Silk Mandarin Language School

Program Reviews

Ivonne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Strong foundation and dedicated team

The school has admirable organization: everything is very well structured, and you can see the work of a committed team that is always willing to answer any questions with kindness and efficiency. That is something I truly appreciate.

The study materials, especially the video lessons, are of excellent quality. They are professional, clear, and very helpful for reinforcing each lesson. The program as a whole is well systematized and feels thoughtfully designed to help students progress at a good pace.

From my personal experience, I did feel that the method can be a bit intensive, as the course moves through one lesson per class and most of the reviewing depends on the student. Although there are practice activities, they often focus on completing exercises rather than revisiting explanations in depth. I believe the program could be even more enriching if each lesson included two classes: one to learn the content and another to reinforce it together with the teacher. I'm sure this would help clarify those small doubts that sometimes remain, even when studying on your own.

Overall, it is a very good program, with solid foundations and a team that truly cares about their students’ learning. My experience has been positive, and I am grateful for the effort and the human warmth they show in every class.

Gamze
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thanks to Silk Mandarin

I have been taking classes at Silk Mandarin and I am extremely satisfied. My teacher is fantastic—she is not only knowledgeable but also incredibly patient and encouraging, which makes every lesson enjoyable. What truly sets Silk Mandarin apart is their well-structured platform and adult-learning-focused methodology. They understand exactly how adults learn a language effectively, breaking down complex concepts into manageable parts. The materials are practical, engaging, and tailored to real-life situations. I highly recommend Silk Mandarin to any serious learner looking for a systematic and supportive environment to master Chinese.

Daria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fast way to learn chinese

The course is well-organized and focuses on daily topics. I think the course is the most suitable for people who need Chinese for practical reasons (work, living in China). I also like that sometimes teachers add cultural notes (e.g. if you use this word is more casual, this one sounds a bit rude here etc). Finally, other students are interesting, so the class becomes a nice socialisation spot as well. After a class I asked our teacher for some recommendations and she gave me good ones. Certainly recommend.

What would you improve about this program?
I would make a 2-3 classes course for people who want to solidify knowledge after a course (practice)
Pros
  • Good quality
  • Flexible
Cons
  • One location for classes in Shanghai
Max
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Really happy with Christina’s lessons

I’ve been taking Mandarin lessons with Christina as a beginner, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! From the very first lesson, Christina’s teaching style has proven to be incredibly positive and encouraging, which makes learning a new language feel enjoyable and accessible. As someone who had little prior experience with Mandarin, I was initially intimidated by the complexity of the language. However, Christina’s warm demeanor and supportive approach quickly put me at ease.

One of the standout qualities of Christina’s teaching is her ability to explain concepts thoroughly. She takes the time to break down each lesson into manageable parts, ensuring that I truly understand the material before moving on. This approach has been instrumental in my learning journey. I never feel rushed or overwhelmed. Instead, Christina checks in regularly to gauge my understanding and encourages me to ask questions whenever I need clarification. Her patience and dedication to her students are obvious in every lesson, and this has made a significant difference in my confidence as I move on to new topics.

Christina also employs a variety of teaching methods to keep the lessons engaging and interactive. We often incorporate games, role-playing scenarios and conversation practice, which not only reinforce what I’m learning but also make the process fun. For instance, we sometimes play out real life scenarios (ordering food, travel, talking in a bar). This interactive approach not only solidifies my understanding but also makes each lesson something I look forward to.

Moreover, Christina has a knack for personalising her lessons to fit my learning pace and style. She takes the time to understand my strengths and areas where I need more practice, adjusting her teaching techniques accordingly. This tailored approach has been incredibly beneficial, as it allows me to progress steadily without feeling overwhelmed. Christina’s ability to adapt to my needs has created a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and confidence.

Another aspect I appreciate about Christina is her willingness to share cultural insights related to the language. In addition to teaching vocabulary and grammar, she often discusses traditions, customs and everyday life in different parts of China. This cultural context enriches my learning experience and helps me appreciate the language on a deeper level. It’s fascinating to learn about the nuances of Mandarin in relation to the culture and it motivates me to want to learn more.

The atmosphere in Christina’s classes is always warm and welcoming. She creates a space where I feel comfortable making mistakes and learning from them. This supportive environment has been crucial in helping me overcome my fear of speaking a new language. Christina’s encouragement allows me to practice my speaking skills without the anxiety that often accompanies language learning.

