Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in New Hyde Park, NY and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have 4 principal opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in New Hyde Park, NY. 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 better priced.) Your 2nd resource can be local private language academies that are cheaper 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 find a private Chinese tutor in New Hyde Park, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local New Hyde Park, NY and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Chinese and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Chinese tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Chinese course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language centers and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, availability 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and graded tasks, so research each program 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 more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Chinese. In reality, 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 most words, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After mastering 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 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 take at least 600 hours of practice. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Chinese tutor?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges as a rule structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically make available 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.