Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Chinese in Lyon and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have 4 key opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Lyon. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your second resource can be local for-profit language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Lyon. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Lyon and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for 1/2 of a hundred class hours each semester. Language centers and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and student demand. Real student rating average 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and tests, so research those 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 intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all 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 most words, have simple conversations, socialize in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After gaining 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 learn Chinese?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Chinese will require at least 600 hours of study. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments 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 a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese teacher?
In language centers, there's a likelyhood you could 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 offer 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, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.