Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Berkeley, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have four principal options for learning Chinese interactively in Berkeley, CA. 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 option can be local specialized language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Berkeley, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Berkeley, CA and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Chinese and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Chinese tutors?
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 cost of about 50 class hours each semester. Language academies and private Chinese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and popularity. Real student rating average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.96 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 commitment and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 learners.
🤷 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 active use. The length of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try other 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 coach?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually 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.