Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in St. John's and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have 4 key possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in St. John's. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your 2nd option can be local commercial language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in St. John's. If flexibility is key, you can compare local St. John's 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 ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language academies and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Chinese tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, availability and popularity. Customer review average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Chinese do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and exams, so research those in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Chinese. Realistically, 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 expressions, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders 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 Chinese. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Chinese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to master 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 dedication. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese teacher?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually offer 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.