Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Lubbock, TX and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have 4 primary possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Lubbock, 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 less pricey.) Your 2nd spource can be local commercial 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. Fourth, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Lubbock, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Lubbock, TX and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $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 country of residence, experience and popularity. Customer review 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal 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 everyday phrases, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and affordable 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 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 take at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your available 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, try typing using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try more 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese instructor?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, always! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually 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.