Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Perth and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have 4 primary opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Perth. 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 less pricey.) Your 2nd option can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Perth. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Perth and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred instruction hours each semester. Language schools and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Chinese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Customer review 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Chinese. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Chinese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback 5 hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, express yourself, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Chinese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 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 demand at least 600 hours of active use. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch television, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese teacher?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.