Nothing beats getting a complete grasp of something than getting up close and personal. The same can be said in learning a language. The best thing is to experience first-hand how it is in the place where a language is natively spoken or written. To completely learn Chinese, the ideal is to book a semester language course in China or other countries where the language is being used.

Of course, if you have the time and budget, then go for it. However, for those whose time and money do not suffice, the next best option is to check out Chinese lessons online. What are the advantages of learning Chinese via the internet? Here is a rundown of reasons. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to start your first Chinese words without busting your savings or leaving your area.

1. It is convenient. They say there is no place like home. If there is an option to take Chinese lessons right at your very room, wouldn’t you choose that over jet setting hundreds of miles away? All you need is your computer, an internet connection, a comfortable chair, and a good headset. With a few clicks on your mouse, you’ll be able to choose from thousands of websites that offer the type of Chinese lessons that you need-beginner, intermediate, advanced grammar, calligraphy, and others.

2. You can study at your own pace. Being enrolled in a typical language class has its pros and cons. One of the pros is the opportunity to practice what you’ve learned with your classmates. One of the cons is the pressure to keep up with the rest of the group. If you are the shy type or the one who takes some time to process lessons, then it is better to study without the pressure. In online Chinese tutorial, you can review a lesson repeatedly at your own comfortable pacing.

3. You control your time. If you study best early in the morning, you may do so without bugging anyone. If you want to do additional reading, you may definitely do so even late at night. Online Chinese lessons offer flexibility to suit your own schedule. The lessons are there all the time, any day, ready for access when needed. Live tutors are also available to answer your questions or for clarifications.

4. You have a lot of options. When you enroll in a class, you cannot really choose the instructor. And if you are bored with the usual curriculum, you cannot just skip to other lessons or change how the module is being taught. Online Chinese lessons are presented in various ways. There are video tutorials, audio tutorials, text tutorials, and an interactive lesson. Many sites offer free trial of their services so you may check out if their teaching style suits you.

5. It is cheaper. There is not much explaining needed. Many online Chinese lessons come for free! There are even free translations-written and spoken Chinese-to many other languages.