Chinese is one of the hardest languages for people to learn, but with the help of a Chicago Chinese class offered by Varsity Tutors, you can be well on your way to understanding the language. There are so many different and unique qualities to the Chinese language, such as the roughly 20,000 characters used to write it. Because the language is so tough to grasp, a student from Marist High School or Wheaton College may find the online course a helpful tool to aid in their understanding of Chinese. You don't even have to be a student; many adult learners join our courses to learn at any stage in their lives. The online class environment serves as an excellent venue to regularly practice your Chinese vocabulary, speech, and character writing. Classes are available during various times that fit into your schedule and have monthly start dates.
Chinese is a complex language that actually exists as several dialects, including Mandarin, which is the most widely spoken dialect and the official language of the People's Republic of China. Another dialect is Cantonese, which is most used by U.S. Chinese speakers. There are still more dialects like Xiang, Wu, Gan, and Hakka as well. Written Chinese dates back to the Shang Dynasty, which ruled thousands of years ago. There are around 50,000 separate characters in the Chinese language that all the dialects share. Around 20,000 of those are used today. The most frequently used characters are actually around 2,500 in number, however. Many, but not all, characters are based on the object they represent, and each character is a syllable.
Learning in a Chicago Chinese course allows students to get solid practice conversing in Chinese. Knowing the Chinese language may give you the upper hand on job applications, as many employers look for bilingual candidates. Mandarin - a Chinese dialect - is the national language in the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. These are global business giants, and by having the ability to learn Chinese, you may be able to conduct business discussions in these countries. Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world. Just imagine being able to engage in conversation with a great proportion of the world's population! There are currently over a billion native Chinese speakers.
What content will a Chicago Chinese class cover?
One of the key points to understanding Chinese is getting a grasp on the characters. There is no alphabet in the Chinese language, so everything that is said has a separate character or characters to go along with it. As much class time as is needed will be spent on the characters. After that, students will work on speaking, writing, and reading. In a Chicago Chinese course, students will learn of the different Chinese dialects and then work on speaking one or more of them. While learning to speak Chinese, students will discover that it is a tonal language, meaning the tone in which you say a word changes the meaning. There are four different tones that are used in Mandarin: flat, rising, falling then rising, and falling. Pronouns are another topic that will be covered. There are different characters depending on gender. The pronouns have the same sounds but different pronunciations in gendered uses.
Students will learn that there are many grammatical parts that are missing in Chinese when compared to English. Chinese has no plurals, verb inflections, or articles. Once a student is able to comprehend these facts of the Chinese language, learning may become easier for them. The Chicago Chinese course will cover commonly used phrases and essential vocabulary. The students will learn about sentence structure, and about verbs and how to differentiate verbs that sound alike.
Along with the core language being covered in the class, there will also be plentiful opportunities to learn about Chinese culture, history, and customs. This immersive teaching environment can allow students to learn practical applications of the language such as bartering with a street vendor in Zhengzhou or negotiating an important business offer in Hong Kong. Students can learn of the rich history of China and how each dynasty has affected the language of today. Students can also learn about the important customs that go along with every type of conversation and how to remain honorable.
What tools will I use in an online Chicago Chinese course?
If you decide to enroll in one of these online classes, you can expect to be taught by an expert Chinese instructor. The classes are catered to be accessible and paired accordingly with your current level of understanding of the language. You will work in a collaborative online environment with other students at the same proficiency level as you. You will utilize a webcam to be able to see and interact with the teacher and your classmates. This will allow you to practice your character pronunciation and sentence structure out loud. You will also have access to an interactive blackboard where the teacher, the other students, and you can all work collaboratively. If you require extra assistance on a certain topic, you may request a one-on-one meeting with the instructor online. These meetings are run similarly to a professor's office hour on a college campus. This is just one of the many learning aides that Varsity Tutors offers.
How do I sign up for a class?
If you have a busy schedule but still want to gain skills from learning another language, Varsity Tutors is here to help! We have rolling admissions into our Chicago Chinese classes. New classes begin every month and are offered in the morning, midday, and evening. This gives you the best choice to fit a class into your unique schedule. If you are interested in joining a class or learning more, please get in contact with one of our educational consultants. They will help you find the Chinese proficiency level and class schedule that works best for you. You may join the billion people who speak Chinese and may gain a broader cultural outlook on life with your new-found language skills. Give Varsity Tutors a call today to begin your journey!

