If you'd like help learning Chinese, Varsity Tutors offers live online Boulder Chinese courses where you can work with an expert instructor and peers who are at approximately the same level of Chinese language acquisition as you. New courses start each month, so you are never too far from beginning your class once you enroll.
Chinese is considered one of the most difficult languages for English speakers to learn because it's entirely different from English. Learning to write Chinese characters is a lifelong pursuit for even Chinese scholars. It's worth learning since Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world. With the continually "shrinking" globe, learning Chinese can provide advantages in your academic, career, and social lives. You can also gain deeper exposure to Eastern philosophical thought than is possible without knowing the original language.
What kind of information does a Boulder Chinese class cover?
If you're just starting your journey to understand the language, you may start by learning about the four Mandarin Chinese tones: flat, rising, falling then rising, and falling. Words that are pronounced exactly the same can mean very different things. For example, if you want to talk about a system being in harmony, you could accidentally discuss a system being in river crab. Being introduced to and practicing the different tones is likely to be a continuing theme throughout your Chinese course.
Because it can take years to learn enough Chinese characters to be considered even marginally fluent, a written system called Pinyin has been developed. Pinyin uses Western letters to represent Chinese words phonetically so you can write Chinese before you've learned enough characters to express full thoughts.
Each Chinese word has only one grammatical form, which can be confusing. On the other hand, you don't have to learn verb conjugation and tenses. You might come to appreciate that if you've tried to learn another new language with charts and charts of verb forms. Chinese speakers understanding their meaning based on context.
Because using a language is the best way to learn it, your course may begin with introductory words and phrases that can get you into simple greeting conversations as early as your first day. When you learn the top 100 words of a language, you can communicate at a decent level, so that may be one of your instructor's goals for you and your classmates.
Using proper pronunciation is always considered respectful, but as mentioned, it's essential for Chinese. This will likely be an ongoing focus of your class. All aspects of the language can be considered, as well as Chinese history, culture, and traditions.
Why is it better to learn in a Boulder Chinese course than on my own?
Language would be pointless if people didn't communicate with one another. Learning a language with help from someone more fluent than you is not only helpful, but it's the best way to practice using the language in a real-life context. When you take an online Boulder Chinese class, you have access to an expert, fluent instructor as well as a group of classmates. You can all interact with one another during the class, which gives you the chance to practice vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar in real time with real people.
Working in a collaborative classroom environment is proven to increase both learning and retention of the material learned. This is sometimes informally called the use-it-or-lose-it theory. If you've ever experienced not being able to think of a word that's "right on the tip of your tongue," it's probably one you haven't used much recently. It will probably come to you, but if you had been using it on a regular basis, it would have likely come much more quickly, or without even thinking about it.
The same is even more relevant to learning a new language because it's less likely you've heard the word randomly elsewhere, and there are fewer connections in your brain to each new Chinese word. Therefore, getting real-time practice with real-life conversation is an important part of language acquisition at any level, and your Chinese class can provide the time to practice. Additionally, you may meet other students with whom you can continue to practice conversations outside of class time.
There are many methods of memorization, which is a large part of learning a new language. You need to memorize lots of vocabulary, many grammar rules, and even idiomatic phrases and words. Then you have to memorize the spelling of these in Pinyin, and then you continually work on memorizing the characters. If you study on your own, you may only have access to one or two memorization techniques that you've learned in school. That can work out well if you're well-suited to those techniques. But that's not always the case.
If you're a visual learner who has only ever been taught memorization through rhyming or storytelling techniques, you may be having trouble. Your Boulder Chinese class instructor can introduce a spaced repetition method using digital or physical flashcards with a Chinese word and an image instead of an English translation. There are memorization techniques for all kinds of learners, and having a professional help you find the one or two that work best for you can make a huge difference in how quickly you memorize vocabulary, grammar, and more.
Sounds good. How can I get signed up for a Boulder Chinese course?
Whether you're interested in lessons to supplement your Chinese language class at Niwot High School, the University of Colorado - Boulder, an employer-provided language program, or your own personal study, it's easy to get enrolled. Simply contact the educational consultants at Varsity Tutors, provide some information they'll ask you about regarding your schedule, current level of fluency, and goals. With this information, they can get you enrolled in a Boulder Chinese course that starts within a month and meets your unique set of needs. We look forward to helping you as you work towards Chinese language fluency that can open a whole new world of possibilities for you.

