Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Chinese in Corvallis, OR and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have several principal choices for learning Chinese interactively in Corvallis, OR. 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 a little more affordable.) Your other option can be local specialized language academies that cost 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 choose a private Chinese tutor in Corvallis, OR. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Corvallis, OR 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 by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language academies and independent Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced Chinese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and student demand. Real student rating average for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.96 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. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and testing, so research the details in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, have simple conversations, get proficient in daily routines 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 attaining 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 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 take at least 600 hours of study. The length of time can differ a lot depending on your current level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write 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 not easy you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right Chinese instructor?
In language learning academies, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.