Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in Philadelphia, PA and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have 4 main choices for learning Chinese interactively in Philadelphia, PA. 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 cheaper.) Your 2nd possibility can be local specialized language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Philadelphia, PA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Philadelphia, PA 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 by dividing annual tuition by ten (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 from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Chinese tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, availability and student demand. Average reviews 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and graded tasks, so research all such requirements 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 add-ons they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum 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?
One-size-fits-all 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand common 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 affordable 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 practice. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments 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 it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese coach?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically structure classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have 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.