Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in Staten Island, NY and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 key opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Staten Island, NY. 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 a little more affordable.) Your 2nd spource can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Staten Island, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Staten Island, NY and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of 45-48 class hours each semester. Language academies and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research those in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so hard and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized 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 many words, express yourself, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 get better at speaking Chinese?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Chinese will require at least 600 hours of dedication. The length of time can differ a lot 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 advised to use the language as often as possible: watch television, try typing using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Chinese teacher?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically run classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule have 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.