Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Red Deer and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 key options for learning Chinese interactively in Red Deer. 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 better priced.) Your other possibility can be local private language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Red Deer. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Red Deer and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Chinese and how much should Chinese tutors ask?
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 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language schools and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and specialization. Real student rating average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.94 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, 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 expertise they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand most phrases, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and easy 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to master 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 take at least 600 hours of study. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese instructor?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, always! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually 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.