In the era of self-published webnovels and TikToks that teach you 10 different ways to say \u201cHello,\u201d learning a language has become more accessible than ever before. The number of resources for the Chinese language in particular has exploded over the past few years, many of them accessible for free. However, self-study isn\u2019t always all it\u2019s cracked up to be. Creating your own curriculum can prove challenging, you have no one to ask questions to, and it\u2019s hard to receive feedback when you\u2019re on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But! You don\u2019t have to do this all alone. There are also a variety of different classes and tutoring services at your disposal. We at DigMandarin have developed this brief guide to provide an overview of your options, rating them based on accessibility, flexibility, cost, quality of curriculum, and quality of learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re just setting off on your Chinese journey, coming back to your studies after a break, or simply looking to make a change, this guide is for you. Selecting the right kind of Chinese class will not only help you make progress more quickly, but it will also help you stick to a structured routine. If you\u2019re in a learning environment that makes you feel more engaged, then studying will also feel like less of a chore. Are you feeling ready to take the next step? Let\u2019s get into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Named after the famous ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, this organization was established by the Chinese government to promote the Chinese language and culture overseas. You can expect their teachers to be extremely qualified, true experts in Chinese second language education. Its branches are usually connected to a university, meaning its courses are generally accessible for those living in major cities or university towns. Tuition costs can vary from location to location, but you can expect their offerings to be less expensive than credited university courses. Some of their classes can even be free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, because all branches are a part of the same organization, the curriculum and teaching style are rather uniform. The Confucius Institute is well known for its courses geared towards preparation for the HSK (\u6c49\u8bed\u6c34\u5e73\u8003\u8bd5)<\/a>, the official Chinese language proficiency exam, and the BCT (Business Chinese Test)<\/a>. If you have professional or academic aspirations, then these courses can help you make major strides towards your goals. However, their curriculum extends far beyond that and includes courses in cultural arts such as calligraphy, painting, and Tai Chi. They offer many different enrichment opportunities spanning from on-campus activities to group outings and even overseas trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Confucius institute is an excellent option for students who benefit from a well-structured approach. The traditional classroom setting can be pretty hit or miss. Some people find that it helps them remain focused, while others find it bores them. The established course content is very comprehensive, at the cost of flexibility. Even though the Confucius Institute offers classes for all levels, the standardized curriculum focuses on general fluency and may not help you learn about niche topics that interest you. There\u2019s also a lack of schedule flexibility. The classes that you want to attend may not be held at a time that\u2019s convenient for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, the Confucius Institute is best suited to students who are interested in following a standard curriculum, live near a university, and enjoy a traditional classroom setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can explore the list of Confucius Institutes<\/a> worldwide to find one that is near your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an alternative to universities, local Chinese schools may offer a similar quality of curriculum at a lower price point and in a more immersive learning environment. These schools are generally established by diaspora communities to provide cultural and linguistic education. Naturally, you\u2019re more likely to find these schools in your area if you\u2019re located in a region with a higher population of Chinese people, such as a major city or certain suburbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of these schools provide daily classes for children and offer classes for adults on a less frequent basis. So again, the schedule may or may not work for you. The true benefit of local schools is the level of immersion that they provide. Each school is its own community, and you\u2019re going to connect with a lot of native speakers and other students to practice with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In comparison with the Confucius Institute, you can expect a very standard curriculum that will focus more on general education than test preparation. The quality of the teaching methods may vary from school to school, but local Chinese schools also tend to hire teachers with strong qualifications and experience in teaching Chinese as a second language. If you have multiple Chinese schools in your area, you may have to visit more than one to find the right fit for you. To gain insights into the quality and reputation of schools in your area, consider checking review platforms such as Trustpilot<\/a>, which feature reviews and ratings from past and current students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also expect the cost to vary. In some regions, local Chinese schools may be less expensive than coursed with the Confucius Institute, while in other regions the opposite may be true. It’s generally worthwhile to compare your own school\u2019s prices to those of the Confucius Institute to find the most cost-effective option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, local Chinese schools are best suited to students who are looking to connect with a community, have a flexible schedule, and may have a relatively limited budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many reasons why you may decide to go with private tutoring instead of a group class setting. You may not have access to any local schools or Confucius Institute branches. Perhaps you find that the traditional classroom setting doesn\u2019t click with you. Or maybe your goals fall outside of a standard curriculum. Naturally, this option costs quite a bit more than group classes, but the benefits may well outweigh the costs for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, let\u2019s discuss the kinds of private tutors that may be available to you. They generally fall into two categories: teachers with training in Chinese second language education and native speakers who are offering their insight. Obviously, the level of professionalism and lesson curriculum have a high variability, which is why it\u2019s essential to find a tutor who can meet your specific learning needs. Beyond that, you\u2019ll find that those who have more teaching credentials will charge quite a bit more than those who are just starting out, so you should consider what kind of learning experience you\u2019re looking for: do you want a fully fleshed out Chinese course, or are you just looking for conversation practice to complement your independent studies?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, private tutors can offer the most specialized curriculum. When you\u2019re in a one-on-one context, your tutor can prepare lessons that will both provide you with the foundation you need but also focus on topics and skills that are most relevant to you. You\u2019ll also find that a private tutor will give you more specific feedback, so your fluency will increase at a much faster rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why go to the trouble of finding someone local? Well, a local tutor can provide in-person sessions either at your home or in public, which can be more engaging and help you form a stronger personal connection. But beware, it\u2019s important to choose a location where you can remain focused during your lessons. If you have kids running around your house or get distracted by the hustle and bustle of a caf\u00e9, it may be time to move somewhere else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given the fact that the quantity and quality of local tutors available change drastically from place to place, it\u2019s important to do your due diligence. Many teachers who have their own websites will post testimonials from previous students, and some online platforms will rank tutors based on their credentials and reviews. If you\u2019re meeting someone from a less regulated platform like Craigslist, for example, be sure to always meet the person in public before going somewhere private. Safety first!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, local private tutors are most suited to students who are looking for a flexible curriculum and schedule and who have a little more budget to dedicate to their Chinese studies. If this sounds like you, but there aren\u2019t any suitable tutors available in your specific area, stay tuned for the next section. We\u2019ve got you covered!<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the kinds of classes available can change depending on if you live in New York City or rural England, rest assured that you can still get the same kind of structure and support from purely online options. Being connected to the internet means being connected to the largest worldwide network of Chinese teachers, courses, and other learning resources. Online classes offer the highest level of flexibility, so they\u2019re an excellent option for busy students, full-time workers, or parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, let\u2019s talk about private online tutors. There are a variety of services online that can connect you with qualified tutors around the world. iTalki<\/a> and Preply<\/a> are two such options that allow you to search through a catalogue of registered teachers to find one who suits your needs, including budget, schedule, learning goals, and preferred teaching style. However, it can take a long time and a lot of effort to figure out if someone is the right fit based on their online profile. If you\u2019re willing to put in the work, these can be the most flexible and cost-effective options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise, there are exclusively Chinese-focused options like Touch Chinese<\/a>, which can match you with tutors that they have personally vetted for quality of curriculum and teaching style. These services may cost a little more, but the quality of their lessons is guaranteed. You can have confidence that you\u2019ll be working with an experienced teacher who knows how to help you achieve your goals. Because there is a smaller number of tutors available, the schedule may be somewhat limited compared to the vast catalogue available on freelance websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLocal Chinese Schools: The Most Immersive Learning Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Local Private Chinese Tutors: The Highest Amount of Individual Attention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Online Chinese Tutors and Classes: The Most Flexible Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Online classes with private tutor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One-on-one Chinese classes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n