Hutong School: Study Chinese in China

I followed the Intensive Chinese Program in Shanghai and had classes everyday from Monday to Friday, 4 hours a day, so my Chinese really improved on a daily basis!

I was really surprised by how much we were taught in one day and was happy that I got to expand my vocabulary so quickly. My teacher's English was really good and she taught in a very structured way. She also gave us homework everyday and from time to time we had a small test, something I definitely appreciated because this really encourages you to study and practice your Mandarin after school hours.

Besides teaching Mandarin, Hutong School also organizes weekly activities, ranging from cooking classes to tai chi, movie nights or even trips to other cities in China. Like this, you meet a lot of new people and you're constantly immersing yourself in the Chinese culture.

I loved everything about my stay in China and I would definitely want to go back! Highly recommended :)

I was born in China and have been back eight times, and the last, with Hutong School was the first time I felt like I belonged in China. The perfect balance of academics, social events, and independent living made for a truly unforgettable experience. I had the opportunity to experience the city in my own way, with freedom to explore with new friends. We all lived in close proximity to each other, and with the added class time, grew close within a number of days.

The accommodations were clean, friendly, and located in flats shared with full-time residents. It gave a unique view into the city, as we were not in student-only housing. I was able to say hello to my 40-year old neighbor with a 3-year old daughter every morning. Most of the accommodations were located three-four tube stops away from the school, so my classmates and I were able to enjoy a morning commute. The school was a short walk from the tube station, and it was a beautiful walk each day.

If I could give the staff a 12 or of 10, I would. Early into my visit, I injured my foot badly and required hospitalization. The staff went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. It was daunting to be in an international hospital with very little language skills and no parents, but there always was a translator available. Furthermore, many staff members would simply stop by to visit, just to make sure that I was doing alright.

The social scene in Shanghai is wonderful. It was difficult to branch out at first, but Hutong School made it easy with their social events. They planned overnight trips to Beijing, and day trips to Suzhou. Additionally, we met at bars several times to get to know each other. The staff attended these events and we were able to hang out with them, as friends. As we got more comfortable with the city, Hutong School gave recommendations of great places for nightlife.

I connect with China on an extremely personal level. Hutong School classes allowed me to learn Chinese at my own pace, and by the end of my time in China, I was able to communicate with others around me. The classes were small, capped at seven students. Each teacher gave us a true one-on-one experience, and pushed our abilities as far as they could. I have become inspired by the program that Hutong School has put forth, and would recommend it in a heartbeat.

I spend almost half a year in Shanghai doing a Chinese beginners course. I loved the whole experience but the best thing in China is definitely the food! It is amazing how you can eat every day something new without eating once the same thing! On every corner, at every time of the day or night you will find this little restaurants where you can eat home made traditional food. I can just recommend to try everything you get to try and do not be shy about things that might look a bit weird. About the Hutong School in Shanghai, staff and teachers are super friendly and helpful, but you have to be disciplined or very motivated if you want to learn Chinese. There are no strict rules you have to follow, no proper tests you have to prepare for except for the HSK, therefore, I would recommend to try to keep the track in the classes if your goal is to learn the language!
But my absolute top experience (which is not that much Hutong School related) during my stay in China was when I made a trip to Tibet. If you are in China, this is one destination which is so mind blowing I can not even describe it!

It was lots of fun joining this language school.
I'm still in contact with teachers from there.
They regularly offered trips to local places and even proxy places.
Unfortunately I never joined these because I was busy doing my thesis there.
The language school was mandatory for obtaining the 6 months visa.

Doing a language program at Hutong School was probably one of the best ideas I had!

My teachers was very competent and helped me improve my language skills on a daily basis (even though I wasn't the best student you can imagine). I was able to focus on the topics I wanted to while being part of an awesome International community.

The school is located in the centre of Shanghai and many times I could practice my Chinese with locals while being at a restaurant or simply walking down the streets.

The staff was really helpful from the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I am and I will recommend this school to my friends. Hopefully we'll come together again very soon : )

This is the second time for me at Hutong School in Shanghai. As before I was met by friendly staff eager to help both with practical problems and with making the most out of studying and living in Shanghai. The teachers are great and the groups are small.

The school itself is located in a really nice part of Shanghai with a metro station within 5 minutes walk. It is surrounded by both cheaper local restaurants and more expensive foreign restaurants and shops for those who are feeling homesick.

Every week there are activities organised by the school to get to know Shanghai and Chinese culture. It's easy to get to know other students through the activities and while waiting for classes in the common room in the office. Every now and then there are weekend trips at affordable prices to scenic areas outside Shanghai.

I've had fun in class, during activities and school trips and I definitely recommend Hutong School to anyone wanting to learn Chinese!

Nice school, where you can learn good and fast! Excellent teacher who are aware of what's your needs and what you wanna learn, and of your level.They try to make their class fun and useful. And Beijing is an amazing place!

I have been travelling all over the world since I was 12 but I never had an experience like this. China is wonderful and Hutong School is super organized. Classes, trips, activities, welcome parties, everything in the right place! I had the chance to improve my chinese and at the same time to know incredible people from all over the world. I would recommend it to everyone!