Would recommend a tutor or school

[Quakebum]

Would you guys recommend hiring a private tutor or going to a private school?

I've been speaking chinese at home most of my life, so I think I have most of the grammar down, but my vocabulary is pretty limited. I can read about 500 characters.

I'm living in Qingdao the next couple month and I'd like to improve my Chinese, should I take class at a private school or get a tutor? I'm thinking of taking a month long private group class instead of hiring a tutor because I'd be able to converse with more than 1 person. I'd also have people to hangout with after class.

Or should I save my money and learn by myself at my level? I've been using Anki the last couple month and going through the Mathews books. I'm probably going to buy some children books to supplement my study.

[abcdefg]

I've been speaking chinese at home most of my life, so I think I have most of the grammar down, but my vocabulary is pretty limited. I can read about 500 characters.

Maybe you should do both (school and tutor.) School will give you social contacts, whereas the tutor will give you lots of practice in the areas where you need most work.

[Gibbs]

do both. 青岛大学 students can help improve your 口语 and help you learn some of the latest slang. Last tutor I had was only 30元 per hour. Just hang a notice within the school grounds and you will receive phone calls within a day. PM me when you arrive and I can give you a few books from the 汉语风 series. Also, the book stores on 文化街 (near 台东）are cheaper than buying your books at 书城 on 香港中路。

[wezel]

I must admit I'm not a big fan of learning anything at schools. You only learn by the "rate determining factor" which means the slowest person in the class. Yes, you will have people to hang out with but if your goal is to learn Chinese, how much benefit will there be if everyone else at more or less the same level as you. My guess is that you want to do more than just learn Chinese. Why don't you hire a tutor for an hour or two a day, then use the rest of the time to explore the city. You'll be forced to communicate. That's what I'd do unless there was a cute girl (or guy) in the class.