Thumbnail

Omeida Chinese Academy

Why choose Omeida Chinese Academy?

Omeida Chinese Academy provides quality Chinese language tuition to students from all over the world. We are located in the beautiful town of Yangshuo, China where you can experience the Chinese culture and spend your free time exploring the rivers and mountains.

At Omeida, we offer Chinese language programs that meet the needs and goals of students at all levels while providing you with the flexibility to study when you choose. Whether you are joining us for an intensive spoken Chinese program, enjoying a one-on-one tailor made course, or working together with us in the volunteer program and take advantage of discounts, you will find that Omeida provides the perfect opportunity to be immersed in the Chinese language and culture. Moreover, you have the opportunity to study, eat, and hang out together with Chinese natives at our English school next door!

Founded
2001

Reviews

Default avatar
Bianca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Entre montanhas e rios: aprendendo a língua chinesa / Between mountains and rivers: learning the Chinese language

Fui para China porque queria aprender a língua chinesa imersa no cotidiano do povo chinês. Foi a melhor coisa que fiz. Estudei por 3 meses em Yang Shuo, um lugar rodeado por montanhas e rios, onde exala cultura por todos os poros. O verão tem cheiro de brisa e orvalho da manhã. Com verde em diferentes tons, o campo, as árvores, as flores, a terra e as montanhas e nós respiramos com mais leveza. No outono temos temperatura mais amenas e um pouco de chuva. Ao som da chuva e, em sintonia com ela, movimentamo-nos pelas ruas, para a escola. Com sua melodia suave, e às vezes, com sua batida forte, aprendemos essa língua milenar e misteriosa. A 欧美大, em YangShuo, é uma ótima escola que ensina a língua chinesa para estrangeiros. Aqui podemos aprender, além da língua chinesa, um pouco de como, esse povo milenar, vive. É uma experiência mágica e única. Há uma expressão que me encanta "慢慢。。。” então posso dizer...慢慢走慢慢爱。。。

English Version:
I went to China because I wanted to learn the Chinese language by being immersed in the daily lives of Chinese people. It was the best thing I did. I studied for 3 months in Yang Shuo, a place surrounded by mountains and rivers, where culture exudes from every pore. Summer smells like a breeze and morning dew. With green in different tones, the countryside, the trees, the flowers, the land, and the mountains we breathe more lightly. In autumn we have milder temperatures and a little rain. To the sound of the rain and in tune with it, we move through the streets, toward school. With its soft melody, and sometimes, its strong beat, we learn this ancient and mysterious language. 欧美大, Yangshuo, is a great school that teaches Chinese to foreigners. Here we can learn, in addition to the Chinese language, a little about how these ancient people lived. It is a magical and unique experience. There is an expression that enchants me "slowly"... so I can say... walk slowly, love slowly...

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Estudar na 欧美大 foi algo único, mágico e surpreendente. Um das situações que me marcou foi encontrar na sala de estudantes, em momento posterior ao horário de aula, em um dia da semana, uma apresentação de dança por um dançarino chinês. Encontrar em intervalos das aulas alguma manifestação cultural local. Cultura irradiando em todo tempo, por todos os poros.
Pros
  • Professores e instrutores: a escola tem uma equipe altamente qualificada, atenciosa, dinâmica.
  • Acomodação e alimentação: a escola oferece acomodação e alimentação a um valor muito acessível.
  • Imersão cultural: a equipe da escola organiza regularmente passeios, quize, jantares, apresentações, brincadeiras, aula cultural.
Cons
  • Não fui muito feliz com minhas parcerias de idioma. Poderia ter parceiros de idioma em que a intenção primeira seja ajudar o outro a aprender a língua chinesa.
  • Requer um alto nível de inglês.
Default avatar
Thierry
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing experience

I spent three weeks in training in Yangshuo which was an unforgettable adventure. First of all the team is truly incredible, always listening to the students and their expectations. I was in a class of three then two people which allowed everyone to participate and therefore rapid progress. Then many activities are offered outside of class. A visit to a tea plantation, a day of hiking along the Lijiang River, a gourmet meal, a visit to a minority village ... the atmosphere is really excellent and everyone can participate at their convenience. The accommodation is perfect, two minutes from the school. Before arriving I wondered about the environment but the school is in a very lively area with an incredible number of shops and restaurants. This residential area is close enough to the tourist area to be able to enjoy restaurants, bars, and other distractions in the evening. Yangshuo is ideal in my opinion. The city is large and lively enough while having retained its traditional side. It is also in the middle of a magnificent natural area where mountains and rivers offer a superb playground.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would certainly stay longer. Three weeks go by really quickly.
Cons
  • A good level in English is needed
Default avatar
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience in Yangshou

Yangshuo School Experience
My time at Yangshuo School was a memorable and enriching experience. Located in a picturesque setting surrounded by stunning karst mountains, the school offers a unique blend of education and cultural immersion.

