LTL Language School || Learn Chinese (11 Cities)

I spent a lot of time researching study abroad programs in China, primarily because I'd just graduated university and needed to find something that was both flexible outside of traditional calendar semesters and friendly to non-exchange students. LTL checked both of these boxes. I needed to study from early January to late April so that I could maximize my time in China, but most programs begin right after Lunar New Year (mid February) and end well into the summer. With LTL, you can pick your dates down to the week year-round.

Communication with LTL's advisors was quick, fluid, and addressed any concerns I had. I believe there was a total of about 100 emails between me and Mojca, who helped me along the way (shout out, she was excellent!). Going to China is especially difficult because of the more strenuous Visa process relative to other countries, but I felt totally prepared going in.

I opted-in to all of LTL's additional services, such as airport pickup, SIM/transport card, and "survival kit." They were reasonably priced and met expectations. About the cost, there is no nickel and diming. Once you've decided on a program, they will send you a document which gives an exact cost down to the penny. After wiring that, I didn't encounter any problems. Having a number to work with my budget was extremely convenient.

Everything went smoothly with the flight. There were some hiccups with the Visa, but nothing LTL can do about that. When I arrived, the driver took me directly to my host family, who helped me move in. We went out for lunch and to the park on the first day! I felt secure from the moment I arrived, and they helped resolve any confusion I had about living in Chengdu. When class started on Monday, the location was clearly communicated and easy to find, aside from navigating a skyscraper for the first time. Fortunately the entire Chengdu metro (and I believe China in general, Shanghai for sure) is in English as well as Chinese, so if you're nervous about that, everything is orderly and easy to understand.

Classes are exactly what was advertised and exceeded expectations. 1-on-1 lessons tailored to my skill level, and all materials provided. LTL was already the cheapest option that I identified, as well as the most convenient. I feel somewhat bad for my teacher, as I was the only student there during the Lunar New Year (about a month holiday in general, similar to Christmas/New Years in USA), but the fact that they accommodated my unique time-line and made it possible for me to be in China for an additional month demonstrates just how far they go to ensure your experience is personalized.

I cannot express just how great accommodations are. My host family brought me in like one of their own. I met the extended family (and the grandpas took a liking to me, probably because I indulged in Chinese "White Wine" with them a few times), went on numerous excursions, even visiting Chonqing, in addition to usual trips about the city. My host father went as far as to find an American flag football league for me, comprised entirely of Chinese people. I don't just live with them, I LIVE with them. I couldn't even find any other Chinese study abroad programs with host families, so theres that as well.

Aside from LTL, Chengdu is a GREAT place to study Chinese. It is a mega-city, bigger than Chicago, yet 99% of Americans haven't even heard about it (not that this is a great surprise). This is because there is a stark lack of foreigners. Most days I'll take my hour commute via subway and bus, as well as some general exploring, and never see a single foreigner. I saw more foreigners in 5 minutes while in Shanghai than my first few weeks in Chengdu. This means that you're immersion won't be broken every few hours when you come across someone else who sticks out like a sore thumb. Chengdu is also a relaxed city, so people are friendly and welcoming. There are also an immense amount of cultural sites just outside of the city.

I hiked up Emeishan, a sacred buddhist mountain, with a few people I randomly met. We walked a total of 13 miles that day and traversed 2000 feet going up (sorry for not using the metric system my non American friends! They use that here like the rest of world, so prepare to use your calculator). The peak was 4000 meters. I haven't even scratched the surface of all the city (and Sichuan) have to offer, but LTL has a list of attractions that could fill your calendar for an entire semester in their office.

Because Chengdu is a mega-city, every niche is out there somewhere. You can ask Chinese friends to help you find them! For example, I found a standup comedy club where I managed to do an open mic set for 5 minutes totally in Chinese and didn't bomb. A Russian friend I met told me that he's in a WeChat group with about 400 other Russians. American Football. Great clubs. My point is that even though Chengdu is not well-known outside of China (although that may be American ignorance), it still has ~20,000,000 people, so whatever your groove is, you can find Chinese friends to have fun with.

LTL is the way to go, and I know the quality of Chengdu's school will translate to all of their locations. Do your research, but I ensure you that if you were as thorough as I was, you will conclude that this is the best way for you to study in China.

Bless!

I spent two weeks with LTL in Beijing recently and I honestly felt like my limited proficiency in Chinese made much more improvement with them there compared to my months of self-study online, largely owing to LTL's small classroom environment encouraging participation and providing help when needed, the experienced, skilled teachers and staff, the after-school activities where we were able to practice our Chinese in the real world, and the excellent homestay service. Would definitely recommend.

I felt that my Chinese level was stuck at the beginning of the intermediate level, but when I arrived at school I felt that I accomplished the work of half a year in a month. Great teachers, lessons, and city. All the three teachers whom I studied with, Winnie, Qinqin, and Jason have their unique style of teaching and help you in every way. Really recommend it if you want to bring your Chinese to the next level. Also discovering Shanghai in your spare time is great. The contrast in the city, from modern buildings and shopping malls to traditional tea houses, makes this experience unique

Beihai is a small city without a lot of foreigners, but that's the key to immersion. Our teachers are very nice and often accompany us to talk and hang out together. My teacher Mocha is a really kind, understanding, and patient teacher who really knows how to teach Chinese in an interesting way.

北海是一个小城市，没有很多外国人，但这正是让我们沉浸其中的关键。我们的老师人都很好，经常陪我们聊天、一起出去玩。我的老师抹茶（Mocha）是一位非常和蔼可亲、善解人意、耐心细致的老师，她知道如何用有趣的方式教授中文。

I had a great time in Beijing this January even though it was just a short week :)
- Teacher Alice was really great and adjusted to my short schedule so we could make it as efficient as possible.
- The school activities were also fun and made it easy to meet other students (thanks Linda & staff).
- Beijing is a great city with lots of things to do and easy to get around, but do be prepared for the cold!
Would definitely come study at LTL again and maybe try some of the other cities they offer :)

I spent two weeks in Shanghai in a homestead and had an amazing time. I was doing the intensive course so six hours a day one on one teaching for two weeks and both my teachers Lina and Winnie were so fun and engaging. Lina was very good at pushing my skills in the language and Winnie helped to create a comfortable environment where I felt okay to make mistakes and improve my confidence in speaking the language. My homestay was very welcoming and not far from the school and had only one train line. Everyone at the school was really friendly and my teachers were amazing. (Love you Winnie)

I attended to LTL-Beijing for 32h group class session. From my personal experience, I can definitely say LTL-Beijing is a suitable place for foreigners to learn Mandarin. Teachers are totally qualified and students here are also eager to learn Mandarin. The best part was, staffs and teachers here are so kind and always trying to help, which made me feel like I made another family here in LTL-Beijing. There are also lots of activities you can join if you want, which helps you make unforgettable memories in China. Thank you Maria and Linda for helping me during the stay, and thank you Laoshi Lilia and Loong for giving awesome lectures. The memories I’ve made here will stay with me for a lifetime.

你们好！It was the first time I went to Beijing, hence I wanted to learn Chinese I chose LTL School combined with a Homestay. First I had some doubts, going to a completely unknown City, and staying with Strangers seemed very challenging. But even my best expectations were topped. People in School are very, very friendly and helpful. The Teachers know what they are doing and encourage you. The Support you get (buying Chinese sim, introduction to Weixin, technical Issues....) is really great. All in all the perfect atmosphere to learn a Language.

5/5
It was so nice I will do it twice!