Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in Victoria and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have several principal choices for learning Chinese interactively in Victoria. 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 cheaper.) Your other option can be local private 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. 4th and last, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Victoria. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Victoria 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 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 course hours each semester. Language centers and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, ratings and popularity. Average reviews 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. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand everyday words, be understood when you talk, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick 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 brag about their 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 active use. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, try to communicate with 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese tutor?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges typically offer classes twice a week 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.