Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Hilo, HI and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have 4 principal opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Hilo, HI. 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 second resource can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can find a private Chinese tutor in Hilo, HI. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Hilo, HI and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Chinese and what does a lesson with a tutor of Chinese cost?
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 fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language centers and individual 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 prices on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and student demand. Customer review average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.94 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Chinese language skill level 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 level 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 specializations they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand common expressions, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and fun 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 students.
🤷 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 demand at least 600 hours of study. The length of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired 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 videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible 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 choose my own Chinese coach?
In learning centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually have 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.