Chinese is not as hard to learn as you think

I had been looking for a job in the architecture field in China, as their growth is booming and an architect has so many possibilities. I decided that, to communicate with my future Chinese co-workers, I wanted to at least have basic to intermediate Mandarin skills before arriving in China.

One-on-one lessons with a tutor in London were much more expensive than I was expecting + the commute and setting up meeting times that worked for both of us.
I took a few free trials and went with eChineseLearning, as I liked the natural, face-to-face feeling of their lessons.

I eventually passed a job interview (my basic Chinese seemed to charm the managers) and I'll be moving to Beijing in a few weeks. I'm happy to say I'll be able to continue my lessons online in China while practicing on the street.