If you're learning Chinese at Canisius High School, the University at Buffalo, on your own, or through some other type of program, you could benefit from Buffalo Chinese lessons provided by Varsity Tutors. You could take a live online course, work with a private instructor, or combine the two options to create a perfectly customized Chinese language study plan.
Chinese may be one of the hardest languages to learn, being so different from English, but it's spoken more than any other language in the world. With the continuing globalization of business and social milieus, knowing the most common language could provide a number of advantages. Financially, business and trade options can increase exponentially when you can speak Chinese. Culturally, you can delve deeper into Eastern philosophies than you could in not-always-well translated versions of important ancient writings.
Are the subjects covered in Buffalo Chinese lessons different than those for other languages?
There isn't a simple answer to this question. When you learn Chinese, just like any other language, you have to memorize vocabulary, learn sentence structure, practice pronunciation, and become familiar with the language's grammar.
On the other hand, Chinese also requires you to learn to speak with the different tones. Mandarin, the most common dialect, has four tones, and other dialects have up to nine tones. Mandarin has the flat, rising, falling then rising, and falling tones, as an example. Getting these wrong could lead to some humorous situations when you're first learning Chinese. For example, the same word with different tones means panda bear and chest hair. These kinds of mistakes may be less amusing years from now in the boardroom. While learning correct pronunciation of some languages shows respect, learning pronunciation in Chinese is required in order to say what you mean and be understood.
One thing you might like to hear that's different about learning Chinese is that each word has only one grammatical form. Practically, this means no verb conjugation or verb tense charts. There are also no articles or plurals to learn. Chinese speakers understand what's being said based on context. Once you understand this at a deep level, Chinese may become much easier to learn and use. It also explains why native Chinese speakers have a hard time learning English.
Should I enroll in a Chinese course or sign up for individual instruction?
There are a few things to consider when deciding when to take live online Chinese lessons or work with a private Chinese tutor. The first question you may want to ask yourself is, which one would you prefer. Your instincts are often reliable ways to make choices.
If you're not sure, consider these questions. Does learning in a collaborative environment with an expert instructor and many other students at your approximate level sound exciting and energizing to you? Are you looking for generalized language acquisition without a number of specific needs that aren't shared by a large group of students? Do you learn at an average pace, neither much quicker or slower than most others? If the answer to these is mostly yes, you might consider enrolling in a Chinese course provided by Varsity Tutors.
On the other hand, do you learn at an accelerated pace, or sometimes need to take more time to work out things in your head? Does a bunch of students all talking about and in Chinese make you feel a bit nervous? Do you appreciate being able to work with a trusted individual who has your specific needs in mind at all times? Are you learning Chinese for a specialized purpose or industry, like botanical work, architecture, or oceanic conservation efforts? If any or all of these answers are yes, you should probably sign up to study with a Buffalo Chinese tutor.
Couldn't I just study Chinese on my own?
If you think about it, the only reason there is such a thing as language is so that people can communicate ideas and information with one another. Yes, you can use language to read when you're alone, but even that involves communication with the author who wrote those words for you. Immersive learning is the best way for you to pick up a language quickly, and courses provide you with plenty of opportunities to hear and speak Chinese.
You gain a number of benefits whether you choose to take Buffalo Chinese lessons in an online classroom setting or with an online tutor. The collaboration possible by interacting with your instructor and classmates in an online course has been demonstrated as increasing students' levels of learning and retention of information learned. If your memorization technique isn't working for you, there are plenty of people to ask, including your expert Chinese instructor, for suggestions as to other types of techniques to use. If you've been taught the loci method and it only confuses you, you might enjoy spaced-repetition flashcards, digital or analogue. There are so many more potentially positive experiences to be had studying in a class rather than on your own.
It's also in your best interest to choose to study with a one-on-one Buffalo Chinese tutor as opposed to studying on your own. They can focus on you the entire time, allowing you to potentially learn at an increased speed. You can work on precise pronunciation, and take extra time on any concept you need. Plus, as you reach higher and higher degrees of fluency, you have a built-in Chinese conversation partner.
Sounds great. How do I get started with Buffalo Chinese lessons?
Varsity Tutors wants to do all we can to enhance your hard work learning Chinese. Signing up for group or individual lessons is simple. Just call Varsity Tutors today, talk to one of our educational consultants to get your questions answered and answer a few questions about your particular circumstances. Whether you're planning to work with a Buffalo Chinese tutor or take Buffalo Chinese lessons in an online class, we can get you set up to start as soon as possible. We look forward to working with you as you work towards the future you desire.

