Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Chinese in Summerville, SC and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have 4 main options for learning Chinese interactively in Summerville, SC. 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 better priced.) 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. Finally, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Summerville, SC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Summerville, SC and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Chinese and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Chinese tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Chinese course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language centers and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and specialization. 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 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 load and graded tasks, so research those 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 teaching children or teens, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Formal 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, speak on some level, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready 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 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 practice. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or knowledge of 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, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese coach?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule make available 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.