Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Chinese in Asheville, NC and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have 4 key opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Asheville, NC. 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 cheaper.) Your other option can be local for-profit language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Asheville, NC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Asheville, NC and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language centers and independent 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 LearnZone averaging 14 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and specialization. Customer review average for Chinese lessons on LearnZone 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 pass a few pre-requisites. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, 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 expertise they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese so difficult 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. Realistically, 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, express yourself, 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 acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like LearnZone have Chinese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 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 demand at least 600 hours of active use. The required duration of time can differ significantly depending on your already acquired 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 TV, try typing using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Chinese out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Chinese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Chinese instructor?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of tested Chinese tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like LearnZone.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually 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, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.