Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I master Chinese in Thousand Oaks, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have a few key possibilities for learning Chinese interactively in Thousand Oaks, CA. 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 other spource can be local specialized 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. Last, you can look for a private Chinese tutor in Thousand Oaks, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Thousand Oaks, CA and online Chinese tutors.
Is it cheap to learn Chinese and how much should Chinese tutors ask?
大学和大学课程可以estimate Chinese course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for about 50 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $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 hometown, availability and popularity. Real student rating average 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 prove your profeciency level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, so research each program 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 expertise they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
Why is Chinese so hard and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Standardized 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 common words, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable 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 learners.
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 require at least 600 hours of study. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of Chinese or proficiency in 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, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
What are my options when choosing the Chinese tutor?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, certainly! The largest selection of verified Chinese tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges as a rule run classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools 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.