{"id":1468,"date":"2014-01-14T02:01:38","date_gmt":"2014-01-14T02:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/?p=1468"},"modified":"2021-10-05T03:24:44","modified_gmt":"2021-10-05T03:24:44","slug":"learning-mandarin-online-teacher-vs-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/learning-mandarin-online-teacher-vs-school.html","title":{"rendered":"Learning Mandarin Online: Teacher Vs. School"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you learning Mandarin online? Nowadays, there is no need to explain the benefits of studying via Skype. However, \u201coffline vs. online\u201d is not the only alternative to choose from. Those who have already decided to learn Mandarin online may face the choice between independent online tutors and online schools.<\/em><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at some of the features of both options. They may be considered as either advantages or disadvantages by different people in various situations.<\/p>\n

Teachers<\/h2>\n
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  1. Price.<\/strong> There is an enormous price range for Mandarin online lessons from several to hundred dollars. Independent teachers are on the lower edge of the scale. On the whole, they offer a better value than online Mandarin schools.<\/li>\n
  2. Choice.<\/strong> On the web there are many online tutors. The choice is almost unlimited and you have an endless number of trial lessons (often free!) to find a teacher who is most suitable for your needs.<\/li>\n
  3. Flexibility.<\/strong> Independent tutors are usually more flexible about teaching methods and textbooks (in comparison with online Mandarin schools). You don\u2019t need to pass tests and be adjusted to a particular level (this sometimes happens when you enroll to an online Mandarin school).<\/li>\n
  4. Time.<\/strong> Teachers are just ordinary people who live their lives. They need a proper rest and sleep, so the number of available timeslots is always limited. Therefore, the time zone your teacher lives in is a very important criterion of choice.<\/li>\n
  5. Scheduling\/Cancellation of Lessons.<\/strong> There exist a number of websites for learning Mandarin online where you can not only find a teacher but also schedule classes using an online calendar and other convenient tools (such as BuddySchool, iTalki or VerbalPlanet).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    iTalki<\/a> is probably the most well-known resource of this kind. This mighty \u201cKingdom of Language Learning\u201d even has its own currency. The database of teachers is really big and prices are usually reasonable. The greatest advantage is that iTalki is a social network where students can share their experiences and opinions in a very convenient way.
    \n    VerbalPlanet<\/a> is a very well organized website for learning Mandarin online with intuitive interface and good functionality. The people behind it ask all new candidates who would like to register as tutors to provide their certificates and diplomas as well as a brief letter about their previous work. This gives you confidence that the teachers on VerbalPlanet are properly educated and experienced. The disadvantage is that their services are relatively expensive and you have to pay a commission for booking classes.
    \n\"Learning
    \n    BuddySchool<\/a> lets you browse tutors\u2019 profiles and schedule lessons without paying commission. Some people may find that the functionality and design is not as good as the VerbalPlanet\u2019s but for me, the most important thing is that everybody can suggest his\/her services as of a teacher on this website. BuddySchool doesn\u2019t pre-moderate teachers\u2019 applications and that means you must check teachers\u2019 qualification on your own (credit ruelas<\/a>). There are quite many out-of-usage teachers\u2019 profiles but you can really find \u201chidden gems\u201d among this diversity of language professionals.<\/p>\n

    Tips for scheduling classes via these 2 and any other similar websites:<\/strong><\/p>\n