Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in Cerritos, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have 4 main choices for learning Chinese interactively in Cerritos, CA. 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 cheaper.) Your second spource can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Cerritos, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Cerritos, CA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 overall charge for 45-48 course 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 prices on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and exams, so research each program in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging 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. In reality, 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 everyday sentences, express yourself, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and enjoyable 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Chinese?
Some people seem to have a 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 study. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible 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.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese coach?
In language centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.