Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on Chinese in Astana and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have several primary opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Astana. 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 second spource can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Astana. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Astana 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 as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for about 50 lesson hours each semester. Language academies and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private 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 hometown, ratings and popularity. 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. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and graded tasks, so research all such requirements 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 more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so challenging and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
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 five hours a week you will be able to understand many sentences, be understood when you talk, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After mastering 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 get better at speaking Chinese?
Some people seem to 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 dedication. The required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Chinese or proficiency in 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, find 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 coach?
In learning centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically give 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.