StudioChinese

FAQ

This course was designed for the complete beginner that is looking for an easy way to learn basic Chinese.

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Do you have any higher level courses?

We currently do not have any other courses, but please register here and we will contact you when we have any updates.

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What does the course include?

The course includes the following:

30 connections with StudioChinese tutors
Access to 7 topics (30 sessions), which include dialogues, exercises, vocabulary, listening drills, review materials and much more.
Topics covered: ordering food, asking for directions, reserving a hotel room, bargaining for deals and much more…

Do you have a money back guarantee?

StudioChinese aims to offer the highest quality online Chinese language training service available on the internet and we are committed to providing you with nothing less than an excellent experience.

First, if you encounter any technical difficulties like delay or dropouts during your live conversation you can take the class over at no extra cost.

Second, our commitment to quality is backed by a 7 day money back guarantee. If for ANY reason you are unsatisfied with our service you can request a 100% refund within 7 days of your subscription starting date, no questions asked!

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Teaching

Where are StudioChinese tutors located?

All of our tutors are currently located in Beijing, China.

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Do your tutors speak English?

Yes. All of our tutors speak English and will guide you through the course in English. As the course progresses, however, our tutors will encourage you to become less dependent on English during the interaction.

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Do I need to schedule my classes?

No. Our service is an on-demand service, which means that you can connect to our tutors without scheduling. Simply connect during our operating hours and we will have a tutor waiting there for you.

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Can I request the same tutor for all my interactions?

We currently do not offer this option to our students.

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How do I connect to a tutor?

Connecting to a tutor is simple. Once you have finished preparing in the Discover portion, you will be prompted to a “Get Started” page. Read the instructions, and press on the “Connect” link, which is located on the lower right corner of the screen, and you'll be on your way. Now downloading of software is necessary as your conversation will take place directly within your internet browser.

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Do I need a headset and microphone?

While we do encourage our students to connect to our tutors using the internet with a headset and microphone, we are able to administer your conversation on any landline or mobile phone (not suggested, as carrier charges may apply for mobile connections).

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If I use my phone to connect to a tutor do I get charged for the call?

Unless you are using a mobile phone, which your mobile carrier may apply additional charges for use, we will be calling you, so it is free of charge.

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What time can I connect to a tutor?

We are open for 16 hours each day (Beijing time: 7 AM - 11 PM), 7 days a week.

Content

How was the StudioChinese content created?

StudioChinese content was created by our content/curriculum team, but was influenced by the Insider Guides' Mandarin Phrasebook.

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What is the best way to study Chinese?

We have loads of free language learning articles available in the Student Portal that will show you many effective methods to learn a foreign language with Chinese as a focus.

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Will my computer recognize Chinese characters and symbols?

It is possible that your computer is not properly configured to display Chinese characters. Please follow the steps below to configure your computer.

For Windows XP users:

Open your Control Panel, select "Regional and Language Options". Go to the "Languages" tab; under "Supplemental Language Support", select "Install Files for Asian Languages," Then "OK", "OK". Wait for the files to install, then restart your computer.
Return to "Regional and Language Options" and the "Languages" tab. Under "Text Services & Input Languages", "Installed Services", select Add. In "Add Input Language" dialog, choose "Input Language", "Chinese, PRC," "OK".

For Windows 2000 users:

Open Windows Start menu > Settings > Control Panel.
Select the Regional Options icon.
On the General tab under "Language settings for the system," click Simplified Chinese, and then click Add (if there is such a button). When you click OK, your computer may demand the Windows 2000 or Office 2000 CD-ROM so that it can copy font files to your hard disk.
Click "Input Locales." Click the "Add" button and, under "Input Locale," choose "Chinese (PRC)."
Under "Keyboard Layout" choose "MS Pinyin". In the lower part of the dialog, you can set "Switch between Input Locales" to either control-shift or alt-shift. "Switch to English" can be left at "none,".
Be sure to choose the "Enable indicator on taskbar" box.

For Mac users:

Open 'System Preferences'>'International'>'Input Menu'
Turn on 'Simplified Chinese' and/or 'Traditional Chinese.'
Make sure 'Show Input Menu in Menu Bar' is checked.
Close the 'System Preference' window.
Go to the 'Input Menu' (if you are using a US system, it should be a US flag icon) and select Simplified Chinese and/or Traditional Chinese.
Click on the 'Input Menu' again, you should see a list of 8 input methods at the bottom half of the pull down menu. You should choose Pinyin unless you are more comfortable with another system.

Technical

I'm having trouble signing in. What should I do?

Your password is case sensitive, so please make sure that you have entered the correct password. Please also make sure that your keyboard does not have Caps Lock turned on.

If you are using a laptop computer, please also make sure that Num Lock is turned off.

If you have forgotten you password, please go to the following link and you will be able to reset your password.

If you are receiving an error message after clicking on “Sign in to StudioChinese,” please wait a few moments and try to log in after a few minutes.

Please let us know if these solutions still don't resolve your problem.

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Do I have to download any software?

We understand how troublesome downloading and installing software can be, which is why we have designed a platform and service that administers all interactive content and online conversations with StudioChinese tutors all within your internet browser. No downloading, no hassle!

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What internet browser should I use?

If you plan to use and internet connection (VOIP) to connect to a tutor, we recommend using Internet Explorer.

If you plan to use a phone to connect to a tutor, any internet browser can be used.

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I can't connect to a tutor after the Discover section, what should I do?

It could be possible that you are trying to connect to us during a non-operating hour. Please see What time can I connect to a tutor? for details.

If you are trying to connect during our connection hours, refreshing your internet browser or logging into your account again should help.

Please contact us at service@studiochinese.com if you still encounter difficulties.

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I can't hear my tutor, what should I do?

Please make sure that your headset and microphone is plugged in and turned on. You might have to look into your computer's control settings to adjust these settings.

If you still can't hear your tutor, you may have to disconnect and connect again.

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General

Teaching

Content

Technical

General

Teaching

Content

Technical