Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Pittsburgh, PA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have a few primary options for learning Chinese interactively in Pittsburgh, PA. 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 2nd spource can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Pittsburgh, PA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Pittsburgh, PA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap 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 rate for 45-48 course hours each semester. Language centers and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research each program in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Formal 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand common words, speak on some level, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Relocating 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 speakers.
🤷 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 take at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, find 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 choose my own Chinese teacher?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day 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.