Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I skill up on Chinese in Great Neck Plaza, NY and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several main options for learning Chinese interactively in Great Neck Plaza, NY. 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 less pricey.) Your 2nd option can be local for-profit language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Great Neck Plaza, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Great Neck Plaza, NY and online Chinese tutors.
Is it affordable to learn Chinese and how much should Chinese tutors ask?
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 cost of fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language academies and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 15 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, experience and student demand. Average reviews for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.91 out of 5 stars.
How much Chinese do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and exams, 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 add-ons they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand most expressions, express yourself, shop and place orders in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Chinese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
How long does it take to achieve a good level of Chinese?
Some people 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 practice. The actual range of time can differ by a lot 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 news and movies, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek 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.
How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Chinese tutor?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.