Thomas: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...loves teaching and helping students learn. I have experience teaching English in Argentina, as well as experience as a teaching assistant for various subjects at the Summer Institute for the Gifted. Exploration drives much of what I do, and I believe that learning is a form of exploration - and I hope to share that mindset with my students. As a tutor, I will be very patient, understanding, and thoughtful in my approach.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- SAT Subject Test in Chinese with Listening
- High School Writing
- Spanish
- +45 subjects

May: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...my B.A. degree from Bryn Mawr College in Biology and Computer Science. I have a passion for education and firmly believe that education can change lives and provide the upward social mobility. I love interacting with 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...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science & Biology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- TOEFL
- Languages
- GRE Quantitative
- +29 subjects

Mike: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
I am a graduate from the University of Washington, holding a BA in mathematics. I have over 1800 hours of experience tutoring students in a variety of subjects, and have improved their grades by an average of 10 percentage points. I look forward to working with you.... There is no one method that works with every student, so adjustments need to be made on a case-by-case basis. There is one thing in common for all success stories, however: the student performs better when he/she is comfortable in his/her learning environment.
Education & Certification
- University of Washington - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Summer
- Algebra
- Calculus
- +52 subjects

Zuojun: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
Master of Financial Mathematics at University of Chicago. GRE Math 169. SAT Math Subject Test 800. 7 years in tutoring and teaching Mathematics, Chinese, Physics, Economics, Accounting and Programming to students from primary, middle, high school, and undergrads.
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor of Science, Financial Mathematics
- University of Chicago - Master of Science, Financial Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Macroeconomics
- GRE Subject Tests
- Microsoft Excel
- +83 subjects

Eleanor: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...fun, upbeat, humorous, and detailed. As a student, I've taken coursework in public policy, linguistics, literature, film, art history, and languages. I worked as a literacy tutor for 4 years with preschool students. I loved being in the classroom, building a relationship with all of my students based on mutual respect and a love of having fun. While I have a lot of fun learning with younger students, I enjoy working with scholars of all...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, East Asian Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Social Studies
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- +49 subjects

Christine: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...elementary school in Evanston. I have the most experience tutoring Elementary School Math and Reading and the most content knowledge in Psychology, though I am also passionate about helping students with ACTs/College apps due to having myself navigated through the system's challenges recently. In addition, I'd be happy to dive into Mandarin Chinese as it is another native language I speak. From my tutoring experiences and taking classes within the Learning Sciences, I find it...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- +50 subjects

Ingrid: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...University in Evanston, IL, I am exploring my creativity by pursuing a double major in Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus in Korean, studying abroad in South Korea as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar, leading workshops that teach 3D printing and CAD for undergraduate students as the president of 3D4E, advocating for the first-generation and low-income student community as the Outreach Chair of the Quest+ Scholars Network, and getting involved with the Society of...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Thermodynamics
- AP Calculus AB
- Elementary School Reading
- +78 subjects

Abigail: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...my work is empowerment and confidence boosting, helping all students realize that they are bright in their own ways. I received my B.A. from Skidmore College, with a double major in Political Science and Spanish, and a double minor in Intergroup Relations and Honors Forum. I have been teaching for over 8 years, and love helping students see themselves as bright, creative, and intelligent individuals that deserve specialized attention. In my free time I love...
Education & Certification
- Skidmore College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Spanish 2
- WordPress
- Middle School English
- +130 subjects

Grace: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...math and reading. These diverse experiences have helped me to develop a passion in tutoring elementary school students primarily in reading and writing. I have especially enjoy sharing and learning cultural experiences from students who come from immigrant and refugee families. I believe that providing widespread educational opportunities for every child is crucial. One of my professors at Wheaton College once said, "Teaching is the profession that makes all things possible." This strongly shows that...
Education & Certification
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Piano
- Elementary School
- Languages
- +19 subjects

Angelina: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...my native language. I received my bachelor's degree in China. I also have two master's degrees in the USA: a master of science in law degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Oklahoma. I will create fun language learning experiences for you. You will find you learn how to speak Chinese and write in Chines in no time. In my class, you will practice speaking Chinese with native speakers...
Education & Certification
- Harbin Engineering University - Bachelor in Arts, Business Communications
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Prelaw Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- English
- +6 subjects

