What countries does Hutong School offer programs in?

Hutong School offers programs in China, as well as online.

Is Hutong School reputable?

Based on 131 verified Go Overseas community reviews, Hutong School averages 4.7 out of 5. Reviewers most often cite supportive and helpful staff, internship and work experience, chinese language classes. Read reviews to learn more.

Hutong School

Why choose Hutong School?

Join Hutong School to study, intern or volunteer in China. Founded in 2005 in the Hutongs of Beijing, Hutong School has over 10 years of teaching experience. We now have locations in Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Qingdao, Chongqing and Zhengzhou. All our programs are focused on full immersion in the Chinese culture. We offer weekly activities for our students to experience the Chinese culture. Meet the Middle Kingdom firsthand while making friends from all over the world.

Founded

2005

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Frequently asked questions

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Reviews

Learning a language whatever your motivation, the enthusiasm you have, the time you have is a decision that requires commitment, humility and work, without forgetting consistency. It is above all daring, daring to make mistakes, repeat over and over again and admit that you will constantly forget what you have just learned.
I have long sought an environment and skills conducive to learning Chinese. It is an extraordinary language that deserves extraordinary talents to distil all its substance ...
I found him at the Hutong school ... With a patient, didactic, professional and above all attentive teacher while keeping the course of pleasure in learning the language. She worked on how to keep my motivation intact and even better, she strengthened it. For that alone, I recommend this site ..
The site is clear and interactive, I can revise my course the new words my grammar whenever I want. to. For the price, Compared to the benefit that I have from it, to the culture that I discover, to the professionalism of the teacher. This website is a real value for the price.

I have had Chinese lessons online before that were very repetitive and focusing almost only on learning characters & reading Chinese. I liked it therefore a lot that right from the start Hutong Schools' staff offered me a free level test: they really care about the student's needs. During the test not only my level of Chinese was evaluated but I could also mention my preferences for my classes and was advised a teacher, Solar, whos teaching style I found very suitable for my needs and goals. We largly talked a lot about the topics I was sincerely interested in, while at the same time I learned all kinds of new vocabulayr and Grammar structures. After class the online learning platform enables you to see the class notes, which I found very useful and easy to review this way.

What was your funniest moment?

I think when I mixed up the words for Birds nest and Bird Egg in class.
Birds nest is a name for the Olympic stadium in Beijing that I visited in 2014. Solar, who lives in Shanghai, really tried so hard to find out what I was talking about but of course did not uderstand what I meant: "A birds egg you found to have an amazing design and that you would love to visit again?" It was quite funny to realize my mistake with her.

So convenient !

I like all the teachers I had lesson with so far. They are all very professional and know how to teach me . amazing!

This is a very cool experience from booking a lesson to having the lesson in the platform directly, other than that, I can always focus on talking in class, because the notes is done by the platform and reported me after my lesson, super super cool.

It makes the reviewing very easy , I have all my lesson review in my dashboard, I check it with my phone on my way to work.

Studying on the Hutong School webapp has been a really rewarding and fun experience so far. The teachers were very engaging and the content was relevant for my level. Thanks to this school I have succeeded in taking my Chinese a couple of levels up. I'm currently still studying on the app, but I look forward to China's borders opening, and hopefully studying on site for some time, since according to some reviews I've seen, their on site learning facilities seem to be top quality too. Anyway, I can highly recommend Hutong School's webapp for anyone wanting to boost their Chinese!

It’s really easy to meet other people who you’re able to communicate with and the staff are all extremely supportive and friendly. The welcome parties at the start of the months are the most enjoyable but other tourist activities and group activities are also an amazing opportunity. There’s not many opportunities to meet natives within Hutong aside from staff but by exploring by yourself or with friends allows this opportunity anyway. The flats were in very convenient areas close to public transport, the school and other places like shopping centres and clubs. The school really sets you up well to ensure that you have people you can turn to when you need help, and that you’re pretty much independent. It was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had ;)

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Seeing the ‘Beijing Bikini’ was a bit of a cultural shock, and was by far the most surprising aspect I saw

