Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in Bellingham, WA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have a few key choices for learning Chinese interactively in Bellingham, WA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your other spource can be local private language academies that are cheaper 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 Bellingham, WA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Bellingham, WA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Chinese and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Chinese tutors?
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 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and specialization. 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 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 level and exams, so research those in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so hard and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Standardized 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 common phrases, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Chinese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 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 study. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write 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 this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese instructor?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges usually schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually give 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.