study recommendations have successfully passed their exams.

Preparation time varies by student level:

• DELF A1-A2: 3-6 months for beginners
• DELF B1-B2: 6-12 months
• IGCSE: 12-18 months (typically Year 10-11)
• IB: 2 years (full program)

We offer free placement tests to determine your starting level and create a personalized timeline.

Yes, we guide students through the exam registration process for DELF/DALF exams. For IGCSE and IB exams, registration is typically handled through your school, but we provide full support and documentation as needed.

Our students consistently achieve excellent results:

• 100% DELF pass rate (all levels)
• IGCSE: 95%+ pass rate with majority achieving grades 7-9 (Edexcel) and A-A* (Cambridge)
• IB: Average score of 6-7 (out of 7)

Many students have received university offers based on their French qualifications.

Yes, many students prepare for school exams (IGCSE/IB) while also pursuing DELF certification. We coordinate preparation strategies to maximize efficiency and avoid overlap.

We use official past papers, examiner-approved textbooks, authentic French media, and our proprietary materials developed by our tutors over 15 years of exam preparation experience.

Yes, we offer intensive exam prep courses during school holidays and the months leading up to exam sessions (typically March-May). These sessions focus on exam techniques, mock tests, and areas requiring improvement.

DELF is an international French proficiency certification recognized worldwide, while IGCSE French is a school qualification for secondary education. DELF focuses on communication skills, while IGCSE includes academic French and cultural topics. Many students pursue both for comprehensive credentials.

IGCSE French is an internationally recognized qualification offered by Cambridge Assessment and Edexcel for students aged 14-16. It assesses French language proficiency through four components: Listening (25%), Speaking (25%), Reading (25%), and Writing (25%).

We teach both Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE French syllabi. Our tutors tailor lessons to match your school’s specific exam board and requirements.

IGCSE French is graded 1-9:

• Grade 9: Outstanding achievement
• Grade 7-8: Excellent (equivalent to A/A*)
• Grade 4-6: Good to Very Good (C-B)
• Grade 4 is considered a “standard pass”
• Grade 5 is considered a “strong pass”

• Main exam session: May-June (written papers)
• Speaking assessments: April-May
• Registration deadlines are typically in October for the following year’s exams.

Yes, with proper preparation. Students typically need 12-18 months of consistent study (3-5 hours per week) to achieve grades 7-9 from a beginner level. We recommend starting in Year 9 or early Year 10.

We teach all three IB French levels:

• French ab initio (SL only) – For beginners
• French B (SL & HL) – For students with 3-5 years of French
• French A (SL & HL) – For native/near-native speakers

• Standard Level (SL): 150 teaching hours, focuses on practical communication
• Higher Level (HL): 240 teaching hours, includes literature study and more complex language analysis

Both include external exams (70%) and internal assessment (30%).

IB French is scored 1-7:

• 7: Excellent (highest achievement)
• 6: Very Good
• 5: Good
• 4: Satisfactory (passing grade)

Our students average 6-7 across all levels.

IB French is a 2-year program (Year 12-13 / Grade 11-12). Students should have completed their language prerequisites before starting. We recommend supplementary lessons throughout the program, not just before exams.

DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is an official French language qualification awarded by the French Ministry of Education. It is recognized worldwide and valid for life. Levels range from A1 (beginner) to B2 (upper-intermediate).

DELF and DALF certificates are valid for life. Unlike language tests like IELTS or TOEFL, you never need to retake them.

• DELF covers levels A1-B2 (beginner to upper-intermediate)
• DALF covers levels C1-C2 (advanced to proficiency)

Both have the same recognition and lifetime validity.

To pass DELF:

• Overall score: Minimum 50/100 points
• Per section: Minimum 5/25 points in each of the four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing)

Scoring below 5/25 in any section is eliminatory, even if your total exceeds 50.

• DELF Prim (ages 6-11): 1 session (May/June)
• DELF Junior (ages 12-17): 2-3 sessions (March, June, November)
• DELF Tout Public (adults 18+): 3-5 sessions (March, June, July, October, December)

DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is an official French language qualification awarded by the French Ministry of Education. It is recognized worldwide and valid for life. Levels range from A1 (beginner) to B2 (upper-intermediate).

DELF and DALF certificates are valid for life. Unlike language tests like IELTS or TOEFL, you never need to retake them.

• DELF covers levels A1-B2 (beginner to upper-intermediate)
• DALF covers levels C1-C2 (advanced to proficiency)

Both have the same recognition and lifetime validity.

To pass DELF:

• Overall score: Minimum 50/100 points
• Per section: Minimum 5/25 points in each of the four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing)

Scoring below 5/25 in any section is eliminatory, even if your total exceeds 50.

