Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Chinese in Oakland, CA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have a few primary possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Oakland, CA. 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 other 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. Last, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Oakland, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Oakland, CA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 cost of fifty or so class hours each semester. Language schools and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $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, positive reviews and popularity. Real student rating average 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For maximum 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand many expressions, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready 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 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 demand at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your available level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, try to communicate with 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 instructor?
In language learning academies, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges as a rule run 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.