Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Chico, CA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have several primary opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Chico, CA. 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 cheaper.) Your 2nd option can be local specialized 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. Fourth, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Chico, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Chico, CA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 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 private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, ratings and popularity. 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 prove your profeciency level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and graded tasks, so research each program in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so hard and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand most words, have simple conversations, shop and place orders 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 gaining 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 just 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 available level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional 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 coach?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually make available 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.