Lastly, Christina regularly tracks my progress and provides constructive feedback. This not only helps me stay motivated but also ensures that I’m continually challenged yet never overwhelmed. I appreciate her ability to recognise when I’m ready to move on to more complex topics while still reinforcing foundational skills.

All in all, I highly recommend Christina to anyone looking to learn Mandarin. Her positive teaching style, personalised approach and dedication to her students create an exceptional learning experience. I feel incredibly fortunate to have her as my instructor, and I am excited to continue my journey in learning Mandarin with her guidance!

Hillary
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An outstanding event

This camp was simply amazing. Every staff member went above and beyond to care for the students; caring for their dietary needs, staying up extremely late to help out any students that require it, and always being attentive to any concerns, or conflicts the students may have. Furthermore, this camp was a deeply nourishing experience educationally, as the camp teaches you a lot of material in a very short amount of time—from culture to language, from speech to history. The only cons I could possibly think of is the fact that the food in the cafeteria might be difficult to eat for some people, and that the schedule, along with the homework, can get quite overwhelming.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I had the beautiful opportunity to room with a wonderful girl from Costa Rica. During the trip, we created a close bond between us that still lasts today. In one of the nights, the girl did not want to eat food from the cafeteria, and so did I. So, she cracked a can full of bean paste, I opened a bag of lotus chips, and we ate the two together. It was definitely a strange taste, but what mattered was how nice the moment felt.
Pros
  • Educational
  • Caring staff
  • Clean, and nice dorms.
Cons
  • Overly-busy
  • Food can get boring.
Florian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Further language improvement

My goal was to further improve my language skills to make my everyday life easier. So I tried out various language courses, but I was only satisfied with Silk Mandarin, which a friend had recommended to me.

The easy navigation of ClassIn, combined with the comprehensive learning materials such as videos, worksheets, etc., made the learning easier for me.

The events which were well organized also helped to meet other learners.

Noteworthy in particular were my teacher - always positive, professional and motivating, so I wasn't afraid of mistakes.

I can recommend Silk Mandarin to anyone for learning Chinese.

Eva
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Online 1:1 classes @Silkmandarin

I’ve been taking online 1:1 classes with Silk Mandarin for half a year now, and I’ve been really happy with the experience! I appreciate the blended learning approach: studying grammar and vocabulary through well-designed online materials, using the lessons to practise, and then reviewing on my own.

My teacher, Yanqin, manages to make the classes both fun and truly insightful. She always finds creative ways to practise and revisit what I’ve learned in previous lessons, and is both patient and motivating. The stories she shares about characters and words also help me remember them better and make connections I wouldn’t notice on my own. Highly recommended!

Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great language lessons with Christina

We really enjoy our weekly lessons with Christina. The lessons are always well planned and very engaging. Cannot recommend her enough! ⭐️

Berkay
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Reveal The Chinese Inside of You

Before having course from Silk Mandarin, I was just visiting different YouTube videos to catch some logic to learn Chinese.

Although it is great to learn lots of information, I couldn't learn and embrace to logic just memorizing for a few days.

Having a fear of talking to people made me order almost everyday. After I encouraged by the knowledge which I got from courses, I started daring go out and trying to make some sentences and saying the names of vegetables, fruits all in Chinese.

Therefore I started cooking at home with all those things. :) I was very lucky to find Silk Mandarin as my guide on the way of learning Chinese.

They really had serious learning materials and skillful tutors to motivate you to become eager and enthusiastic to learn more. The things I learnt before courses were in mess in my mind, but Silk Mandarin helped me to put them in order and comprehend the structures, grammars and characters with tones. Especially, seeing the examples of Slow Motion Technique made everything a lot easier.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you are taking serious learning Chinese, do not have any hesitation. You will find here what you need.
Pros
  • Learning Materials
  • Teachers
  • Free classes
Cons
  • Nothing
  • Item 1
  • Item 2
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommended study path

Great professionalism, prepared and kind teachers, attention to the students about their skills and necessities. The teaching program is specific and unique, designed for the best learning. The school offers various activities, such as going outside, visiting the city, going out and walking, having lunch together, and breathing a family atmosphere. In the moments of study there is great seriousness, the student is encouraged on giving the best of his self in the study. The school offers very useful materials. For me really precious are the Magical Talking cards.

What was your funniest moment?
Experiences such as shared lunches are organised
Cons
  • Julia
  • Nina
  • Amy