Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Canberra and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have several primary possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Canberra. 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 possibility can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can find a private Chinese tutor in Canberra. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Canberra and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language centers and independent 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 hometown, experience and student demand. Real student rating 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 pass a few pre-requisites. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and tests, so research those 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 intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so hard and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Chinese. As proven by others before, 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 phrases, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to master 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 demand at least 600 hours of dedication. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online 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.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese teacher?
In learning centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges usually offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule 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.