Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Chinese in Chesapeake, VA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have a few principal opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Chesapeake, VA. 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 possibility can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Chesapeake, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Chesapeake, VA 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 rate for 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language academies and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and student demand. Average student satisfaction 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research all such requirements 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 teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so hard and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Formal 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and enjoyable 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 get better at speaking 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 require at least 600 hours of practice. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch television, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese instructor?
In colleges and universities, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges typically schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically make available 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.