• DELF Prim (ages 6-11): 1 session (May/June)
• DELF Junior (ages 12-17): 2-3 sessions (March, June, November)
• DELF Tout Public (adults 18+): 3-5 sessions (March, June, July, October, December)

IGCSE French is an internationally recognized qualification offered by Cambridge Assessment and Edexcel for students aged 14-16. It assesses French language proficiency through four components: Listening (25%), Speaking (25%), Reading (25%), and Writing (25%).

We teach both Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE French syllabi. Our tutors tailor lessons to match your school’s specific exam board and requirements.

IGCSE French is graded 1-9:

• Grade 9: Outstanding achievement
• Grade 7-8: Excellent (equivalent to A/A*)
• Grade 4-6: Good to Very Good (C-B)
• Grade 4 is considered a “standard pass”
• Grade 5 is considered a “strong pass”

• Main exam session: May-June (written papers)
• Speaking assessments: April-May
• Registration deadlines are typically in October for the following year’s exams.

Yes, with proper preparation. Students typically need 12-18 months of consistent study (3-5 hours per week) to achieve grades 7-9 from a beginner level. We recommend starting in Year 9 or early Year 10.

We teach all three IB French levels:

• French ab initio (SL only) – For beginners
• French B (SL & HL) – For students with 3-5 years of French
• French A (SL & HL) – For native/near-native speakers

• Standard Level (SL): 150 teaching hours, focuses on practical communication
• Higher Level (HL): 240 teaching hours, includes literature study and more complex language analysis

Both include external exams (70%) and internal assessment (30%).

IB French is scored 1-7:

• 7: Excellent (highest achievement)
• 6: Very Good
• 5: Good
• 4: Satisfactory (passing grade)

Our students average 6-7 across all levels.

IB French is a 2-year program (Year 12-13 / Grade 11-12). Students should have completed their language prerequisites before starting. We recommend supplementary lessons throughout the program, not just before exams.

Our transparent pricing structure:

• Kids group courses: HKD 3,100 for 10 hours
• Teens group courses: HKD 4,400 for 15 hours
• Adults group courses: HKD 3,980 for 15 hours
• Private lessons: From HKD 600/hour (regular), HKD 650/hour (school tutoring), HKD 700/hour (exam prep)
• Material fee: HKD 100 per level (one-time)

Visit our pricing page for complete details and current promotions.

We accept cash and bank transfer for in-person classes. Electronic payments (Alipay, PayMe, Visa/Mastercard) are accepted for online courses only. Full payment details are provided upon enrollment.

Yes, we offer early bird discounts, family packages (for siblings), and corporate group rates. Contact us to learn about current promotions and multi-course discounts.

Private lesson packages are generally non-refundable. In exceptional circumstances where a refund is processed, the cost of any lessons already taken will be deducted from the total refund amount based on the standard non-packaged hourly rate.

For group courses, fees are non-refundable once the class is confirmed to commence (i.e., upon reaching the minimum number of enrolled students).

The only additional fee is the one-time material fee of HKD 100 per level for textbooks and resources. All other resources, including online access and progress tracking, are included in the course price.

All Interactive French tutors are:

• Native French speakers
• University degree holders (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
• Certified in teaching French as a foreign language (FLE certification or equivalent)
• Experienced in exam preparation (2-15 years teaching experience)
• Background-checked and professionally trained

Yes, for private lessons you can request a specific tutor based on their specialization (kids, exam prep, business French, etc.) and availability. We match you with the tutor best suited to your learning goals.

Yes, our tutors are experienced with Hong Kong international school curricula including FIS (French International School), ESF schools, and other institutions. We understand local educational requirements and exam timelines.

We use Google Classroom for digital tracking, regular assessments, homework assignments, and progress reports. Parents and adult students receive quarterly progress updates and can schedule meetings to discuss advancement.

We provide personalized support including: additional practice materials, one-on-one tutor consultations, adjusted learning plans, and recommendations for supplementary practice. We identify challenges early through regular assessments.

Yes, you can switch between regular courses and private lessons (additional fees may apply). We’ll help you find the best option for your learning needs and schedule. Many students combine both for optimal results.

We provide a free placement test (20-30 minutes) to determine your current level and recommend the most suitable course for your goals. The test assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Enrollment is simple:

1. Contact us via WhatsApp or our website contact form
2. Schedule a free placement test (if needed)
3. Receive course recommendations
4. Choose your preferred schedule and format
5. Complete registration and payment
6. Start learning!

Children can start as early as 6 years old with our kids’ programs. The earlier students begin, the easier it is to develop native-like pronunciation and fluency. However, adults can achieve excellent results with consistent practice and our proven teaching methods.