Activities
The school hosts a variety of activities that cater to different interests. From language classes to outdoor adventures like hiking, rock climbing, and cycling, there’s something for everyone. The cultural workshops, such as cooking classes and calligraphy, provided a deeper understanding of Chinese traditions and practices.

My experience was incredibly rewarding, filled with personal growth and cultural exploration. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking to immerse themselves in Chinese culture while making lasting connections.

Pros
  • Diverse Activities: The wide range of activities kept things exciting and allowed me to explore different aspects of Chinese culture.
  • Engaging Instructors: The teachers and guides were passionate and knowledgeable, making each session enjoyable and informative.
  • Networking Opportunities: Meeting like-minded peers from around the world enriched the experience and fostered lifelong friendships.
Default avatar
Linda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learn Mandarin with Omedia in beautiful Yangshuo

I am a British-born Chinese born in the UK but lived in Hong Kong so I can speak fluent English and Cantonese. I've been wanting to learn Mandarin in China as a lifelong ambition and so glad I chose Omedia. Right from day 1, I felt welcome, the culture of the school is througout all the staff, teachers and the students in a great village style community. They are all so friendly and welcoming that you are never alone and I've created so many fun memories. I also loved the language partner programme they offer where I can learn practical conversational Mandarin that's besoke to my needs, whilst in returns I teach my partner English. My Mandarin has improved greatly so I've decided to extend my original 2 weeks to a 4 weeks stay. I am sad to leave.

What would you improve about this program?
There are so so many places to eat which was a little overwhelming. You may wish to consider to create a digital 'Welcome Guide' for your international students where to eat and what to eat. A description of what the local cusine will be really helpful, for exaple what is oil tea lol. Plus local places to visit like chinese herbal hairwash and Romance park is literally 5 mins down the road but I had no idea!
Pros
  • Omedia's school's culture
  • In a safe environment to practice with local vendors, plus there will always be other students around to help if you are stuck
  • Yangshuo's beautiful scenary
Cons
  • A fridge in the room could be most helpful
Default avatar
Clara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Very good experience in Yangshuo

I spent 3 weeks in Yangshuo taking 3 lessons a day at Omeida. I totally recommend it, from the first moment Omeida makes things super easy for you when preparing your trip. They answer any possible questions you might have coming from the other side of the world to a small town in China. The environment is amazing, surrounded by the mountains. The teachers are really kind as well as all Omeida staff so you feel at home from the beginning when you arrive. The lessons were really practical, in small groups (We were 4 to 5 people) so I improved my speaking that was one of the main reasons for going to China.

What was your funniest moment?
I had a lot of fun moments there. Talking to elder people at the Yangshuo Park early in the morning trying to understand how to play cards with them or riding a electric scooter for the first time in the middle of a big crossroad in a traffic jam.
Pros
  • Really nice location, Yangshuo is beautiful and you don't need to go far to enjoy landscapes
  • Making friends from all over the world
  • Small groups for the lessons, you can practise a lot your speaking and ask questions to your teacher
Cons
  • Accommodation is very basic, but still convenient and really close to the school

Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

Alumni Interviews

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

Michael Schuss

I am an English as a 2nd language teacher and was working at Wuzhou University in Guangxi Province, China, when I signed up for a month of Chinese language training at Omeida during my spring break. I have also worked briefly in Spain and am currently teaching online for a company named Cambly.
Michael Schuss standing on steps

Why did you choose this program?

Yangshuo (Omeida) is about a 4-hour bus ride from where I was living in Wuzhou. Guilin/Yangshuo is a famous part of China, and I was looking forward to seeing the famous Karst hills there. Omeida is also competitively priced compared to some other Chinese language schools in China. Omeida offers a lot of extra-curricular activities such as spelunking, raft trips, and calligraphy.

