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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 Chengdu, 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.
HSK preparation courses available. Visa assistance provided.
They also provide Chinese Summer and Winter Camps for teens aged 10-17 years old.

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

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

Absolutely enjoying

Desde mi perspectiva fue una experiencia memorable ya que la metodologia de las clases fueron didacticas y divertidad, se disfruta el proceso del aprendizaje ya que los profesores explican de una manera sencilla de entender, dispuesto a corregir y a ayudarte a mejorar, eso hace que el aprendizaje sea mas rapido. De igual manera es divertido que tus classmates tengan edades similares y asi se puede hacer amistades a lo largo del curso. Las instalaciones estan muy bien, limpias, modernas y comodas. Es acogedor el ambiente y me encanta de que hayan bebidad de cortesia para las clases. De igual manera, todo esta muy limpio. El proceso de la inscripcion tambien fue rapido y eficaz. Elegi este curso por la busqueda personal en linea y me convencio mas de inscribirme aqui ya que cuando entre a la red social instagram, habia informacion relevante e interesante que ayudo en inscribirme. Definitivamente recomendaria a mis amigos y a otras personas vivir de esta experiencia, incluso volveria a inscribirme nuevamente. Los profesores de igual manera son bien jovenes, amables y amigables, eso hace que quiera seguir viniendo a clases. Gracias!

English Version:

From my perspective it was a memorable experience since the methodology of the classes was educational and fun, the learning process is enjoyable since the teachers explained in a way that is easy to understand, and willing to correct, and help you improve, which makes learning faster. Likewise, it is fun if your classmates are of similar ages and so you can make friends throughout the course. The facilities are very good, clean, modern and comfortable. The atmosphere is cozy and I love that they have complimentary drinks for classes. Likewise, everything is very clean. The registration process was also quick and efficient. I chose this course due to a personal online search and it convinced me to enroll here since when I entered the social network Instagram, there was relevant and interesting information that helped me enroll. I would definitely recommend this experience to my friends and other people, I would even sign up again. The teachers are also very young, kind, and friendly, which makes me want to keep coming to classes. Thank you!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Venir con las ganas de aprender, disfrutar y hacer amigos. Es divertido y una experiencia unica. No necesitas tener un nivel de mandarin alto para asistir a clases ya prendes rapido.
Default avatar
LUBUK
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good teacher

I like the class and it's very comfortable and the teacher is very fun. I like to study in That's Mandarin I would like to invite my friend to learn Chinese in That's Mandarin and I would love to learn more Chinese language. The teachers are very helpful with my Chinese studies and can answer all of my questions. Their English is impeccable which eases the learning process. The classrooms are spacious and well-lit improving the learning experience. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn Chinese.

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

Excellent course!

I had a great time studying at That's Mandarin Language School. The classes are small so everyone has plenty of time to speak and practice. The class content is very useful and I like using the textbook and videos to study. The teachers are patient and we move through the content at a good pace. Every two weeks we go to nearby shops to practice using what we have learned, and this has helped me feel confident when using Mandarin outside of the classroom. I would recommend this school to anyone looking to study Mandarin in Shanghai.

Default avatar
Young Joong
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Super Fun Class, Total Immersion

The class is very fun despite being 3.5 hours the time flies and you end up learning a lot just from being constantly immersed. You don't learn the way they might teach you in a traditional school, so you actually get to be exposed to a lot of actual Chinese language as far as listening comprehension. You are given a lot of opportunity to speak out loud as well in a safe environment, without the pressure of exams, etc. There is a lot of content that you go through in a short period of time but given that all the material is online, with easy learning tools in the nihaocafe website, it's quite easy to go back and review yourself.

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

Absolutely enjoying

The structure is very solid for beginners like me and the content of teaching is extremely practical for everyday use in China as a foreigner. Also I enjoy meeting and communicating new people though the classes as classmates and staff here. I really appreciate the learning support for the newly moved foreigners to understand better in terms of culture and language. Lastly, working adults, the school offers flexible schedule as well which is a huge plus. Thank you and looking forward to start the next term of learning at That's Mandarin.

Programs

Displaying 1 - 9 of 9

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.