Varsity Tutors offers Philadelphia Chinese lessons for anyone who's studying a dialect of the language. Whether you're meeting a language requirement at Upper Darby Senior High School, majoring in Chinese at Swarthmore College, and even if you're studying on your own for business, personal, or cultural purposes, we can support your language learning needs. Lessons take place online in either a group class or through one-on-one tutoring.
Chinese is considered the most difficult language to learn because it's entirely different from English, so it's a good idea to get all the help you can to work towards the fluency level you want to reach.
Chinese is the most common language spoken throughout the world. The Mandarin dialect is most prevalent worldwide, and Cantonese is historically the dialect spoken most in the US. The characters that make up written Chinese are a beautiful art form and have existed for thousands of years. They date back to the Shang Dynasty (1700-1027 BCE), which was a time of great advancement in areas of astronomy, art, math, technology, and more.
As you can see, learning Chinese is bigger than just learning to communicate with more than another billion humans. It involves learning about an ancient, highly developed culture with ancient traditions and philosophies. This is even the reason some people study the Chinese language.
What kind of subjects are studied during Philadelphia Chinese lessons?
Most language courses look fairly similar, especially when studied in school. Learning Chinese involves some unique topics to learn. One of the first things you'll probably learn is how to navigate the tonal differences in the language. Mandarin Chinese consists of four tones: flat, falling, falling then rising, and rising. Funny situations can happen when you mix up tones; you might tell somebody you're going to take a nap for dinner, when you're actually going to boil dumplings for dinner. Some can be more embarrassing. The word for ask and kiss is the same word with different tonal usage, and you probably don't want to mix that up.
There are more than 50,000 Chinese written characters, and even the greatest Chinese scholars can spend an entire lifetime learning them. Of those, 20,000 are in common use. You'll be happy to know that while you're likely going to learn Chinese characters, there's also a written language called Pinyin, which was developed to represent Chinese phonetically using Western letters.
If you've ever studied another language, there's something you might appreciate about Chinese. Each word has only one grammatical form. What does this mean for you? No verb conjugation or tenses, plurals, or articles to memorize. You can spend more time on the pronunciation aspect. The rest of your Philadelphia Chinese lessons may be basically the same as any other language, including using common phrases as soon as possible, memorizing necessary vocabulary, and learning grammar rules.
Which study option should I choose, classes or a private Philadelphia Chinese tutor?
There are a few factors to making an informed decision regarding this question. First, what's the first answer that pops into your mind? That may be your answer, since our first instinct is often right. If you want to know more about the advantages of each type of lesson before you decide, here are some specific things to consider.
Do you tend to learn much more quickly than your classmates? Do you usually need a little more time than they do to fully understand concepts? Are you learning Chinese for a highly specialized niche area? Are you really good at one area of language acquisition, but need a good deal of help with another? Do you find it confusing to be online in a group situation with many people? Do you prefer to work with one trusted individual? If the answer to these questions is more yes than no, you will probably prefer to work individually with a Philadelphia Chinese tutor.
Are you more energized by collaborating with a group of people led by an expert instructor? Do you learn well in a regular classroom situation? Do you like bouncing ideas of peers as well as your instructor? Are you learning Chinese for general purposes without needing a lot of specialized vocabulary? If the answer to these questions is mostly yes, you may prefer to take Philadelphia Chinese lessons in an online classroom setting. One useful option when you take the group class is that you can request time with an individual tutor any time you need some extra focus on a certain idea, more one-on-one conversation practice, or other reasons.
How do Philadelphia Chinese lessons help me learn Chinese better than studying by myself?
While some subjects are easier to study on your own, learning a language isn't suited for that. Languages by their very nature are social. Practicing a language by conducting everyday conversations with people who are equal to or better than you at speaking the language is generally agreed upon as the best way to work towards fluency.
There are many benefits studying Chinese in either an online class or with a private instructor online. For example, an expert instructor may be able to determine the cause of your difficulties in memorization, and more importantly, they're more likely to have a variety of potential solutions. If you've only learned one or two memorization techniques in your middle or high school, you might have missed out on either newer or alternative methods. Maybe you're using digital flashcards, but you're not aware that their effectiveness can increase exponentially when used with the spaced repetition method. This is just one example of the many advantages to studying the Chinese language with an expert instead of on your own.
How can I get started with Chinese lessons as soon as possible?
Varsity Tutors makes it as easy as possible to get set up with a Philadelphia Chinese tutor or class. Simply contact us and our educational consultants can answer any questions you have. They can also enroll you in a class or set you up with a tutor beginning as soon as possible. We look forward to helping you as you work towards Chinese language proficiency and a more interesting future.

