Why did you choose this program?
I wanted an immersive environment where I could truly practice Mandarin daily, not just in class but also in real life. XMandarin Chengdu stood out because of its flexible courses, cultural activities, and central location. I also loved that Chengdu isn’t as overwhelming as Beijing or Shanghai but still offers a great mix of tradition and modernity. The affordability of the city was another major plus. I knew I would be getting great value for my money while studying in an exciting, yet relaxed environment.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
XMandarin made everything easy for me. They assisted with my visa, accommodation, class schedule. The support staff was always available to answer questions, whether it was about my studies or adjusting to life in China. What I had to handle on my own was daily expenses, SIM card registration, and setting up Alipay & WeChat Pay, but the staff gave me guidance on how to do everything step by step. I also planned my own weekend trips around Sichuan province, which was a great way to practice my Mandarin outside of class.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Be proactive in speaking Chinese from day one! It’s easy to rely on English or translation apps, but challenging yourself to speak Mandarin as much as possible will accelerate your progress. Also, embrace Chengdu’s unique culture like going out to try Sichuan food, visit the tea houses, and don’t be afraid to chat with locals. Lastly, I wish I had brought a VPN before arriving because many apps and websites I needed were blocked in China.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
A typical weekday would start with intensive Chinese classes in the morning, focusing on grammar, pronunciation, and conversation. Afternoons were flexible, I either joined cultural activities like tea ceremonies or calligraphy, studied at a local café, or explored the city. Evenings were spent practicing Chinese at language exchange meetups or grabbing hotpot with friends. On weekends, I’d take short trips to places like Leshan Buddha or Qingcheng Mountain. The balance between structured learning and cultural exploration made my experience truly immersive.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to communicate effectively, especially since my Mandarin was very basic when I arrived. At first, it was intimidating trying to order food or ask for directions, but I quickly realized that people were incredibly patient and willing to help. The key was consistently using what I learned in class and not being afraid of making mistakes. Over time, I became more confident, and by the end of the program, I could hold full conversations with locals—something I never thought would be possible in just a few months!
What was the most memorable part of your experience in Chengdu?
Without a doubt, joining the cultural events organized by XMandarin. One of my favorite memories was going to Panda Valley and learning about China’s conservation efforts while practicing Mandarin with my classmates. Another highlight was our Sichuan Opera night, where we watched the famous Bian Lian (face-changing) performance!