Language learning is tough–there’s no doubt about that! That’s why it’s important to pick not only a good French language learning program, but the French learning program that is best for you. If you would like more information about how to do that, read this article (you won’t leave this page). If you’re only interested in Rocket French, read this review.
Rocket Languages
The Rocket French program is a product of the very successful Rocket Languages, which produces language learning courses for 10 spoken languages and American sign language. Rocket shot into the language learning scene in 2004. This relatively late arrival gave it a big advantage.
What advantage?
Well, while traditional book publishing companies were struggling to adapt their out of date learning methods and materials to the online world, Rocket Languages came in and created a new course that was specifically designed for today’s Internet savvy learners. The results speak for themselves–in 6 short years they have gained over 800,000 lifetime language learning members!
Try the FREE 6-day Rocket French Course
What you get with Rocket French
- Lifetime Membership for a one time payment of $99.95 (includes free software updates for life)
- Personal Learning Support From a Native French Speaker (like having a personal tutor)
- Downloadable Lessons and Games (for learning on the go)
- 33 Theme-Based Interactive Audio Lessons (over 13 hours of audio lessons)
- Rocket Record (to record your voice and compare it to a French native speaker)
- 31 French Language Lessons With 1900 Embedded Audio Clips (grammar and structure lessons)
- 31 French Culture Lessons
- MegaFrench Software Games
- Full Array of Quizzes and Tests
- 60-Day Guarantee (no questions asked)
Core Learning
Core learning takes place in the interactive dialogue section, which can be used online or downloaded (MP3) and used anywhere you like. These interactive dialogues (and the program as a whole) were designed using the modern, highly effective communicative approach to second language acquisition. The strategy, essentially, is to get you speaking French from the moment you open the program.
Does it work?
In a word, yes. The Rocket French interactive dialogues are powerful learning tools that will have you speaking French just minutes after logging into the program. As someone who has lived overseas, in 4 different countries, for more than a decade, I have struggled to communicate in several target languages. It’s those struggles that make me appreciate the design of the Rocket French program. Rocket French works because it leads you step-by-step to speaking success. This program was clearly designed by someone who has actually learned a foreign language (something that can’t be said for many courses).
Review the Rocket French interactive dialogues yourself. It’s FREE (you just need an email address).
MegaFrench Software Games
Unlike the Pimsleur Method of learning, which is 100% audio-based, Rocket French provides interactive audio learning plus a whole lot more. Primarily, I’m speaking about the MegaFrench software activities, of which there are three. The MegaVocab games is a fun and effective way to master over 1000 new French vocabulary words.
The MegaVerbs game is a great tool for mastering French Verbs and tenses. And, finally, there is the MegaAudio game, which is designed to improve your vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills. All of these “games” are outstanding learning tools that are also quite fun and challenging.
Language and Culture Sections
In addition to the interactive dialogues and the learning games, the Rocket French course comes with a great “language section.” This is essentially the grammar and structure part of the program. I love that this section is separated out from the other parts of the program; if you just want to learn how to communicate in French, you don’t need to spend much time here. If you want a more academic understanding of French, on the other hand, this is a great place to study–it’s up to you!
The French Culture section is another great part of the course that you can choose to spend time at, or not. I recommend that you at least review the material at the end of each lesson. The reason is because this section provides cultural information that is relevant to communicating properly with French people. It’s not just a bunch of Louvre and French wine reviews!
Who should buy Rocket French?
The Rocket French program is a very popular, highly efficient French learning program. As I’ve said, however, just because a product is great, doesn’t mean it’s great for you. Who is this product good for? Rocket French is a simple, easy-to-use program, and it’s consistently rated the “most user friendly product” on the web. All of this means that it is perfect for beginning French learners.
If that’s you, Rocket French is a good choice, as it is, without a doubt, the best value of any French language learning software product on the market. Also worth noting is the fact that Rocket French is designed specifically for those whose primary goal is to learn to speak French as quickly as possible, meaning that if you are going to visit France, for work or for pleasure, Rocket French is a great way to get up and communicating quickly.
Visit the Rocket French Homepage
Who should NOT buy Rocket French
Rocket French is a consumer-friendly product designed to get people speaking quickly and easily. That’s great for most people, but what if you are looking for a deep academic understanding of the French language? In that case, Rocket French is not really the best choice for you. There are grammar and sentence structure lessons in the program, but, as I mentioned, the focus is on communication, not academics. If you’d like a program that provides more in-depth academic-type grammar and sentence structure lessons, I suggest you take a look at Tell Me More French.
My Recommendations
As you have read, this is a pretty positive Rocket French review. And not only is the product good, but at just $99.95 for a lifetime membership, Rocket French is certainly the best value for your money. So, if you’re a beginning French learner and want to get communicating quickly, go with Rocket French.
If you want a deeper, more academic understanding of French, check out Tell Me More French. And don’t forget that you can compare the top 5 French learning software programs right on this site. Before you do that, though, I recommend that you read my post How to Choose Learn French Software. Finally, be sure to check out our French language software discounts and coupons.
Thanks for reading my Rocket French review. I wish you the best of luck in your French language learning endeavor. As always, if you have any questions about this Rocket French review, or any other page on this site, please send me a message using out contact page.
Ryan Wiley
Founder
Speak Out Languages
