Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Chinese in Ames, IA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four principal opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Ames, IA. 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 cheaper.) Your other spource can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can find a private Chinese tutor in Ames, IA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Ames, IA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Chinese and what do Chinese tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Chinese course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language academies and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and popularity. Customer review average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Chinese language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and tests, so research each program in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Chinese. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Chinese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand many phrases, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After acquiring 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 learn Chinese?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Chinese will necessitate at least 600 hours of active use. The length of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, try typing using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Chinese teacher?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, always! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges as a rule schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.