Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Almaty and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have a few primary possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Almaty. 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 cheaper.) Your other possibility can be local commercial language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Almaty. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Almaty and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 lesson hours each semester. Language centers and independent 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 tuition on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, experience and specialization. Average student satisfaction 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 volume and testing, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging 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. Realistically, 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 many phrases, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Chinese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 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 length of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try additional 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.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Chinese tutor?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, always! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges usually offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule 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.