Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Delta and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 primary choices for learning Chinese interactively in Delta. 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 second option can be local private 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. Finally, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Delta. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Delta and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Chinese and what do Chinese tutors charge?
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 cost of about 50 course hours each semester. Language centers and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, availability and student demand. Customer review 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, 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 expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Chinese. Realistically, 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 many 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 ready and easy 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 level practitioners.
🤷 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 take at least 600 hours of practice. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, 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.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese tutor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges as a rule run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.