Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Sudbury and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have several main possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Sudbury. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your 2nd possibility can be local specialized language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Sudbury. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Sudbury and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Chinese and how much should Chinese tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate Chinese course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 class hours each semester. Language academies and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, ratings and specialization. Average reviews 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 commitment and exams, so research all such requirements 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 extras they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Standardized 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and affordable 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 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 require at least 600 hours of practice. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try additional 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 instructor?
In learning centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.