Whether it’s for business, personal travel or just to understand more of the world around you, learning Chinese is an incredible skill. It’s one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and can open many doors on a local, national and international level. But if committing to a full-time language course at a university isn’t feasible for you, online chinese language class are a great alternative. They offer a flexible schedule and can be just as effective as traditional classroom-settings.
If you’re looking for a free, comprehensive course to learn Mandarin, check out the free Chinese lessons from Duolingo. This popular app teaches conversational Chinese using a gamified approach. It also offers a paid subscription that removes adds and has extra features for $30 a month.
Another option is the free online Chinese classes from FSI (Foreign Service Institute). They’re very comprehensive and come with free downloadable lesson + audio. However, they’re a bit dated since they were originally created for diplomats in the US government back in the 70s and 80s.
For more structured learning, there are a number of reputable universities that offer free or low-cost online courses for beginners to advanced speakers of Chinese. Oregon State University has a series of Chinese language courses available through its Ecampus system. The first is designed for students with no prior experience, the second is for those who have taken a first-year college Chinese course or the equivalent. Students who wish to take these courses are required to fill out a questionnaire and participate in an interview to determine their Chinese level.
Then there are the Coursera Chinese courses from prestigious universities in Asia. These free courses focus on introductory concepts such as characters, pronunciation and basic vocabulary. They also teach students the four Chinese tones and provide useful cultural context. Students who complete these courses are able to participate in conversations with native speakers. Get to know more on ripetizione cinese!
Finally, there are a number of private companies that offer live online Chinese classes. These are often more expensive than self-learning courses but include the benefits of having a live teacher with you to practice speaking and listening skills. GoEast Mandarin, for example, offers a combination of self-learning materials and interactive live 1-on-1 or group lessons.
No matter which online Chinese class you choose, be sure to find a time that works for your busy schedule and stick with it. The more dedicated you are to your learning, the faster you will progress and start speaking Chinese. And who knows, maybe someday you’ll be able to talk to your friends and colleagues in their native tongue! Happy learning!