That's Mandarin Chinese Language School

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.

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?

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!

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.

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.”

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.

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.