Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on English in Shenzhen and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have several principal choices for learning English interactively in Shenzhen. 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 2nd possibility can be local for-profit 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 look for a private English tutor in Shenzhen. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Shenzhen and online English tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn English and what are the ballpark lesson costs for English tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate English course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of 1/2 of a hundred class hours each semester. Language schools and independent English tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly English tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and popularity. Average reviews for English lessons on Preply is 4.9 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of English do I need 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 level and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal English tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is English so hard and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn English. According to experts, you can gain basic English fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand most phrases, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of English. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have English tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of English?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in English will require at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of English or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in English out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational English classes online.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right English teacher?
In language centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened English tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges as a rule run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.