Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Chinese in Alexandria, VA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four principal possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Alexandria, VA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your other option can be local private language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Alexandria, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Alexandria, VA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Chinese and what does a lesson with a tutor of Chinese cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate Chinese course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language centers and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Chinese do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research each program in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Chinese. Realistically, you can gain basic Chinese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand many words, express yourself, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Chinese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to master Chinese?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Chinese will demand at least 600 hours of active use. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your available level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Chinese coach?
In language learning academies, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.