Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Los Angeles, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have several primary options for learning Chinese interactively in Los Angeles, CA. 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 less pricey.) Your 2nd resource can be local specialized 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. 4th and last, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Los Angeles, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Los Angeles, CA 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 by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of 45-48 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and popularity. Average reviews 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult 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 everyday sentences, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 practice. The amount of time can differ by 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, try typing using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try other 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 instructor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges typically offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically 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.