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That's Mandarin Chinese Language School

Why choose That's Mandarin Chinese Language School?

Founded in 2005, That’s Mandarin has been delivering excellence in Chinese teaching for over 17 years to more than 100,000 students of different nationalities. They are dedicated to helping students to learn Chinese in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Milan, as well as anywhere in the world via online courses — with their in-house Chinese learning platform NihaoCafe.

The school provides Intensive Group, Part-time Group, and 1-on-1 Private classes for adults, as well as Summer and Winter camps for kids & teens. HSK preparation courses available. Visa assistance provided.

Their web platform, NihaoCafe, is a hub for managing class membership as well as reviewing digital class notes and content.

They've developed their own innovative teaching methods, such as Chinese Link Words and storytelling techniques, to help students learn faster and better.

Reviews

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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.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

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

Chandni Patel

As an Indian girl raised in England, who spent the first 5 years of her life in Kenya, Chandni recently decided that it just didn't quite do it for her - there's still so much of the world to see! She is now living in Beijing, China studying an International Law Masters Degree and loving it! Along with her studies, she likes to pass her time learning Mandarin, painting and bellydancing.

Why did you pick this program?

I chose to move to China to immerse myself in a completely alien culture. I love the idea that in 10 years time I might be somewhere I never imagined. It's not about doing what you always dreamed of, is about doing something you could never have dreamed of.

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

It really depends on the person, actually. Traveling for a long period really suits some people and not others. I think it's a matter of why you are going. I mainly came to experience China; studying was secondary to it all. I think if it's the other way around - you go abroad for reason A, and changing countries is just secondary to that aim - it will be a totally different experience!

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

I would tell them to expect differences. Obviously there are differences in culture, food, and language when you move abroad; but I have been rather surprised at just how different studying a degree can be! Not only between the UK and China, but also talking to other international students and learning about their education systems.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

My favorite story is probably my first day in China. I moved here with my boyfriend, who wanted to teach English in Beijing. His recruiting agency picked us up from the airport on an incredibly warm day towards the end of August. We were sitting in a taxi with the Chinese radio on, accompanied by a taxi driver who could not speak any English and all our belongings (weighing precisely 20kg due to plane weight restrictions). The taxi stopped after 35 minutes or so and the recruiter jumped out, telling us he had to go somewhere but that the taxi driver knew where to take us. We said goodbye and continued our journey. Suddenly the taxi stopped by a bunch of buildings with signs all in Chinese, opposite something that resembled a park. He told us to wait there (it took a while to understand him owing to my rusty Chinese). So we paid him, and sat on a bench in the middle of nowhere with all of our belongings and no working phone, waiting for someone we didn't know. It all turned out perfectly fine...China style. But looking back we were surprisingly calm about the whole thing! We just sat on the bench happily, thinking wow, we are in China! What next?

Chandni's thoughts on what to know before making a big move:

In China there still aren't a whole lot of foreigners or even tourists - not like Thailand. It means that a lot of people only speak Chinese and stare at you...a lot! But they are generally stares of intrigue, and it can be quite refreshing to go somewhere where people genuinely want to know about you and where you come from. Even if you are going somewhere that you know should have a lot of people who can speak and understand your native language, it never hurts to be able to speak some of the country's language that you are going to be living in for a while! It's also always good to know routine things like where your embassy is and emergency service numbers. One last thing - don't let the idea of being homesick hold you back - it's so easy these days to communicate with those you love, wherever they are!

Staff Interviews

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

Priscilla Hong

Job Title
Marketing Assistant
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Tell us about yourself, Priscilla.

I was born in Shanghai, China and studied Education and Marketing at college. My passion for Chinese culture and language brought me to That’s Mandarin, where I now work as a Marketing Assistant.

What is your favorite travel memory?

I will never forget my trip to Yunnan Province. The people there were so warm and friendly, and everyone will be impressed by its dramatic landscape and breathtaking views.

Yunnan literally means the “south of the clouds.” As I arrived, it appeared to me -- the blue sky, great peaks, deep blue Erhai Lake, and shining green forests of the Cangshan range.

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

Working for That's Mandarin is one of the best things that happened to me. Joining That’s Mandarin finally gave me the chance to work in something that I really love. It’s a place where students and the staff both keep learning and helping us to become a better provider. I have learned to be a better listener and observer.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

After That’s Mandarin Shanghai Summer Camp, I was having an interview with one of our students’ parents. I asked: “Do you have any suggestions for That’s Mandarin so that we can improve in the future?”

She replied shortly: “Come to the States!” Afterwards, she shared: “Every time my son comes back, he returns with all these different stories. He's learned Mandarin, learned Chinese culture and made friends from different countries.”

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

I would do the Online Chinese Program! It’s so convenient that I just need to simply book a class and use the app to study on my own anytime, anywhere. Lessons are conducted live online and I am able to immerse myself completely in class with the same teaching methods used at school.

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

We care about students in class and out of class. They are not just our clients, they are our friends who trust us. Regarding the Chinese classes, we patiently listen to students’ needs and goals and really work to tailor the programs to match them. We share whatever we know, grammar, characters, culture, and customs. When they have other concerns, as friends, we sincerely help them out.