Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Sunnyvale, CA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have 4 principal options for learning Chinese interactively in Sunnyvale, CA. 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 cheaper.) Your second possibility can be local for-profit language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Sunnyvale, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Sunnyvale, CA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn Chinese and what do Chinese tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Chinese course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and testing, so research the details 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 classes for adults, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
Formal 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 everyday expressions, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast 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 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 active use. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese tutor?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of approved Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools offer 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.