Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in The Woodlands, TX and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have a few key options for learning Chinese interactively in The Woodlands, TX. 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 less pricey.) Your other spource can be local specialized 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. Finally, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in The Woodlands, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local The Woodlands, TX 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 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 centers and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and popularity. Real student rating 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 pass a few pre-requisites. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and exams, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy 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. In reality, 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 many expressions, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After gaining 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 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 take at least 600 hours of active use. The length of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try additional 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 choose my own Chinese coach?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested 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 as a rule offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools 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.