Katherine: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...West Philadelphia Tutoring Project, so I have had plenty of experience tutoring elementary and middle school students in reading and math in the Philadelphia area. Prior to my experience tutoring in Philadelphia, I ran an online writing program teaching essential writing skills to elementary school students and served as an Algebra I instructor at a local community center. I enjoy tutoring math up to Algebra 2, SAT Math, and editing essays (including college essays) because...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor of Science, Finance, Operations & Information Management
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- College Algebra
- Elementary Math
- Microeconomics
- +27 subjects

Jennifer: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...years later, I still do that. I hope to carry that same passion for learning through my tutoring classes and convey the interest I have in exploring new subjects to my students as well! I am currently a student at the University of Pennsylvania where I am studying economics and statistics, and am interested in entering the tech sphere in the future. I have extensive experience as a tutor from middle and high school, where...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Current Undergrad, Econom
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Middle School Math
- High School English
- ACT English
- +38 subjects

Nick: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...as an actor, director, writer, and producer in America and abroad, and now I'm pursuing my MFA in movement-based ensemble theater with a focus on acrobatics. From this work I've cultivated a fiery curiosity that I strive to fuel within the high school- and college-aged students I coach, challenging them to develop not just aptitude but passion for their studies. I tutor various levels in Mandarin Chinese, Test Prep, Mathematics, and English, with a particular...
Education & Certification
- American University - Bachelor in Arts, Theater Activism
- Pig Iron School for Advanced Performance Training - Master of Fine Arts, Ensemble Theater
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Algebra 2
- College Essays
- Phonics
- +35 subjects

Kerri: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...and I am very enthusiastic about helping develop your academic growth. I have a bachelor's degree from Agnes Scott College in International Relations, English, and social sciences (i.e human rights). Moreover, I've been with Varsity Tutors since 2019. I am very passionate about the craft of writing, social sciences, and the splendor of language! As your tutor, I am committed to making myself consistently available and open to questions during our sessions in order to create...
Education & Certification
- Agnes Scott College - Current Undergrad Student, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Spanish
- High School Level American Literature
- Adult ESL/ELL
- +53 subjects

Anwar: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...decided to stay because I loved it and needed to perfect my language skills as well. I lived in Spain for three years, giving private English classes at home and formal classes at a school. It was in Spain that I got a real grasp of the Spanish language and also got certified as an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher. I later went on to receive my bachelors in Spanish in the US....
Education & Certification
- Caldwell College - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Greek
- Polish
- Spanish
- +48 subjects

Margaret: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
I enjoy helping someone to get where he/she wants to or needs to go. I believe everyone is unique; therefore there isn't just one method in dong anything. Everyone is motivated by something. It is just a matter of finding what that motivation is. ... Find out the root of the problem and work to eradicate that. Not everyone has the same problem; therefore, one cannot use the same method to teach or to learn.... Discover the student's problems and needs.
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, East Asian Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Cantonese
- Homework Support
- Conversational Mandarin
- +18 subjects

Jasmine: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...a Neuroscience major at Swarthmore College. My favorite subjects include Biology and Psychology. I am interested in teaching students how to develop a better grasp of their academic material, improve their learning skills, and succeed in whatever course they take. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing violin, reading, and traveling. I also have extensive community service experience and have traveled to China, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic to engage in volunteer work.
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Linear Algebra
- Calculus 2
- Languages
- +32 subjects

Ning: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...will dedicate the same quality of care to my students as I would to my future patients. To me, tutoring is mainly about cultivating a passion to learn in the student so that they are able to achieve their ultimate goal. Accordingly, my approach to tutoring is not merely to cram facts into your brain, but also focus on organization by establishing a plan during our first session. If this is what you are looking...
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Thomas Jefferson University - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Neurobiology
- ACT English
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +108 subjects

Jing: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...I will be with you for your language learning journey. Teaching approach: I have rich experience in teaching language immersion, so I like to speak the target language (Chinese) as much as possible in my teaching. It largely helps you immerse in the language, especially helpful if you are seeking to improve your listening and speaking skills. Of course, I also love using technology to improve your learning experiences. I plan videos, readings, online assignments...
Education & Certification
- Shanghai Normal University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Maryland-College Park - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- +5 subjects

Nina: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...student at Drexel University's Accelerated BS/MD Program for medicine. I am passionate about a variety of subjects, and consider myself especially qualified to tutor in subjects relating to STEM and/or conversational Mandarin, as well as standardized testing. (fun fact: my favorite section on the old SAT was Critical Reading!) Outside of academics, I love playing the oboe and listening to classical music, making origami, and going on long morning strolls along the Schuykill River Trail...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Drexel University College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Latin
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Elementary School Writing
- +49 subjects

