Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Richmond and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have four key opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Richmond. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your other possibility 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. Fourth, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Richmond. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Richmond 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 cost of 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language schools and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. 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 prove your profeciency level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and graded tasks, so research the details 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 classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so hard and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday words, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Chinese tutor?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically structure 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, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.