Silk Mandarin Language School

Program Reviews

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Jerene
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Silk Mandarin is really great!

I am pretty much what you would call a hopeless case when it comes to learning new languages, but SilkMandarin has challenged that notion. Their methodology and classes are distinctive from any other centres I've attended - structured, easy to follow, and fun. I find it quite easy to retain a lot of Mandarin words, something that I used to struggle with all the time prior, due to their unique but effective style of teaching. The staff are friendly and helpful, and Evelyn is an amazing teacher whose classes are fun and engaging, with a perfect balance of challenge and encouragement.

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Nate
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

5 stars for Silk Mandarin & Jane Wu laoshi

I’d recommend Silk Mandarin and Jane Wu laoshi to anyone interested in raising their Chinese level. Their units are structured well and focus on learning relevant information to living and communicating in China. Jane laoshi provides clear and direct feedback in the classroom, allowing you to walk out of class each time feeling like you are better with Chinese than when you entered. This Chinese language school offers great teachers, fun activities, and interactive lessons. It’s a welcoming place to learn and improve your skills.

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Katrina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Part-time study for professional in Suzhou

I spent a lot of time visiting different language schools and taking a test lesson before making my decision. I admit that from looking at schools online, they all seemed the same and I felt like doing a test lesson was maybe a waste of time. But I was very wrong. I was surprised and amazed how different the 4 schools in Suzhou were structured, priced, and how they taught. I was so glad I took trial lessons. In the end, while Silk Mandarin was a little more expensive than other schools, the quality of their teachers, engagement of their staff, and offerings of cultural experiences outside of the classroom really won me over. I am 3 months into lessons now, and I am still so glad that I picked Silk Mandarin for my language school. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a language program.

Pros
  • Professional
  • Prioritizes students
  • Aimed at adults
Cons
  • Price (most expensive of the schools I reviewed, but also most value, we just always like cheaper)
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Nieke
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fun and Engagin Way to Learn Mandarin!

Before joining Silk Mandarin I was learning Mandarin mostly through apps like Duolingo, as well as through daily conversations with Chinese-speaking people in my environment. Although my vocabulary progressed quite well this way, I noticed that in certain areas my grammar was still lacking.

I then found Silk Mandarin and took a trial lesson with teacher Sisi. I instantly found the teaching method very helpful and decided to start my Mandarin learning journey here. I began taking lessons with teacher Spencer (private one-to-one in-person course, 10-lesson Blended Learning), who is an extremely patient and motivating teacher.

Throughout the experience, I have noticed that the lessons have given me both the confidence and the ability to engage in daily conversations with whoever I meet. I am very satisfied with this experience, and will continue my Mandarin learning journey. I would gladly recommend Silk Mandarin to anyone looking to improve their Chinese language skills in a fun and engaging way!

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Birgit
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Joyful, interactive learning

Catherine is a really outstanding teacher. I see how she thoughtfully prepares every session, expanding the topics with meaningful and highly actual examples. It seems like she always brings up the exact saying or expression I need to know. What I learned is highly applicable. She also holds me accountable and I enjoy the homework. What I like most is that we can have very interesting, sometimes philosophical conversations, with her all the while keeping her eyes on my learning. I appreciate that she corrects me, even in the heaviest discussion.

What was your funniest moment?
we joke a lot together
Pros
  • fully customized
Cons
  • I would write that sometimes I like to be challenged more, but I know that this does not depend on my teacher, but on my better preparation and memorizing. When I will do that (hopefully), the level will increase
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Jenni
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent study and cultural opportunities

I studied HSK2 and 3 with Silk Mandarin online from the US, then came to Shanghai in person for HSK4. I am currently taking HSK5 with them in Shanghai. They are a really great school, and my language skills have improved tremendously. I studied Mandarin previously at an American university and found that Silk's methods of teaching grammar are far better. The teachers are all really nice and encouraging. This is so helpful for a language course, as I can practice speaking without being afraid to make mistakes. The school also prepares students really well for taking the official HSK exams; I just passed HSK4 on my first try.

In addition, the experience abroad itself has been amazing. Silk set up housing for me, helped me get a Chinese visa and even picked me up at the airport. They've offered many fun cultural opportunities to meet with students from other language classes, including mahjong lessons, karaoke, and trips to hotpot restaurants.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
The HSK4 intensive course pacing was a little too fast for me, so I had some trouble keeping up. However, I talked to Silk Mandarin about it, and they adjusted everything to better suit me for the HSK5 course.
Pros
  • Encouraging educational atmosphere
  • Fun cultural activities
  • Helpful staff and teachers
Cons
  • Housing - my apartment has a lot of construction nearby and it's very loud. But the school offered to help me move if the apartment was too bothersome.
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Patrick
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

100 units of 1:1 online class of HSK1

Most importantly for me, having a motivating and friendly teacher - Qíying did a great job.

Besides that, I like the learning platform and materials provided. Support for homework is always provided by my private group chat with the institute. The slow motion technique helped me a lot to understand sentence structures.

Overall I can recommend Silk Mandarin to anyone who's looking to start their Chinese language journey. I'd choose it again - also to continue one day on my language skills.

What was your funniest moment?
Overall every class with teacher Qíying was fun!
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Carolina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Well organised curriculum and supportive staff

I have tried two Chinese learning schools and subscribed to 3 chinese apps before Silk Mandarin. My Mandarin skills I say did not improve significantly. Although I am still a long way from being fluent in Mandarin (because it is really a difficult language to learn), I must say that my knowledge has expanded through Silk Mandarin. The organized curriculum of Silk Mandarin suited me well. The videos and materials available prior to each online class helped me to focus more on my Mandarin learning. The online classes were so engaging and interesting. Teacher Qiying is a good teacher. She is patient and very supportive. Even the staff are very accommodating. I intend to continue my learning with Silk Mandarin until I become fluent in Mandarin.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would be more confident and go easy on myself.
Pros
  • Good curriculum
  • Kind and helpful staff
  • Good teacher
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Valerie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Silk Mandarin is the best school to learn Chinese

I began my Chinese language learning journey in 2019 at Silk Mandarin in Shanghai and was initially impressed by the school’s professionalism. When I had to leave China due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Silk Mandarin offered me the flexibility to continue my studies either online or by returning to the school later.

Even though I’m now based in London, I was able to complete my course in a month, thanks to their thoughtful approach and dedication. The combination of expert teachers, flexible scheduling, and personalized lessons made my Chinese learning journey both efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re learning in Shanghai or studying remotely, I would highly recommend Silk Mandarin for anyone looking to learn Chinese in a fun, interactive, and professional environment.

A big thank you to Amy, Joyce, Christina老师, Hannah老师, Spencer老师, Evelyn老师, and all the other teachers who made this experience so memorable! ❤️

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Valentina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience!

Our teacher is awesome. Yanqin is professional and very supportive. I’ve always been, and still am, struggling with Chinese grammar, but now it starts to look like I’m getting there. Can recommend this school wholeheartedly.

Almost completed my HSK2, and so far everything is great. It’s only two of us in the class, so we get enough time to practice and ask questions.
Before the class, we’re assigned to preview the upcoming lesson, so that we don’t spend too much time learning the new vocabulary and structures during the class, and I find it very efficient.

We also have review lessons to consolidate the target language and grammar.

Pros
  • Great teacher
  • Reasonable price
  • Number of students in class
Cons
  • None so far