Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Huntington Beach, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have several main opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Huntington Beach, CA. 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 better priced.) Your 2nd option can be local commercial 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. Finally, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Huntington Beach, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Huntington Beach, CA 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 price of about 50 course hours each semester. Language centers and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and graded tasks, so research each program 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 expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult 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. In reality, 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 many phrases, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After acquiring 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 master Chinese?
Some people just 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 active use. The amount of time can differ significantly depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or proficiency in 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, look for 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.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese teacher?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges as a rule run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule make available 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.