Great school

That's Mandarin is a great Chinese language school. I just completed my first semester, and I look forward to my second. I started out at an HSK 2 level and transitioned into HSK 3 level during this first semester. I was part of a three-student group, and we had classes three days a week, two hours each time. I loved every aspect of this course -- our teacher, Bi Laoshi, was fantastic; I loved my colleagues; and I loved the teaching method. The classes are focused on teaching you how to communicate based on different situations. New words and expressions are being taught almost organically, as they arise in conversation. Although we don't have a textbook, we use new texts or videos in every class. Everything happens in Chinese, and at first I thought I wasn't going to be able to do it, but it went well, and it's the best way to learn the language. And it's fun. Every time after I finish class I feel energized and optimistic. The only thing I want to do differently next semester is dedicate more time to studying by myself at home. You don't need to do that necessarily because we constantly review previous lessons in class, but you definitely get more out of it if you also study in your own time. I highly, highly recommend this school.