Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Chinese in Princeton, NJ and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four main options for learning Chinese interactively in Princeton, NJ. 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 spource can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Princeton, NJ. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Princeton, NJ 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 as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language centers and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Chinese tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, positive reviews and student demand. Average reviews for Chinese lessons on Preply is 4.96 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, so research those in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult 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. As proven by others before, 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 most words, have simple conversations, socialize in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to master 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 active use. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of Chinese or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Chinese instructor?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges structure classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.