Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Santa Clarita, CA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have 4 primary options for learning Chinese interactively in Santa Clarita, 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 a little more affordable.) Your other resource can be local specialized language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Santa Clarita, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Santa Clarita, CA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Chinese and what do Chinese tutors charge?
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 rate for about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language academies and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual 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 geography, positive reviews and popularity. 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
One-size-fits-all 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand everyday phrases, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to master Chinese?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Chinese will necessitate at least 600 hours of study. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese teacher?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.