Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in Athens, GA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have several primary choices for learning Chinese interactively in Athens, GA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your other option can be local for-profit language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Athens, GA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Athens, GA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap 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 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for about 50 course hours each semester. Language schools and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Chinese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, positive reviews and popularity. Average student satisfaction for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.94 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Chinese do I need 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. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, so research the details 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 teaching children or teens, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, express yourself, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 take at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ by a lot depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for 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 tutor?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.