Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Kingston and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 key choices for learning Chinese interactively in Kingston. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your 2nd resource can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Kingston. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Kingston and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 overall charge for fifty or so course hours each semester. Language centers and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Chinese tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and specialization. Average student satisfaction for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.95 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 prove your profeciency level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, 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 extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so hard and are there ways to learn it the easy 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 words, 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 rapid 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Chinese?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Chinese will take at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Chinese teacher?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically give 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.