Luo: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...self-motivated process for the students and help them enjoy every fresh learning in front of them to reach their full potentials. Every kid has his own ability to learn and solve the problems, so we need to give them all the possible chances to help them progress. How to engage them to a project and have their attentions on it is what the teachers need to think about, but not just teaching and passing the...
Education & Certification
- Xi'an University of Finance and Economics - Bachelors, Trade and Economics
- Xi'an Jiaotong University - Masters, International Trade
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- Conversational Mandarin
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- +8 subjects

Emilie: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...favorite Taylor Swift songs and watching Justin Bieber on Oprah. I don't believe education should be dull or limited to pencil and paper, and I work hard with my students to find the best way to optimize learning. I am an avid long distance runner and podcast listener. I'm nuts about traveling and hiking and have lived in San Francisco and Alaska within the last year. But mostly, I love learning. Until graduating I had...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota - Bachelor in Arts, Asian Languages and Literature
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Reading
- Math
- Elementary Math
- +12 subjects

Congying: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
I have experience as a full time Chinese Immersion Teacher and have taught Chinese for many years. I enjoy working with beginning learners and continuing learners in Chinese. I've taught various age level students: adults, young children, and all the way up to college students. I am a native Chinese speaker. I grew up in China and speak standard Chinese. I am also a second language learner; therefore, I understand the challenges one face when...
Education & Certification
- Wayne State College - Bachelors, Human Services
- Wayne State College - Masters, Counseling
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Conversational Mandarin
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- Languages
- +3 subjects

Brian: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...progressing to the student showing me what to do. I regularly assess the student to see how they are doing in their learning and make adjustments accordingly. I have taken countless students who previously could not pass or learn math into a path of not only learning math, but loving to learn it and doing well in their next course! I know I could help any student succeed in their math class! I am currently...
Education & Certification
- Fort Lewis College - Bachelors, Chemistry
- Colorado School of Mines - Masters, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
- ISEE- Lower Level
- GRE Subject Tests
- +47 subjects

Yuli: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
Throughout college and my two years as a math teacher, I found that there isn't one best teaching method. Instead, each student is unique and this reflects in their learning style. A good teacher will be able to change strategies to accommodate for differences in learning styles. I hope to be the best teacher that I can be by listening to my students and adjust my style of teaching to fit the student's needs.... I believe in teaching that is catered towards the individual. Tutoring on a one-to-one level allows the teacher to incorporate strategies that are best suited to the student's learning style.
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, Biochemistry
- University of Colorado Denver - Master in Public Health, Public Health
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Languages
- Molecular Biology
- Algebra
- +28 subjects

Maria: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...and I studied Mandarin after high school in China for five months. As an undergraduate student, I study German and continue to study French and Spanish interpretation. When I teach, I emphasize confidence and clear, attainable goals. I give students a glimpse into future places they may one day discover through cultural videos and music suggestions. During lessons, my teaching style is supportive while also focusing on making sure you can communicate well and push...
Education & Certification
- Knox College - Bachelor in Arts, Foreign Languages and Literatures, General
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- SAT Subject Test in French with Listening
- Conversational French
- Languages
- +14 subjects

Jackson: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...and experiential settings has given me a diverse toolbox of teaching strategies that allows me to tailor my approach to each student's individual learning style. The subjects in which I can tutor include Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, English literature and composition, elementary and middle school math, English for non-native speakers, and test prep for SAT and ACT. Learning is one of the greatest joys in life. It opens up new perspectives and new opportunities. In a...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Algebra
- Intermediate Spanish for Adults
- Beginner Spanish for Adults
- +41 subjects

Justyna: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...addition, I speak Japanese at an intermediate level. I have eight years of experience working, teaching, and training at educational organizations in China. I'm passionate about teaching and would like to share my knowledge and experiences with my students. I can make a complete study plan for students as well as tailor my classes to their individual needs. I can teach all ages and levels. In the beginner's level, I focus on teaching pinyin (romanization...
Education & Certification
- Warsaw University - Master of Arts, Chinese Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Languages
- Conversational Mandarin

Jiwu: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...in Math, History, and most other high school subjects. I have tutored a wide range of subjects including Economics, Chinese, and several different grade levels of Math and SAT prep. Math has always been my favorite subject to tutor because finding the right answer is always possible and with a patient teacher any student can master the subject. I wholeheartedly believe that with the right teacher any student can excel and will always work to...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelor in Arts, Economics, Intl Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Algebra 2
- Arithmetic
- SAT Math
- +28 subjects

