Features/learning options	In-school class	Local private tutor	using software such as Rosettastone	Online private tutor service from SpeakMandarin.com
Fully Interactive	?	√	X	√
	Yes, you can see and hear the instructor. How often does she see and hear you among a large group of students?		No matter how sophisticated software is, it's not as custom and accomodating as direct interaction.	All of your sessions are conducted live with our coaches in Beijing. In our advanced online virtual-classroom, you and your coach not only see and hear each other, but also share and work on documents together simutaneously.
Personal attention	X	√	X	√
	Is there much personal attention in a 30-student class? Not really!		When is the last time you had a real conversation with your computer program?	You and your tutor talk one-on-one in our advanced virtual classroom. All his/her time is yours and you set the schedule!
Schedule flexibility	X	?	√	√
	You don't get to set class schedules, do you?	Can he/she always make it whenever you schedule your lesson? After all, he/she is not dedicated to teaching You.		We have a growing number of dedicated coaches available at all times. You can always find an available time slot with our coaches that fit your schedule. Of course, you always have the option of sticking to one coach if you want.
Teaching quality	√	?	?	√
		Just because he/she speaks Chinese does not mean he/she is able to teach Chinese systematically and professionally.	The quality of software programs can vary greatly. Make sure you research them well.	All of our coaches graduated from top universities in China with degrees in Teaching Chinese As A Second Language and have extensive teaching experience.
Custom course	X	√	X	√
	School class cannot customize the course to YOUR interest and follow YOUR pace.		Software programs are never developed only for You.	We design courseware to suit YOUR own interests and proficiency level.
Practical and up-to-date modern content	X	?	X	√
	Rigid pedagogy and old textbooks make it hard for them to always follow what's happening in China today.	Is he/she able to constantly stay up to date on interesting topics and create practical contents just for you? Maybe, but maybe not.	Software updates occure with great infrequency. Unless you'd like to pay for it of course.	Our teachers live in China. Not only do they know the language, they know what the latest trends are. We take these current events and turn them into learning content quickly.
Affordable	√	?	√	√
		Current market price for a private tutor in the U.S. is $45 - $60/hr. That's certainly not cheap!		Our low-cost operation brings you an affordable price for private instruction that you won't find anywhere else.