Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Westminster, MD and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have a few principal choices for learning Chinese interactively in Westminster, MD. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your second possibility can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Westminster, MD. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Westminster, MD and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language centers and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Chinese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, positive reviews and specialization. Average reviews 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. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level 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 extras they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
One-size-fits-all 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 expressions, speak on some level, do most everyday tasks 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 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 master 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 demand at least 600 hours of active use. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese teacher?
In learning centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges usually offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.