I have attended Omeida on two separate occasions now for a combined total of nine weeks study, and both were magical experiences that fostered a rapid and dramatic improvement in Chinese.
The setting of course is beautiful and unique, as its reputation would suggest, and there is no need for me to add here to the already plentiful enconia to the natural splendor in and around Yangshuo. The school and its attendant dormitories are about a twenty to thirty minute walk from the noisier and somewhat tourist infested downtown area, and the environs are somewhat sleepy with beautiful views of the karst mountains in all directions.
The teaching and administrative staff are excellent - professional, friendly and accessible, and contribute to a warm and cheerful atmosphere.
Particularly advantageous are the small class sizes - the maximum number of students in the classroom in my time at Omeida was four, and often there were only two of us. This means that you will have many hours of actual practice and conversation daily, and in my opinion will be able to progress much more quickly than is possible in a larger classroom.
I have also been very impressed by the teachers' ability to place students in a class appropriate to their level. Since students come and go over varying periods of time, I had the opportunity to see various classmates join the classroom and leave again, and I don't know that anyone ever felt as though the had been misplaced.
Finally, I would like to mention that the group of students the school attracts seems invariably to consist of warm, kind, interesting and adventuresome people from all around the world and all walks of life. The camaraderie around school and on the various outings and activities on offer is heartwarming.
I happily recommend Omeida highly to anyone who is interested in studying Chinese in a beautiful place and surrounded by wonderful people.
Response from Omeida Chinese Academy
Dear Omi,
It was OUR pleasure to have you as part of our Omeida family. We thoroughly enjoyed your presence and not forget to mention delicious French dishes.
Come back to Omeida! Our team misses you already!