Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Orange and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several main possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Orange. 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 2nd resource can be local commercial language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can find a private Chinese tutor in Orange. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Orange 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 by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language centers and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Chinese tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review average 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 pass a few pre-requisites. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and exams, 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 add-ons they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized 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 five hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of Chinese or familiarity with 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 TV, write by hand and online 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, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges as a rule offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule give 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.