Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Barrie and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have 4 main possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Barrie. 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 less pricey.) Your other option can be local specialized language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can find a private Chinese tutor in Barrie. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Barrie and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 cost of fifty or so instruction hours each semester. Language centers 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 prices on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, availability and specialization. Average student satisfaction for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.94 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations 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 so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand most phrases, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and affordable 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 have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Chinese will require at least 600 hours of active use. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch television, try typing using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional 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 pick my own Chinese coach?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges typically run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.