Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Houston, TX and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several principal choices for learning Chinese interactively in Houston, TX. 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 other possibility can be local for-profit language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Houston, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Houston, TX and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Chinese and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Chinese tutors?
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 rate for 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Chinese do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and testing, so research those 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 specializations they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized 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 common words, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After mastering 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 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 demand at least 600 hours of dedication. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write 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 this is not easy you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese coach?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges as a rule run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.