Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Natick, MA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have a few key opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Natick, MA. 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 cheaper.) Your other option can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can find a private Chinese tutor in Natick, MA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Natick, MA 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 cost of fifty or so course hours each semester. Language academies and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private 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, positive reviews and student demand. Average student satisfaction 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 prove your profeciency level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research each program in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized 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 several 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 ready 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 active use. The length of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended 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 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.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Chinese instructor?
In learning centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges typically structure classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule 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.