That's Mandarin Chinese Language School

Program Reviews

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Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely excellent classes

Over the past decade I have been to many language schools and experience many different teachers. That's Mandarin is really the best and I have been impressed during my 4 weeks here. Here's three reasons why:
1) Methodology: Unlike other schools, TM has a fantastic online platform and modern curriculum which focuses on teaching words through relevant stories and conversations. That is 100% more effective than the traditional "learning words and grammar by heart from an textbook" method. I have never progressed as quickly,
2) Teaching quality: Teachers really take the time to understand your weaknesses and tailor classes to that. Also the school ensures you get different teachers, this way you can experience a variety of teaching methods which are complementary for maximum effectiveness. I really benefited from this. I have had especially good experiences with 卢Laoshi and 崔 Laoshi.
3) Logistics and Organisation: Each student has a dedicated course coordinator who ensures all logistical questions are solved. You also receive regular reports on your progress, with feedback from your teachers.

What would you improve about this program?
Perhaps just the housing options - it was great that they could organise housing but payment was difficult (it would be easier if we can pay the language school directly and not the landlord as a foreigner, as they have a foreign account and foreigners cannot easily transfer to local accounts) and also the type of apartment was more suitable for long-term living rather than a short term stay (1 month - no proper duvet, no towels, no kitchen equipment etc.)
Pros
  • Methodology and Teachers
  • Locations
  • Organisation
Cons
  • Housing Options
Default avatar
Raphael
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fun and educational

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at That's Mandarin! Having multiple teachers added lots of variety and ensured that I had a more comprehensive learning experience. Each teacher's different style added something new and led to a fun classroom dynamic. Both during and after class there was time to socialise with the teachers as well, which helped to create an excellent studying environment. Especially Wang laoshi struck a good balance between having fun in the classroom and entertaining the students' antics, but still keeping order and do a great job at teaching us the grammar for that class.

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Vanda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learning Mandarin Chinese is Fun

I have taken a number of different language courses in the past for both my work and for my own learning and I haven't enjoyed most of them. But I feel like I am not only learning the language but also the culture with my teacher, Zhan ChangMei, who is very patient and creates a safe, fun and kind environment in which I learn really well. I also like the visual tools we use for our online lessons, as I am a visual learner; these make it easier for my brain to retain information. Overall, I am very happy with my language course experience.

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Ari
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great way to learn Chinese

I've been learning Chinese for 3 years through thats mandarin and it's been great. The teachers are always nice and knowledgeable and a great resource for learning. The website has helped me review the material and study on my own. My current teacher, Meng Cheng, is great and explains the content in a very understandable way. The content when you are starting to learn is very easy to understand and is taught through stories, which makes it more engaging and easy to follow. Overall I really recommend this platform!

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Annika
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Language studies while working in Beijing

That's Mandarin has made studying Chinese while working in Beijing a blast. I've done both on-site and online classes and really enjoyed both. The lessons are bite-sized and interesting to follow. Additionally I really like having the (super-good-quality) materials online.

The classes are very structured, which hasn't been a problem to me. But the experience might be a bit different for someone looking for more personalized study plan!

Finally, the staff and the social events arranged at the school are truly fun! Can't wait for the next Mahjong night!

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Irene
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Love the flexibility of the platform

Had a great experience learning Chinese at That's Mandarin. The standout aspects were the (1) well-paced curriculum, (2) the That's Mandarin online platform's ability to manage your vocabulary, lessons, review, schedule, etc, and (3) the ability to pick and choose teachers and class times. I tried several teachers as well as group and privates to find my preferred method and they give you free intro classes to assess which type of classes you like. You can go at your own pace no matter whether in groups or in private 1:1s and the teaching style is standardized quite well across all teachers. Overall, highly recommended if you're a motivated learner.

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Daniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent classes and teaching methodology

I feel I have learned so much in my Chinese classes throughout these months. It’s not only because the methodology of teaching and the support material is very effective, but also because the classes are fun and enjoyable. I genuinely like coming to Chinese class because my teachers, Zhang Laoshi, Wu laoshi and Li Laoshi are kind, helpful and very fun. The class is dynamic, and even though we see a lot of content in each sessions, I feel there is enough time to understand the concepts and they give us plenty of chances to practice and participate. I absolutely recommend this program, it has made my living experience in China so much better!

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James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent

I started learning Chinese with That's Mandarin in January 2023, and my experience so far has been great. I didn't have much expectation as I am not good at learning languages but my teacher is amazing, she is full of energy and joyful and it really helps.
They have a web-app you can use to review all your lessons and it provides writing/listening exercises, I find it quite useful at it allows me to study during my commute time and you don't have to carry books.
I didn't try other schools so I can't really compare but overall I believe That's Mandarin provide a wonderful experience for learning Chinese.

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Francesca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Chinese school!

Going on a year and half with this company now, its not easy to find a good and credible online courses where the company/ school is responsive and receptive to your needs. As a first-time online language learner, but continuing Mandarin learner, this school was very organized and offers a high level of Chinese teachers and course administrators, My classes are well-planned and communication between my admin and I is very quick at all times. The course website is very user friendly and all classes and previously learned materials are accesible. Do not hesitate to choose this company as your online learning partner!

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Bora
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommend!

Highly recommend it to those who want to learn REAL Chinese for daily life :)

What I’m learning in the classroom actually helps how to speak in circumstances with local people such as ordering food at a cafe or restaurant.

Textbooks are well-made based on everyday challenges as a foreigner in China and the nihaocafe platform helps to preview and review including pinyin, audios, videos, etc.

Also, teacher Mrs.Yang teaches Chinese language as well as Chinese culture. She responds and explains to my questions with a warm-hearted and positive character.

Moreover, that’s mandarin hosts some cultural events, so it’d be good opportunities for people who want to submerge in Chinese culture and mingle with global classmates.