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Ian McGraw
In between my BA at Stanford University and my Ph.D. at MIT, I came to China to get a solid foundation in the Chinese language. I thought that I was capable of teaching myself Chinese as I had done with other subjects in the past. I even had the advantage of having quite a few bilingual friends who were willing to help me out. After two months of self-study, however, I realized my progress was depressingly slow. I needed help.
Thus, I contacted That's Mandarin. It was definitely the best decision. Their methods are truly innovative. I can still remember the first lesson when Guo-laoshi explained to me the beauty of the Chinese language by constructing a vocabulary list of interconnected words. For example, if I were given the word wai4guo2ren2 (meaning foreigner), he would also explain the meanings of wai4bian1 (outside), guo2jia1 (country), ren2 (person). They created a web of interrelated words to study, making memorization quicker and easier.
As my Chinese improved, That's Mandarin 's methods adapted. After four months my vocabulary was over three thousand words and I was able to improvise full stories during class. Outside of the classroom I found myself able to hold steady conversations and follow much of the rapid-fire dialog of a Chinese television show. I also began to break free of the canned-examples of the text books and started reading characters in the form of signs, subtitles, and even comic books.
From the very first day I met them, I knew they were the right teachers for me. Their energy matched my enthusiasm for learning, and their methods are created from the very core of what makes Chinese such a wonderful language. Thus, if you are a serious student of Chinese or would like to become one, I whole heartedly recommend you learn with That's MandarinRead more testimonials...
Intensive Chinese Programs
If you’re hoping for rapid progress within a short space of time, we would strongly recommend one of our intensive Chinese programs. That’s Mandarin offers 2 different intensive Chinese courses. The first is our one month small group intensive Chinese program with fixed start dates, 5 hours a day of classes and lots of fun-filled activities to improve your Mandarin. The second is our one-on-one intensive Chinese program, with 4 or 6 hours of private Chinese classes each day and flexible start and end dates.
Option 1: Small Group Intensive Chinese Program
If you want to get a good headstart in Chinese, but don’t have months in which to do it, our small group intensive Chinese program might be just what you’re looking for! You’ll be surprised just how much you can pick up in such a short amount of time.
What does the Small Group Intensive Chinese Program include?
- 4 hours of small group classes (3-4 students per class) per day.
- 1 hour individual class each day.
- Optional office hours every afternoon with teachers on hand to answer your questions and help with homework.
- Weekly cultural activities e.g. Tai chi, calligraphy, Mah-jong, making dumplings.
- Weekend excursions to some of Beijing or Shanghai’s popular tourist attractions and hidden gems.
Please click here for more details about our Small Group Intensive Chinese Program
Option 2: One-on-One Intensive Chinese Program
Our 1-on-1 intensive Chinese program includes either 4 or 6 hours of individual Chinese classes per day, depending on which option you choose. Usually, our one-on-one intensive courses last for 9 weeks, but if you’re pushed for time, or want to extend your time with us, then we’ re flexible and can arrange your Chinese course around your existing commitments. With just you and your teacher in the classroom, the one-on-one intensive program is tailored to your individual needs and you will see the improvement in your Mandarin after every class.
Please click here for more details about our One-on-One Intensive Chinese Program