Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in Boston, MA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have a few principal choices for learning Chinese interactively in Boston, MA. 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 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. Fourth, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Boston, MA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Boston, MA 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 rate for about 50 class hours each semester. Language centers and private 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 tuition on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, availability and popularity. Average student satisfaction 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. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume 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 extras they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it the easy 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 everyday phrases, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and easy 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Chinese?
Some people brag about their 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 practice. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more 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.
🤳 Can I choose my own Chinese coach?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges as a rule schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule make available 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.