Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I improve my Chinese in Harrisburg, PA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have four key opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Harrisburg, PA. 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 a little more affordable.) Your 2nd option can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Harrisburg, PA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Harrisburg, PA and online Chinese tutors.
Is it affordable 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 fifty or so instruction hours each semester. Language centers and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Average student satisfaction for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.9 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 pass a few pre-requisites. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
Why is Chinese so difficult and are there ways to learn it in a better 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 five hours a week you will be able to understand many sentences, express yourself, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and affordable 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 level practitioners.
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 take at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ significantly depending on your already acquired level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more 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.
Can I choose my own Chinese coach?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! 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 structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually 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.