Silk Mandarin Language School

Program Reviews

Michele
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Silk Mandarin is an awesome place to learn Chinese

Silk Mandarin is an awesome place to learn Chinese! Their teaching style is quite effective, making it easy to pick up the language. The 1-on-1 classes are perfect if you’ve got a packed schedule, with flexible timings to fit professionals’ needs. On top of that, they organize fun events where you can meet other students and dive into Chinese culture. Whether you want to master Mandarin or just enjoy the culture, this school is a great choice! Especially recommend to professionals given the option of having 1-1 classes.

Carlos
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Course

I had a wonderful experience studying at Silk Mandarin in China. The atmosphere at the school is incredibly warm and welcoming, making it a great place to learn and grow. From the very beginning, I felt supported and motivated thanks to the friendly staff and excellent teachers.

One of the things I appreciated the most was how quickly I was able to improve my Chinese. The teaching methods at Silk Mandarin are very effective, and the instructors are not only knowledgeable but also truly passionate about helping students succeed. Their patience and encouragement made a big difference in my learning journey.

Layla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent for all languages levels

I have attend Mandarin HSK course at Silk Mandarin Suzhou for almost a year. I have taken both intensive and regular weekly courses. Both teachers I have had have been incredibly patient, demonstrated incredible knowledge of the language and language teaching skills. They have a set curriculum for all HSK levels, but are happy to go at your pace, and adjust their teaching for your needs. Also, I have needed to change my class schedule several times throughout the year, because of work, and they have been incredibly accommodating and understanding. 10/10 would recommend, whether you are a beginner or advanced!

Eduard
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Chinese classes

I have bin taking classes around 7 months and I’m still doing it. I like it even it is tough studying Chinese. It is very difficult for me to study a foreign language in a foreign language but I have a very patient teacher. To get familiar with al the grammar rules, they don’t have, is very hard. But I’m trying to not give up and to move on. Let’s see how far it will take me and what HSK level I can reach in the next few years as long as I stay in Shanghai. It is a lovely place but you need at least to know a few basic words.

Stephen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great school

Great school! The staff are very friendly and helpful, and my teacher Christina is great, she shares lots of interesting anecdotes about Chinese culture in class.

The school itself is in a very convenient location, it’s housed in one of the most famous buildings in Suzhou, and is right next to a metro station, so you can travel to it easily.

The course provides lots of extra study materials. There’s a whole set of preview and review materials for each section, such as videos and quizzes, so that really helps with the learning.

Antonio
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Before Joining Silk Mandarin

Before I joined Silk Mandarin, I had spent a lot of time studying Mandarin on my own. While I managed to pick up vocabulary and some basic grammar, there were always parts of the language that felt confusing or incomplete, and I struggled to apply what I’d learned in conversation. I knew I needed a more guided and immersive approach to really make progress.

Silk Mandarin provided exactly that. Their teaching methods helped fill in the gaps and complete my understanding of the language. My teacher, Yanqin, was fantastic — incredibly patient and skilled at explaining difficult concepts in a way that made them click. Thanks to her and the school’s supportive learning environment, I now feel much more confident and capable in my Mandarin journey.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't be nervous! Trust yourself, dive into the program and enjoy the journey
Pros
  • Slow Motion Technique
  • Teacher Yanqin
  • Video explanations
Marysol
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great learning experience.

It has been a great learning experience at Silk Mandarin. I chose this school through a friend that recommend it to me. It has been my first Chinese learning experience so far. They have a great staff that helps you all the way in your learning journey. The online platform is fantastic and easy to use. Complementary with the person to person sessions makes a really effective learning. The environment at the school is so friendly and the atmosphere around it is great. It was very challenging experience, because of the difficulty of the language. But at the end after studying and doing my part I think I finally was able to understand most of the grammar concepts.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make a real commitment as a student to learn at home in the online platform and your progress will be better.
Pros
  • Contact with people.
  • A great online platform
  • A well organised program
Cons
  • Some times y felt it was a lot of information for such a short period of time.
Mark
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommend Silk Mandarin in Suzhou

Can't pick a better place to immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture. Silk Mandarin has top notch Chinese language teachers and staff who will do their very best to make sure you have a great experience. I had private classes, and the school was very flexible with accommodating my learning style. The school is conveniently located in one of Suzhou's modern landmark buildings, with the beautiful old city at close distance too. It gives you the best of both worlds. Suzhou is a great place to practice after class.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Duck blood soup with 5 types of intestines. Pretty damn good. Also: pork's ear.
Pros
  • Great teachers and staff
  • Location is convenient
Jessie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teacher Jane is fantastic!

Teacher Jane is OUTSTANDING. I always had trouble learning Mandarin, and my parents tried to teach me growing up but I just couldn’t grasp it. I thought that being in China would help me pick it up, but even full immersion didn’t help much. After joining Silk Mandarin, my Chinese speaking and understanding level has improved more in the past two months, than it has in 25 years.

The teaching methodology and resources are easy to use and it really works. Each week I can put my learnings into practice. Jane’s classes are super fun too, and the time flies by. It is the perfect mix of fun and serious. Jane is personable, knowledgeable and experienced at teaching students from several cultures. Her teaching really brought my Chinese speaking to the next level.

Silk Mandarin also organises frequent optional short trips and activities for their students and staff to attend - they are great for meeting new people. Silk Mandarin’s students are diverse and they really cater to everyone. The teachers are all lovely and go above and beyond for their students!

I would absolutely recommend. It is worth every dollar!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
JUST DO IT! I was nervous and hesitant at first but it was the best decision. I wish I could stay longer!
Pros
  • Teachers
  • Other students
  • Learning
Marietou Inatou
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Exceptional Learning Experience at Silk Mandarin Thanks to Teacher Sisi, an Outstanding Teacher.

My experience at Silk Mandarin Language Training Institute has been truly exceptional, largely thanks to my teacher, Teacher Sisi.

Teacher Sisi has a rare talent for fully adapting to the needs of each of her students. She carefully adjusts her explanations to ensure that everyone, regardless of their level, can follow and truly understand. She shows great listening skills and empathy, always taking the time to hear her students' questions and difficulties, and responding with patience and clarity. What I particularly appreciate is that she never rushes through her lessons. She moves at a pace that matches the students' needs, making sure that everyone has properly understood before moving on.

The atmosphere she creates in class is also remarkable: positive, supportive, and full of energy. Teacher Sisi is funny, engaging, and knows how to make learning Chinese enjoyable and lively. In addition, she is highly professional and punctual, and she provides a wide variety of practical exercises to strengthen our understanding and consolidate what we have learned.

Thanks to her, learning Chinese is not just a linguistic challenge, but a joyful and motivational journey, making every class something to look forward to.

I would like to warmly thank the entire team at Silk Mandarin Language Training Institute for their dedication and the outstanding quality of their teaching. I sincerely recommend this school, and Teacher Sisi in particular, to anyone who wishes to learn Chinese in a serious, caring, and inspiring environment.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate sweet meat for the first time at a school dinner. I didn't like it too much, but the other dishes were very good and the dinner was pleasant.
Pros
  • Discover a new culture
  • Learn a new language
  • Personnel development
Cons
  • Difficulty of integration
  • The climate
  • Administration difficulty