Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Brooklyn, NY and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have a few principal options for learning Chinese interactively in Brooklyn, NY. 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 resource 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. Last, you can find a private Chinese tutor in Brooklyn, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Brooklyn, NY 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 as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for fifty or so course hours each semester. Language schools and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research all such requirements 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 specializations they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Chinese. According to experts, you can gain basic Chinese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to learn 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 take at least 600 hours of active use. The amount of time can differ a lot 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 a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese tutor?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges usually offer 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.