Kyle: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...Media Study and a minor in Chinese. After graduation I went to live and work in China teaching English, where I stayed for eight years. I taught many different levels and subjects in both private charter schools to university graduate and undergraduate classes. I have a lot of teaching and tutoring experience and am fluent in Mandarin Chinese. I look forward to working with you to help you achieve you academic dreams.
Education & Certification
- University at Buffalo - Bachelor in Arts, Game and Interactive Media Design
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- English
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- +4 subjects

Yu Jin : Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...language. I am a native speaker of Mandarin Chinese and I grew up in Canada. I learned English as a second language when I was 10 years old. It was both a fun and challenging experience for me. I hope I can make your learning journey just as enjoyable as mine and help you overcome any challenges along the way. Professionally, I have several years of experience providing technology training in the Healthcare sector. In...
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Greek
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- Conversational Mandarin
- +4 subjects

Li-Wei: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
Dedicated, resourceful and passionate education professional with an accomplished and verifiable career (20+ years) promoting quality education in the capacities of College Professor, Training Specialist, Adult Education Teacher, Department Chair, Consultant and NY State Court Certified Interpreter/Translator. My favorite subjects are Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Access. (I'm a Microsoft certified specialist/trainer/examiner.) I also have Mandarin and Math teaching/tutoring experience with both adult and young learners.
Education & Certification
- Canisius College - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- A Level
- +23 subjects

Scott: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
Confucius Institute Scholar, M.A. International Trade, Granted Official Sponsorship and Full Funding by the Chinese Ministry of Education to study in Beijing, China, Translator, Teacher, Private Tutor, Multilingual athletic guy, Foodie.
Education & Certification
- University at Buffalo The State University of New York - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- University at Buffalo The State University of New York - Master of Arts, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- +12 subjects

Yuewu : Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
English graduate with experience teaching high school students. Recognized for ability to teach a culturally diverse student population, while developing individualized plans for students at different learning levels.
Education & Certification
- University at Buffalo - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- American Literature
- Conversational Mandarin
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +20 subjects

Yizhu: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
I have many years of math tutoring experience at university. I have tutored college students with Finite Math, Pre-Calculous, and Calculous 1. If you expect to get a better score and boost your letter grades, please do not hesitate to come to me. I am here to help!
Education & Certification
- Indiana University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Pre-Algebra
- Conversational Mandarin
- Middle School Math
- +13 subjects

Allison: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...or imparting some admission-worthy wisdom. Curriculum- A number of my former mentees/tutees have been accepted into preeminent undergraduate and graduate universities, including Stanford, Berkeley, Dartmouth, and more. And while I have worked with exceptionally naturally gifted students, I want to emphasize on creating a curriculum and plan that will suit your own individualized goals, whatever they may be. I take a personalized approach to tutoring, knowing that everyone learns differently and tailoring counseling to the...
Education & Certification
- Dartmouth College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- ACT Reading
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Computer Science
- +13 subjects

Gabrielle: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...confidence and competency levels. I am particularly passionate about tutoring English, Mandarin, and standardized test prep. In my experience working with students struggling to pass a class or to prepare for college entrance exams, we always have fun determining the study method that works best for them. Everybody has a different learning style and once we hone in on the right one for you, an improvement in scores will become more than apparent. Overall, I...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Language & Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- College Essays
- English
- SAT Reading
- +29 subjects

Caroline: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...prerequisite for students wishing to pursue Biology as a major. Since I have a wide range of teaching experiences in both academic subjects and test preparation, I am highly adaptable to different learning styles and cater my teaching methods to meet student needs. Apart from being flexible, I am also very accessible for additional questions or help that is needed. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, exploring my city and watching movies.
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Chemistry
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- Pre-Calculus
- +42 subjects

