Bildungsurlaub in Shanghai: a two‑week Mandarin course, fully self‑funded for personal growth.
I’m a beginner (only a few months with an app). Both weeks included 2 hours daily of 1‑on‑1—very personal and tailored; I learned a lot with Anne—and 4 hours of small‑group classes (week 1: 4 students; week 2: 3) with Ray and Winnie. We followed the textbook but deviated smartly when it helped, for example with tenses and practical dialogues. I realized my big Hanzi gap and the need to catch up, so I took many fundamentals to review at home.
The atmosphere was warm and close‑knit—breaks felt familial, with friendly chats among students from other small classes.
My accommodation was uniquely charming and just three metro stops from the school, which made daily study convenient and comfortable.
Overall, the mix of tailored 1‑on‑1 guidance and intimate group sessions delivered steady progress and confidence in everyday situations.
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
We joined a “language safari” to Longhua Temple and learned a ton just on the metro and along the way—reading signs,
asking for directions, and handling tickets. We didn’t meet Qinqin’s group in the end, but the journey itself became the lesson.
No extra prep or follow-up study, and no chats with staff—just real, in-transit practice.
Anne was patient and supportive throughout, which made it both fun and surprisingly effective.