Intensive Tutoring FAQ

Why is it better to have Intensive Tutoring compared to a regular language class?

Compared to a class, the tutor will be focused on your strengths and your weaknesses. Since the tutoring is tailor-made to your needs, you will progress faster compared to someone who is taking the regular class. This is definitely an advantage if you want to make the most of your time in China if you are doing a short-term program.

How many tutors will I have?

If you have two hours of tutoring sessions a day, you will automatically have two tutors.

How many hours a day will I be studying?

You are the best one to decide how long you can study in a day. If you are doing the Intensive Tutoring Program, we usually suggest 3 to 4 hours a day. If you are participating in a university, teach English or internship program and have an additional tutoring, we usually suggest 1 to 1.5 hours after your regular schedule.

How will my schedule be like?
Your tutoring session schedule will depend on your free time. You can schedule your tutoring sessions in the morning and/or in the afternoon.

Where are the tutoring sessions usually held?

The tutoring sessions are usually held in your apartment or the Next Step China Student Center. If you prefer having a different venue for your tutoring sessions, this can also be arranged in advance.

Can I have a tutoring session with my spouse/partner?

Yes, this is possible if your Chinese language proficiency levels are the same. Nevertheless, we highly discourage this practice given that each person’s learning style and speed are different. There is a possibility that you will end up slowing down the learning process of your spouse/partner.

If I opt for the tutoring session for my kids, can I have them study together with the tutor?

Yes, this is possible if their Chinese language proficiency levels are the same. Nevertheless, we highly discourage this practice given that each child’s learning style, speed and age. There is a possibility that one of them will end up slowing down the learning process of their sibling.

What if I cannot finish all the tutoring hours during my program duration?

The tutoring hours provided to you for your program is enough to give you enough days when you will be taking a break, but at the end of the day, you decide how many total tutoring hours you want for your program. We also provide you with a weekly/bi-weekly update of your tutoring hour balance so that you have the time and opportunity to have make-up tutoring sessions with your tutor.

Can I have the names of my tutors in advance?

Given unforeseen changes in schedule, we introduce you to your tutors on the day of your Chinese Language Assessment or Orientation.

How much homework will my tutor/s give me?

This will depend on the intensity and your Chinese Language goals. If you are aiming to take an exam or if you have strict goals to adhere to, your tutor will provide you with at least 2 hours of homework. Remember, your Chinese Language Program is tailor-made, you can ask your tutor for more homework if you feel you have too much extra time and would like to improve and learn faster.

Are the tutors of Next Step China experienced?

Yes, all the tutors hired by Next Step China are experienced and trained to maintain a quality of teaching and personalized program that will best suit your needs. Most tutors are graduates of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language and have a background of teaching foreign students. Other tutors have an extensive amount of experience teaching Chinese as a second language.

Do I have tutoring sessions during Holidays as well?

This is not guaranteed, but this will depend on the availability of the tutors of Next Step China. Remember, we cannot force teachers to work during the holidays.

Can I have tutoring sessions during the weekends?

Yes, this is possible. If you inform us in advance, we will be able to schedule a tutor for you during the weekends.

Are there breaks in tutoring sessions?

Depending on the length of your tutoring sessions, you will have breaks. Breaks are usually from 5 to 10 minutes. If your tutoring session is only one hour, there are usually no breaks.