Candied fruit kebabs and sugar twisted into shapes

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I was looking to improve upon my Chinese (Mandarin) language ability and I came across the Hutong School website. I reached out to see if I would be a good fit for them and if they would be a good for me. I reasoned that, if I would go to China, my Chinese would infinitely improve and I would be able to experience the competitiveness and emerging Chinese market, the country's culture and its history; all of which was highlighted in the Hutong School's Intensive Language program.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What didn't they help me with? My consultant was well versed in what was required in regards to documents, travel visa applications, and the proper procedure that was needed to make my trip possible. I only had to get my personal affairs in order (money, flights, communication, etc.) and maintain accountability to meet deadlines.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

My advice would to be open-minded and don't let fear or comfort prevent you from taking opportunities such as this. International traveling requires that you be open to new challenges and be able to meet them with understanding and compassion. Physically going to a different country and experiencing a culture distinctly different from your own provides you with a new perspective and improves your adaptability to things unfamiliar, which allows you to grow in ways you would never have thought of before.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The Hutong School staff will offer an initial assessment of your learning goals, strengths and weaknesses in the Chinese language - this will tell them what information they need to determine what is the best program for you. You may opt for a 1-on-1 personalized instructor if you prefer or you would be placed in a small classroom with students that are comparable to your current level. Your classes will include all language basics (speech, writing, reading).

Before or after classes, depending on your availability, you have free rein to explore the city and visit any number of attractions or simply hangout with friends or study. Depending on your instructor, you can expect exams and casual conversations to determine your progression.

Every week the school will have cultural activities that range from cooking and eating exotic Chinese cuisines, traveling to famous markets or landmarks, or welcome parties for the new students.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was initially hesitant to make such a dramatic move as this would be the farthest I have ever traveled, going to a place vastly different from where I am from and for the longest time away from everything that was familiar to me, and I was doing all of this by myself. After the weeks of correspondence, I had enough confidence in myself and trusted the school implicitly that this was going to be an opportunity I would not want to pass up.

Being active with the school and making the qualitative friendships I did while I was there helped deal with homesickness or feelings of insecurity.

Do you have any last words for any future Hutong School participants?

The effort you put into this experience is what you will get out of it. There is an obvious impact China has on today's markets and will continue to have in the future, be it business or technology or other sectors, and having the experience of living in China and learning Chinese is a great advantage to anyone even remotely interested. By investing in this experience, you are investing in yourself and your future, so it would be in your best interest to work hard and take advantage of this opportunity as best as you can.

Hutong School provided me with the highest quality education and gave me a chance to be with people from around the world who shared the same interests and passions I had. The classmates and staff members I was with on a daily basis were the most impressive, talented, and kindest people I have ever met and I still regularly keep in touch with. The school works incredibly hard to help your experience work as best as possible so you owe it to yourself to make that same commitment.

Hermine Durand

2017 Alum

Patrick Geyer

2015 Alum

Nikai Collignon

2014 Alum

Cecilie Kock

Quentin Collette

2013 Alum

Ryan Bickmore

Nicolò Fiorucci

Niels Gevers

Inneke Sitters

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Although it's a little typical, nothing can beat seeing The Great Wall for the first time!

On a summer's day with some other students, we hiked a long to a section where there were no other tourists, just us and this magnificent silence. This rare occasion of silence, accompanied with the breathtaking view of the Wall snaking over the hills was a moment I will never forget.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

During my time at Hutong School I have had the pleasure of meeting many different students from all parts of the world. This has led me to develop a deeper understanding of cultural communication, while teaching me many things about my own culture.

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If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Fortunately we are very flexible here at Hutong School. If I were lucky enough to have the chance, I would first enroll in a 3-month Intensive Chinese Program to develop my Chinese language skills.

Immediately after I would enroll in an Internship Program to test what I have learned and strengthen my professional profile so that I would stand the best chance of finding a job in this ever more competitive job market.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The Hutong School team is one that can cater to the many needs that our students have. With a multilingual team who are ready to face any challenges that face them, we provide the best customer service that we can.

Once you arrive, we have a team on 24 hours a day to solve any problems that may arise.