Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Brisbane and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have a few key opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Brisbane. 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 a little more affordable.) Your second option can be local commercial language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Brisbane. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Brisbane 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 as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language schools and individual 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 costs on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, ratings and specialization. Customer review average 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 pass a few pre-requisites. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment 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 add-ons they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
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 sentences, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun 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 speakers.
🤷 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 dedication. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese teacher?
In colleges and universities, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges structure classes two times weekly 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.