Ziyue: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...and I moved to the states when I was in middle school, thus allowing me to be completely fluent in all three languages. I value my culture a lot, and even until today, I still maintain the habit of reading at least one book in Chinese every 2 weeks. I love personalized tutoring, so I have a very efficient system of targeting my course plans according to each individual student. I would incorporate connections to...
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Current Undergrad, Biology and Art
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- Languages
- Cantonese
- +13 subjects

Sunny: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
I graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University. I earned a B.A. in Biology and Economics. I'm currently working as a Research Associate during my gap year before medical school. During my free time, I enjoy staying active, playing golf, swimming, running, and playing tennis. I love exploring new activities and neighborhoods in the NYC area.
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelors, Biology / Economics
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- AP Calculus AB
- SAT Math
- Middle School Math
- +38 subjects

Helen: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
Hi, my name's Helen Liu! I'm currently studying at Stanford University, majoring in either Biology or Science, Technology, and Society. I love helping others and have been a peer tutor for over four years as well as a TA for two math classes. I promise I will work hard with you to achieve your desired score. I'd love to tutor you, so please feel free to contact me! ... Working with students to know why an answer is correct is much better than mindless practice. All students have the ability to understand, but it's up to the teacher to find the method that makes sense.
Education & Certification
- Stanford University - Current Undergrad, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- SAT Verbal
- Science
- Algebra
- +25 subjects

Jessica: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
I'm a Senior at Carnegie Mellon University, majoring in Civil Engineering. I love being outdoors, playing sports, watching movies, and ballroom dancing. I believe that building a supportive and comfortable relationship between a tutor and a student is the best way to make sure that we can achieve your goals together. I can't wait to get to know you!
Education & Certification
- Carnegie Mellon University - Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- ACT English
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- Languages
- +62 subjects
Education & Certification
- Columbia College - Bachelor in Arts, Sustainability Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- ACT Science
- ACT
- +31 subjects

Asta: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...most. I love helping my students find beauty in the English language in addition to helping them achieve their college goals. I also love working with students on their college essays because that's when I feel I get to know my students the best, as we talk through dreams, aspirations, and life experiences. I view education as a skill; education is not around to help us learn specific things, but rather education teaches us how...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- College English
- Graduate Test Prep
- PSAT Writing Skills
- +80 subjects

Yimeng: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...moved to St. Petersburg, Russia, to complete a Fulbright Research Fellowship. In 2021, I will return to the University of Michigan to begin my MD/PhD training. My specialties include helping clients improve their Russian and Chinese, work on comprehensive strategies and material breakdown for the MCAT, as well as develop greater understanding of the sciences. As attentive mentorship is the cornerstone of academic progress, I endeavor to assist my students in honing their potential and...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Drawing
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- +63 subjects

Jasmine: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...Neuroscience major at Swarthmore College. My favorite subjects include Biology and Psychology. I am interested in teaching students how to develop a better grasp of their academic material, improve their learning skills, and succeed in whatever course they take. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing violin, reading, and traveling. I also have extensive community service experience and have traveled to China, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic to engage in volunteer work.
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Science
- Test Prep
- Math
- +32 subjects

June: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...in practical situations. For example, I have conducted research on dementia using electrophysiology in a mollusk model. I participate in hackathons and robotics challenges that test not only my programming ability but also my hardware skills as a tinkerer. My engineering pursuits require a strong foundation in mathematics, my interest in the life sciences calls for a myriad of memorization techniques, and my participation in the academic world at large reminds me daily of the...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- ESL/ELL
- SAT Subject Tests
- AP Physics 1
- +76 subjects

Daniel: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...explanations come easy as well. The goal that I work towards for my students is to bless them holistically, both through my academic skills and through any relationship that I am able to build with them. I believe in teaching my key patterns of thinking; teach them how to fish instead of giving them a fish, as it is said. I am best at Math and Science, and any of the high-school level subjects pertaining...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
- The University of Texas at Asutin - Master of Science, Material Science
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- General Chemistry
- SAT Subject Tests
- High School English
- +68 subjects

Jing: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
I am deeply passionate about the field of education. I look forward to tutoring and helping individuals who are dedicated to their future. I am happy to offer advice about college applications and career counseling as well. I can't wait to meet you!
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Current Undergrad, Psychology & Political Economics
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- ACT English
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +53 subjects