Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Phoenix, AZ and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have 4 key options for learning Chinese interactively in Phoenix, AZ. 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 cheaper.) Your second option can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper 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 Phoenix, AZ. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Phoenix, AZ and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Chinese and how much should Chinese tutors ask?
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 academies and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $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 country of residence, experience and student demand. Average student satisfaction 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 prove your profeciency level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, 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 intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand common expressions, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Chinese?
Some people 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 dedication. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write using your new language skills, seek 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.
🤳 Can I choose my own Chinese instructor?
In learning centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, certainly! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges as a rule schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically 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.