Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Herndon, VA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have four principal choices for learning Chinese interactively in Herndon, VA. 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 a little more affordable.) 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. 4th and last, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Herndon, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Herndon, VA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language centers and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so hard and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
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 five hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and easy 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 master 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 necessitate at least 600 hours of study. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese instructor?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, certainly! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges usually run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools offer 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.