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.

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
- Microsoft Office
- Productivity
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +23 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
- Elementary School Writing
- College Level American Literature
- Writing
- +20 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
- Spanish
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- +12 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
- Conversational Mandarin
- Pre-Calculus
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- +13 subjects

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
- Languages
- ESL/ELL
- +4 subjects

Yu Jin : Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...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 my spare time, I like to...
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Greek
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Languages
- +4 subjects

Cathleen: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...training at Tulane University summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. She is currently a 4th-year medical student at University at Buffalo. She has been extensively involved in neurosurgery and radiology research. Cathleen's passion for mentorship has culminated in a diverse set of experiences ranging from intensive one-on-one sessions with prospective professional students to leading large group events designed to level the playing field in test-taking, research, and the admissions process.
Education & Certification
- Tulane University - Bachelor, Neuroscience
- State University of New York at Buffalo - Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc), Medicine
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Other
- USMLE Step 1
- A Level Chinese
- +11 subjects

Gabrielle: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...all ages, gaining significant experience in tutoring a wide variety of subjects. From ESL to public speaking, I have had the chance to help students make remarkable advancements in both 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...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Language & Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- PSAT Writing Skills
- SAT Reading
- Essay Editing
- +29 subjects

Ziyue: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...academia. I had been tutoring Chinese, writing and math for two years, and I am continuing to teach Mandarin and Cantonese on college campus. I was born in Guangdong, China, 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...
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Current Undergrad, Biology and Art
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Cantonese
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT
- +13 subjects

Allison: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...Science and Digital Arts with several years of tutoring/mentoring experience. I have achieved scores in the 99th percentile for both the ACT and SAT prior to college. While in high school (St. Paul Academy graduate), I spent my time volunteering at the homeless shelter, helping out with their daycare and tutoring children. Nowadays, I spend most of my tutor hours helping students with the ACT, editing college essays, or imparting some admission-worthy wisdom. Curriculum- A...
Education & Certification
- Dartmouth College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- ACT Science
- Technology and Coding
- ACT English
- +13 subjects

Miaowen: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...Chinese at home. I love teaching and understand that learning a new language can be very challenging. As a Chinese teacher, I believe that my job is to help you to pick up the language in a conversational context. Then, I help you to remember those expressions and words by doing all kinds of fun memory activities. I am a very easygoing person, and I believe all my students agreed with that. I like biking,...
Education & Certification
- Fu Jen Catholic University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- OHIO University - Master of Fine Arts, Art History
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Conversational Mandarin
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- Languages
- +3 subjects

Caroline: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...school students. I have also been an undergraduate student instructor for the General Biology lab course offered at U.C. Berkeley, a 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...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Math
- PSAT Critical Reading
- +42 subjects

May: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...students and building connections with them on a personal level. I prefer to teach students the learning method and thinking process, rather than just the answer. I am good at guiding students and letting them come up with the answer by themselves. In college, I am a TA for a Calculus 1 class, helping students understand difficult concepts and prepare for tests. Last summer, I traveled back to China and tutored math for standardized testing...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science & Biology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Pre-Calculus
- College Algebra
- Middle School Math
- +29 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
- AP Biology
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +25 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
- High School Biology
- Pre-Calculus
- Graduate Test Prep
- +38 subjects

Zac: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
I am a recent graduate from an international relations masters program. I am especially qualified to teach students in the social sciences. ... My teaching philosophy is to encourage questions and open discussion. I feel that active learning, where students are making the connections themselves is the most beneficial to them. Having a friendly and relaxed space for learning is important to me as well.... Get to know the student. Figure out what they want to get out of the tutoring session and devise a plan to help the student meet their goals.
Education & Certification
- St Johns University - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
- Tufts University - Masters, Security Studies and Pacific Asia
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- College Level American History
- College World History
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- +42 subjects

Kelly: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
I am a recent graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington, where I majored in Political Science and Mandarin Chinese. This past year I studied abroad and worked in China with the Chinese Flagship Program. I love studying history, languages, literature, and writing, and when I'm not helping students as a tutor, you can find me swing dancing, listening to jazz music, experimenting with vegan baking, and walking my dog. ... Learn by doing.
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelors, Political Science, Mandarin Chinese
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Essay Editing
- College English
- Conversational Mandarin
- +32 subjects

Christina: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
I am a current MBA student at the Yale School of Management who will also be attending UCLA School of Law post-MBA. I've also enjoyed taking standardized tests and "cracking" their code; so I love getting to continue to work on this with my students.
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Yale School of Management - Masters in Business Administration, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- ISEE- Middle Level
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- Other
- +58 subjects

June: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...in neuroscience, linguistics, and robotics, among other things. I've always loved learning, and my curiosity has led me through numerous subject areas. I constantly seek to apply my classroom learning 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...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelors, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Foreign Language
- Latin
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +76 subjects

Andrew: Buffalo Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
Hi, I'm the philosopher they call Andrew! You are most very definitely welcome to come to me with any school questions, but be warned: there's a good chance we'll soon be figuring out the meaning of life...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Spanish
- Greek
- Statistics Graduate Level
- +100 subjects