Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in Calgary and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have several key options for learning Chinese interactively in Calgary. 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 specialized language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Calgary. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Calgary and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $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, positive reviews and student demand. Real student rating average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.94 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 prove your profeciency level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and exams, so research those in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those 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. In reality, you can gain basic Chinese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback 5 hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 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 recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments 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 not easy you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese coach?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with extensive 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 as a rule schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.