Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Brookline, MA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have four primary possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Brookline, MA. 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 option can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Brookline, MA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Brookline, MA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 45-48 class hours each semester. Language centers and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.95 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research the details in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from many 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, 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 ready and affordable 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Chinese?
Some people just 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 practice. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try other 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese coach?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically 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.