Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in San Marcos, TX and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have four main possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in San Marcos, TX. 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 a little more affordable.) Your other resource can be local specialized language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in San Marcos, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local San Marcos, TX 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 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of fifty or so course hours each semester. Language centers and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, so research each program in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging 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. In reality, 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 sentences, 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 enjoyable 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 practice. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or knowledge of 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 TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, try to communicate with 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese tutor?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, always! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and customer 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 (15-week period). Language schools as a rule 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.