Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Stony Brook, NY and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have four key opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Stony Brook, NY. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your second possibility can be local for-profit 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. Last, you can find a private Chinese tutor in Stony Brook, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Stony Brook, NY and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 price of 45-48 class hours each semester. Language centers and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Chinese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, positive reviews and student demand. Real student rating average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.94 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 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 level and tests, so research each program 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 specializations 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 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. According to experts, you can gain basic Chinese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, express yourself, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable 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 learners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn 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 require at least 600 hours of study. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch television, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese tutor?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges 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, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.