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

I organized the whole trip on my own. I signed up for Omeida online. I asked one of my students to call Omeida, and they were very good about arranging for a taxi to pick me up at the bus drop-off in Yangshuo. Cecily met me at Omeida, and she was very helpful in getting me checked in and acculturated to life in Yangshuo.

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

If you ever get the opportunity to visit China, go for it! It is a wonderful country! I remember asking someone for directions, and this person actually walked with me to the building I was looking for. I particularly developed a taste for Luo Si Fen (Guilin noodles) when I was there. You can get them "wei la (not too spicy)" or "chao la (lots of spice)." Make sure you visit Xi Jie (West Street) in Yangshuo. It is an amazing place, and you can find some incredible bargains there.

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

I was on the half-day program, so I would study for 3 hours in the morning and then have lunch in the cafeteria. I would then go to Xi Jie or for a bike ride to Moon Hill or walk-in Yangshuo Park. The scenery is breathtaking! It's hard to believe that some of the Karst hill formations actually exist. Omeida also gave us a lot of extra-curricular activities, such as lessons on how to make Chinese dumplings and how to write some Chinese characters.

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

Well, I was very fortunate in that I was in China, working as an English teacher, so I always seemed to have native Chinese speakers helping me. My language partner at Omeida told me that, when she arrived in China, she was picked up at the airport by a bogus cab driver. He drove her around for a while and then demanded 100 yuan before he would take her back to the airport.

How much did your Chinese improve while you were in China?

I lived in China for five years, and I got to the point where I could buy a bus or train ticket, speak in Chinese, or order food in a restaurant, but as far as having a good conversation with a native Chinese speaker, I never got to that level. 6 of us from Omeida, climbed an old tower in Yangshuo Park, one morning to watch the sunrise. Wow!

Staff Interviews

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

Ieva Bukelskyte

Job Title
Marketing Manager
Ieva Bukelskyte comes from a tiny country called Lithuania and at the moment is working in Omeida Chinese Academy as a Marketing Manager. She is a child of nature who loves adventure and everything related with outdoors. She is very excited to be in Yangshuo as it is a perfect place for that, especially for rock-climbing and biking! Her duties at Omeida include welcoming students and making them feel at home as well as spreading the word about Omeida Chinese Academy to the rest of the world.
Thumbnail

What about the future of the industry? How do you think study abroad and international education will change over the next 10 years?

I believe there is a bright future for this industry! It’s becoming more and more popular to study abroad and it’s not a surprise as there are so many benefits of living and learning in another country. This experience expands our minds and in general positively changes lives of people.

When you study abroad everyday is a new adventure full of discoveries! I wish everyone could live and study in another country at least once in their lives, even for a short time and I am guaranteed- magic will happen.

What does the future hold for Omeida Chinese Academy - any exciting new programs to share?

The list of activities to do in Yangshuo is endless. Therefore we decided to combine learning Chinese language with Tai Chi practice or rock-climbing for example. We believe it will be a very fulfilling experience for our students: not only to learn Chinese but also develop and improve their skills of Tai Chi or rock-climbing.

For example, did you know that Yangshuo is fast becoming the rock climbing Mecca of Asia?

What was your favorite traveling experience?

It is very hard to choose one, as the list is endless. But one of the most favorite would be hitch-hiking to Morocco from Spain and meeting a local student in Tanger, who then invited us to visit and stay with his family in another town called Tetouen. We spent a night in his place and it was unbelievable.

His family opened not only their arms, but their hearts to us, strangers from another part of the world. We cooked food together, drank tea, shared stories with each other. His family trusted us; wanted to share everything they have, even though they did not have a lot themselves. They even gave us gifts! Moroccan hospitality at its best! World IS a beautiful place, let’s just not be afraid to embrace it.

What unique qualities does your company possess?

Omeida Chinese Academy is like a big family. There is this very warm and positive atmosphere around the school, everyone is smiley and happy, willing to help each other, share stories and laughs. Students tell me that they never feel alone here!

We (Chinese teachers and other staff) do many outdoor activities together with students. Last weekend for example we went camping to this huge cave that has a mind blowing view to the Limestone Mountains, we made a fire, sang songs and cooked food. Unforgettable memories for sure!