Rachel: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...minor in Mandarin Chinese. My goal in tutoring is to assist students to eventually be able to problem solve independently, thus gaining confidence as well as academic and leadership capabilities. The homework for subjects I am most confident tutoring include writing, grammar, Chinese to English and vice versa, as well as math up to pre-calculus/trig. **Please note: I do not tutor SAT test prep. It is not a strength of mine.** Stay Awesome!
Education & Certification
- Benedictine University - Bachelor in Arts, Writing, General
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Trigonometry
- Middle School Math
- High School Writing
- +32 subjects

Qiong: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
I am a professional licensed Chinese language teacher who promotes a culture in language learning. I have taught over 1000 students from all age levels. Making sure learning is engaging and student-oriented proved to better learning outcomes for enrichment or test prep. I believe learning a foreign language is a way to understand its culture and history. I am happy to bring this experience for you.
Education & Certification
- Wuhan University of Technology - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Masters in Education, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Test Prep
- GCSE
- A Level Chinese
- +20 subjects

Louise: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...taught two 2-hour long Business English courses. I have 32 hours of teaching experience in an elementary school. I taught 9 different levels of English to children from Kindergarten through 7th grade. Generally speaking, I am confident and relaxed in the teaching environment. I am also open to learning from more experienced teachers than myself. WORKS PUBLISHED: Casualties of War is a short story relating the experiences of two young men, who were sent to...
Education & Certification
- College of Lake County - Current Undergrad, Business
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- ESL/ELL
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +23 subjects

Rainie: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
I am very motivated to equip young minds to learn more about the academic world. I have worked as a private tutor for the past six years and have a consistent track record of five star student evaluations.
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Consumer Economics
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- Differential Equations
- Macroeconomics
- +25 subjects

Robert: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...Spanish when I was 10 years old, and fell in love with the idea that suddenly I could communicate with a whole other community of people. Since becoming fluent in Spanish, I've continued to pursue my love of languages by studying Arabic and Mandarin Chinese in school, as well as picking up German from my Austrian family and French from my travels. I'm currently teaching myself Russian with the online learning software Duolingo. Chemistry has...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Spanish
- Organic Chemistry
- +74 subjects

Levi: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...year and a half, I have fulfilled that grant by teaching ESL and organizing community service projects in my host community. As my grant as now come to an end, I find myself returning to the states to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy. On the varsity tutors platform, I am excited to offer tutoring services and support for both ESL and Chinese! I have a great...
Education & Certification
- Carthage College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Economy
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Greek
- Business
- Conversational Mandarin
- +7 subjects

Jim: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
I first began to learn Mandarin in college nearly 40 years ago. I really enjoy using the language to communicate and facilitating the communicative skills of others. My speaking skill is characterized as near-native, and I am modern, professional, and I have a non-academic style. I work as a professional translator, but there is a great difference between translation skill and speaking skill. BA and MA in Linguistics.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Linguistics
- Northeastern Illinois University - Master of Arts, Linguistics
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- Languages
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- +10 subjects

Dajin: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...been teaching students in Chinese and English for almost 2 years. I Speak fluent Mandarin, Cantonese and English (can read and write very well). Here is my education background: Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, Ph.D., Structural Engineering South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China, M.S. and B.S., Structural Engineering I made over 30 presentations in English and Chinese, in technical conference in US or in China (8 universities including , , , etc.)
Education & Certification
- South China University of Technology - Engineer, Structural Engineering
- Clarkson University - Doctor of Engineering, Structural Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- Social Sciences
- +24 subjects

Finn: Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...experience of learning and teaching another language along with its immense history and culture is extremely rewarding. For instance, there's nothing better than finding a sense of humor in another language. My teaching philosophy is to create as much student engagement as possible and to constantly improve upon the methods of engagement. When learning Chinese, it is critical for the student to bridge the gap between hearing the language in their head and speaking it...
Education & Certification
- Haverford College - Bachelors, East Asian Languages and Culture
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Test Prep
- Trigonometry
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- +15 subjects

Yamche Vivian : Chicago Mandarin Chinese course instructor
...which is very important when using a dictionary. And to develop your unique personal style to communicate effectively. I will design the lesson according to your specific needs and will create materials to supplement the lesson to make it interesting and engaging. I believe in setting goals. And I will teach and help you in achieving these goals to gain confidence and to stay motivated. Most of all I enjoy teaching Chinese. It is a...
Education & Certification
- Columbia College - Bachelor in Arts, Film and Video
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Languages
- Cantonese