Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in New York, NY and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have several primary possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in New York, NY. 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 a little more affordable.) Your other resource can be local private 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 choose a private Chinese tutor in New York, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local New York, NY and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Chinese and what do Chinese tutors charge?
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 price of about 50 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, ratings and popularity. Average student satisfaction 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 pass a few pre-requisites. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and tests, so research those in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Chinese. According to experts, 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 everyday expressions, be understood when you talk, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and fun 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 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 practice. The length of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional 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 teacher?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges as a rule schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools offer 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.