Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Cairns and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have four main opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Cairns. 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 second spource can be local commercial language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can opt for a private Chinese tutor in Cairns. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Cairns and online Chinese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Chinese and how much should Chinese tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can 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 rate for 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language academies and individual Chinese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Chinese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
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 everyday sentences, express yourself, shop and place orders 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Chinese?
Some people just 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 actual range of time can differ quite a bit 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 advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, try typing using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more 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 choose my own Chinese teacher?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with detailed profiles and real student 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 offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.