Katelyn: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...Haverford College, and I tutor various subjects including Algebra I, Test preps, Mandarin, and Biology for middle to high schoolers. With more than 4 years of experience of tutoring middle to high school students, my experience aligns well with the qualifications you are seeking in a tutor. In addition to my experience, I have a strong acadmeic background and great passion in watching my students succeed in subjects that they are struggling with
Education & Certification
- Haverford College - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Cantonese
- Social Sciences
- Science
- +32 subjects

Kevin: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...perhaps you are looking for the jump-start that will get your brain cells fired up; perhaps you are looking for ways to figure out seemingly unsolvable problems, whichever your case might be, I am willing to help. I graduated with a BS in Chemistry and am currently pursuing my Master's degree in Chemical Engineering. Therefore, I have a strong backgroud in Math (pre-calculus, college-level calculus, differential equations, intergrations), Chemistry and Physics. I am looking forward to...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Villanova University - Master of Science, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Cantonese
- High School Physics
- Elementary Math
- +18 subjects

Elsa: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...where I discovered a passion for helping classmates with their coursework. By my freshman year of high school, I had officially stepped into the role of a tutor, both in classroom settings and as an individual instructor. Recently, I had the privilege of tutoring a diverse group of students, ages 9 to 16, in subjects such as math, science, English, and SAT preparation. Additionally, I taught Physical Education to K-8 students at an inner-city school in...
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelor of Engineering, Engineering, General
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- Electrical Engineering
- Algebra 2
- +62 subjects

George: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
I'm an English as a Foreign/Second Language (EFL/ESL) teacher here in Philadelphia. I am certified and have ten years of teaching experience at home and abroad. It's my job to assess your needs as an English learner, then deliver instruction based on those needs in an enjoyable, effective manner. I'm an easy going guy, but I take learning quite professionally. After all, I study foreign languages too!
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Art
- Writing
- Essay Editing
- +16 subjects

Archibald: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...can do as individuals is to constantly improve ourselves and reach for our goals. Often, acquiring new skills is a key element to continued success. As a Varsity Tutor, my mission is to help you work towards your goals by guiding you through the learning process and making the journey enjoyable. As a language learner, I have first hand experience of how it can opens doors to worlds you never thought you'd see. Impossible is...
Education & Certification
- Dickinson College - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Spanish
- Performing Arts
- Languages
- +18 subjects

Chang-shin: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...Department of State, Agriculture, and Intelligent Agency, professors of U-Penn, U Michigan & North Carolina, and traditional students from graduate, undergraduate, and high school. Mandarin Chinese is my native language. I was born and educated in Taiwan. My B.A. degree (major in Philosophy), and first M.A. (major in Political Science) had earned by using Mandarin Chinese as a linguistic tool in the 1970s. In addition to that I also served as Senior Journalist in the...
Education & Certification
- NAtional Chengchi University - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
- Temple University - Doctor of Philosophy, Religion
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Social Studies
- College English
- +39 subjects

Shengnan: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...in vain. To think without learning is desolation." I received my Master's Degree of Education in TESOL from the University of Pennsylvania in May, 2012. I have various Chinese and English teaching/tutoring experience both in the United States and China. I have been a Chinese tutor for 2 years. Studnets love my class and parents say they learn more from me in ten weeks than the past 2 years. I value traditional Chinese culture and...
Education & Certification
- Southwest Jiaotong University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, TESOL
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Languages

Florrie: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...however I think language studies are immensely important. Studying Chinese language is my passion so I always try to encourage other students to continue with it. Learning a language can be challenging but I've found it the most rewarding. I take great pride in how far I've come with Chinese and love seeing excitement for languages in others. My goal is to encourage other students to pursue or continue pursuing languages and share with them...
Education & Certification
- Ursinus College - Bachelors, East Asian Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Conversational Mandarin
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- +7 subjects

Andrew: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...with a 4.0 GPA (unweighted). My ACT Composite score was 34, and I am an AP Scholar with Honors. I have developed effective learning techniques and study habits and my goal as a tutor is to pass these skill along to my students. I excel at explaining complicated ideas and problems in easy to understand plain English. On a personal level, I believe in the power of positive thought and I go out of my...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor of Science, Labor and Industrial Relations
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Social Studies
- Writing
- LSAT Analytical Reasoning
- +60 subjects

Cathy: Philadelphia Mandarin Chinese lesson instructor
...me the opportunity to work with young people and help them learn and help them get ready for college life. I had some great experiences with classes of students and individual students as well. It was my moment when my students told me that they felt more confident in math and they did better than before in class. Math is fun and you will enjoy learning it as long as you work hard and never...
Education & Certification
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Education in Mathematics
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania - Current Grad Student, M.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese
- Algebra 2
- Calculus
- Languages
- +15 subjects