Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Chinese in Ottawa and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have 4 key opportunities for learning Chinese interactively in Ottawa. 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 less pricey.) Your second possibility can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can choose a private Chinese tutor in Ottawa. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Ottawa 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 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language schools 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 prices on Preply averaging 13 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews 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 pass a few pre-requisites. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and exams, so research the details in advance. With personal Chinese tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Chinese not easy and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
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 many sentences, be understood when you talk, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Chinese. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Chinese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 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 practice. The required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Chinese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try more 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 teacher?
In language learning academies, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Chinese tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically have 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.