Tips to Learn Chinese on Skype

If you want to learn Chinese the best way is undoubtedly through immersion! But if that is not an option for you, you can also learn Chinese on Skype.

If you already know that Chinese lessons via Skype are for you, skip to the good part! Learn more about our Chinese classes and courses via Skype or sign up for a course today!

Suggestions to Make the Most of Your Lessons

These three suggestions for learning Chinese on Skype can be used separately, or you can mix and match!

1) Go with a school

Schools often have more experience in online Chinese lessons. If you want to learn Chinese on Skype, chances are an established school has done it before. A school is also more likely to institute requirements for their teachers and therefore ensure a higher quality of teaching. This is not always the case though, so make sure you investigate thoroughly!You should also find out what the school’s rules are on trial lessons and booking.

Coincidentally, we are a Chinese school! Get more info on our Chinese classes or sign up today!

2) Find an independent teacher

If you do go with an independent teacher, choose an experienced teacher who has taught online Chinese lessons before. Before signing up, see if the teacher offers a trial lesson and get to know his or her booking policy.

3) Get a Language Partner

We do not recommend this if you are a Chinese language beginner. However, if you have progressed beyond the basics, a language partner is a great way to practice your Chinese skills!

A word of caution: if you arrange to be language partners with a stranger, do not give out any personal information! If the user says or does anything inappropriate, you should block and report them.

Looking for other ways to learn Chinese? Check out our recommendations on the Best Ways to Learn Chinese!

Learning Chinese on Skype: Things to Keep in Mind

1) Have a good internet connection

Nobody likes spotty internet. Most people like it even less when bad internet stops them from learning Chinese on Skype! Save yourself the headache and frustration—before class starts, make sure you are in a place with stable and fast internet.

2) You get what you pay for (usually)

Unless a school or teacher is running a special, be wary of ridiculously cheap prices. If you are learning Chinese on Skype, you want to make sure you get a good quality lesson. At the same time, more expensive does not always equal better quality teaching.

To give a general range, on average online Chinese classes with a school cost between $20-30USD per hour.  Independent teachers may charge less. Do your research before you book!

3) Zoom may work better.

Skype is an old player in the video-call game and can often pose problems for its users. (Needing to update every time you open it, anyone?) Additionally, the audio and visual quality of Skype many not always be very clear.

It may be worth it for you to investigate Chinese lessons on Zoom instead.

General Tips to Learn Chinese on Skype

1) Set a goal

Having a goal to work towards is an excellent motivator when you are learning a new language! Do you want to pass the HSK exam? Do you want to flirt with that cutie in the coffee shop? Share your goal with your teacher—he or she can help you reach it!

2) Use Skype in Chinese

Learn some new vocabulary just through passive learning. Switching to Skype in Chinese won’t make you fluent, but it can be effective—before you know it, you’ll know how to say “chat”, “call”, and more, just from opening the app!

3) Know your level

Before you start to learn Chinese on Skype (or anywhere for that matter), find out what your level is. If a school offers a free in-house level evaluation, you should definitely take it before jumping into classes. The school’s study advisor can also assist you in finding the best course to fit your schedule and goals.

Conclusion

Deciding to study Chinese via Skype is a great choice! If you are dedicated to your studies and make sure to put in the extra time outside of your study sessions, you will undoubtedly notice your Chinese improving!

Now that you know a little more about using Skype to study Chinese, learn more about our Chinese classes and courses via Skype or sign up for a course today!

About the Author

Eden has been learning Chinese since 2008. She fell in love with the language, food, and culture and never looked back! Eden lived in China for six years, including in Harbin, Beijing, and Dali.