Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Riverside, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have 4 principal possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Riverside, CA. 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 resource can be local private 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. 4th and last, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Riverside, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Riverside, CA 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 price of 1/2 of a hundred instruction hours each semester. Language schools and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and student demand. Average student satisfaction for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Chinese language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and exams, so research those in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so hard and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand many phrases, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and fun 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 level practitioners.
🤷 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 active use. The amount of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write using your new language skills, look for 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 pick my own Chinese tutor?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically run classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools give 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.