Elizabeth: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...I love working with others to help them thrive! I also am an ESL teacher and work with young students in China who are learning English. My absolute favorite subject to help with is organic chemistry because of the visual and conceptual skills that it empowers students with. I enjoy working with a wide array of students and building up their confidence. I also enjoy tutoring Mandarin, which I learned to speak through academic coursework...
Education & Certification
- Lewis-Clark State College - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT Math
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- +21 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of California-Santa Barbara - Bachelor of Science, Zoology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Algebra
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- Business
- +19 subjects

Bri: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...not limited to) Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, and Calculus AB and BC. In my personal experience helping students prepare for math quizzes, exams, and completing homework, we always seem to have the most fun (with great improvement) working on word problems. I know they can seem quite daunting at first, but they are easy (and fun) to master! I believe that education is extremely important, but I most value one's drive to learn and...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Bachelor in Arts, Astrophysics
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Spanish
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Reading
- +44 subjects

Zhengli: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...learning. I think everyone has his/her own way of studying, and you just have not find it yet. More likely, many times you problems with your classes will be not knowing the right way to solve them. Teachers often tell you the knowledge, but you need also to learn the right way of using them. In my own time, I like to watch TV series. One of my favorite show CSI just closed. I also...
Education & Certification
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology - Bachelors, Electrical and Electronic Automation
- University of Colorado Denver - Masters, International Business & MBA
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Middle School Math
- GMAT Quantitative
- Graduate Test Prep
- +24 subjects

Ross: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
I graduated from the University of Rochester, Summa Cum Laude, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation I taught in Beijing, China during which time I taught STEM and foreign languages. I have also worked as an engineer, both domestically and abroad, and provided on-site translation for meetings and construction projects. I am passionate about languages, the sciences, and math and hope to share my excitement with students.
Education & Certification
- University of Rochester - Bachelor of Science, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- +17 subjects

Brandon: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...the right help. I'm currently working on a Bachelors in Economics at University of Colorado Denver, so economics is one of my strong points. I also really enjoy teaching language and English grammar and structure, as it is incredibly interesting to see how language connects people and brings a greater understanding to the world. I'm patient and recognize the best ways that different people learn different things, and am able to use a multitude of...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Denver - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- High School Business
- TOEFL
- English
- +32 subjects

YanGe: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...are based on careful research and analysis, and the results speak 13. I consistently increase brand awareness and growth, raise profits. 14. I can help my clients successfully expand into new markets. 15. I ensure that my clients receive the extraordinary representation. 16. I ensure that my clients receive they expect and deserve. 17. PPT /WORD /EXECLE..... MS office Photoshop 18. Creative Strategy 19. Creative Writing 20. Brand Development 21. Branding & Identity 22. Brand...
Education & Certification
- Community University of China - Bachelor of Engineering, Business Communications
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- +3 subjects

Hongyan: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...opportunities and volunteer projects from 2012 to now. I taught Chinese culture, Chinese conversation, business Chinese, to name just a few. 2. Proficient at both Chinese and English, I am able to perform Chinese Taught in Chinese as well as Chinese Taught in English classes. I got a Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Hebei University of Economics and Business, China, in 2016. During my school years, I was selected as a translator/interpreter...
Education & Certification
- Hebei University of Economics and Business - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Languages
- College English
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- +10 subjects

Mark: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...and I encourage my students always voice their opinion. I utilize music, and movies to help students have fun while they are learning, as this is my favorite way to learn a new language too! My favorite languages to teach are Spanish, ESL, and Chinese and conversation is what I love most with any language, so this is my strongest area of teaching as well. I also love yoga, organic gardening, and exploring nature. I...
Education & Certification
- University of South Carolina-Columbia - Bachelor of Science, Finance
- University of South Carolina-Columbia - Masters in Business Administration, Operations Management
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Spanish 1
- Elementary School Math
- +13 subjects

Min: Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...believe that education offers the opportunity to fully participate in creating and affirming shared global values. For my students, I usually teach children with computers, flashcards and by playing games with them. The average lesson consists of a warm up, the main lesson, two or three games, and review. I finish my classes by singing a song. I know many games and, whenever possible, I try to match them to specific lessons. Although pre-school children...
Education & Certification
- Guangdong University of Foreign Studies - Bachelor of Engineering, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Tian Jin Nan Kai University China - Certificate, Chinese Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Cantonese
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- +7 subjects

Yuan : Boulder Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...allows students to explore and understand meaning of words and sentences, and express themselves by using different approaches. I also believe that differentiation and meeting varied learning styles are key to effective teaching and learning. I would like to work online tutoring at beginning when I have so many new challenges to face. I really look forward to working in a job that is so important, being privileged to be such a vital part of...
Education & Certification
- Yunnan University - Bachelors, Business Law
- University of London - Masters, Law
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- +4 subjects