Contact Information

TEL: (86-10) 64612973
TEL2: 64683311 x 3509
FAX: (86-10) 64607330
Email: bjtli@yahoo.cn
Add: International Youth Studies University TLI-IYU
40 Liangmaqiao Rd., Chaoyang District
Beijing, China 100016

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FAQ

What’s the best way to learn about Mandarin study option in China? With 55 years of experience in teaching Mandarin to non-native speakers of Chinese, we’ve come up with the most frequently asked questions from TLI graduates. Refer to the following list of our most asked questions:

What do I need to consider when studying in China?

China is such a big country, so first you should consider the place or city you want to go. You must take into consideration of its infrastructure, public services, health care facilities, schools available and not surprisingly weather. Second, evaluate the time and budget you have for your study given obtainable goals. Remember different cities offer unique lifestyle which results in very different cost of living. Third, learn about the city/place, chosen school, traffic, accommodation, dining, and anything that needs to get on with your everyday life. Ask the school to provide you with student references so that you can get a good start on planning your trip from others’ first-hand experiences.

What are the main differences between studying at a private school versus at a large university?

Typically, private schools offer more flexibility in terms of courses, starting and ending times and course duration. Private schools usually offer more individual attention and can often tailor to individual student needs and goals.

How should I choose a good private school?

1.First, students should clarify their needs and goals in terms of studying Mandarin. They will need to consider how long they have to study and in what capacity will best meet their goals? Private schools greatly vary and offer a range of short and long-term Mandarin courses. Ideal ones offer good flexibility in scheduling; they usually operate from early morning till late evening. Students can easily schedule according to their availability and preferences.

Students should consider the history of the private school when selecting an appropriate program. Private language schools open daily taught by under qualified teachers and later close after you have paid a large tuition deposit. To avoid this situation, students should select established schools with a long history. These schools are reliable and have many alumni who can offer opinions and personal accounts of their experiences.

Class size can greatly affect your study of Mandarin. The more interaction and active participation you have in class, the greater the results will be. Select a school with individual classes, small group classes, or a combination of both.

Take a look of the following detail to keep in mind:

  1. How much do I want to spend on learning Chinese?
  2. Do I prefer learning by myself or in groups?
  3. Do I want to travel far for classes or find a school in my neighborhood?
  4. How much time do I want to spend on traveling?
  5. Do my teacher(s) need to speak my mother tongue?

Who are the teachers at private language schools?

A good private language school will employ highly qualified teachers who have extensive training in teaching Mandarin as a foreign language. A top school will attract teachers have studied at reputable universities with relating majors/disciplines. Established private schools will also train their teachers and monitor the overall quality of the teaching. Students should ask the private school about the qualifications of their teachers. Just because someone is able to speak a language, does not mean they will be the best teacher.

Many of the private schools have English speaking teachers, but in a good private school English will be seldom used. English might be used in explaining basic grammar structure or difficult concepts, but teaching will mostly be done in Chinese. The English level varies between teachers and if students are concerned about this, they should notify the director to find a good match. (It is comforting to know that there will be English speakers to help with life in China when you first arrive.)

It is generally advised not to have only one teacher. More teachers give students the opportunity to hear and interact with different voices and slight accents. It is also not a good idea to have too many teachers in that it will be hard for them to monitor your progress.

What level of my Mandarin need to be before I start?

1.Private language schools often offer courses for every level: beginners-intermediate-upper intermediate-and advanced. Your level should be determined by the school director in an interview or short test.

Beginner courses are more common and attract more students. Upper intermediate and advanced learners will generally have fewer students.

Also, good schools offer customized courses at different levels for all kinds of study purpose. For example, oral Chinese and cultural immersion at beginner level, grammar reinforcement and pronunciation enhancement for students of special needs, business Chinese and news reading at intermediate level and above, and CPT preparation for certified language proficiency assessment, as well as improvised speech at advanced level.

What type of classes is there available?

Private language schools usually provide more study options. Students have the freedom to choose from individual, small groups (2-4 students) and big groups (5 students and more). Some even go extra miles to reach a broader range of different student types by offering classes on campus and off campus. Off-campus means teachers travel to the student’s place for classes, usually at workplace or home.

What study materials are available?

Good schools have a wide selection at different levels and for different purpose. Better ones offer a complete set of materials from beginner to advanced study such as pronunciation, survival Chinese, daily life topics, business Chinese, Chinese culture, and news. Let’s not forget about textbooks in different language versions ideal for those who prefer to learn with the help of their first language. Some schools also provide material for children and teen learners. Chinese for Specific Purpose includes (but not exclusive) CPT preparation, religious studies, classical Chinese, and presentation skills as well as speech. The best schools provide teachers with expertise, experience, and flexibility to customize materials based on individual request for specific needs and study purpose.

Can I start a language program in the middle of the semester or the middle of the month?

Private language schools have different schedules and start classes at various times throughout the year. The top schools will also offer individual (1-1 teaching) that may begin and end at any time. You need to contact the schools directly to see what options they offer. It is definitely possible to find a course that begins mid-month or mid-semester if that is most convenient for you.

Small group classes often begin at the beginning of the month (or sometimes begin weekly). This will again depend on the school and the best advice is to contact the school directly.

Can I get a certificate when I finish my course?

Students will most definitely get some proof for completing their study. However, whether the credits are valid and transferrable back home depend mainly on if the private language school is properly licensed and its network connections in your country. The best way to find out is to check with your school’s academic office.

How do I apply for a visa for study purpose?

For those who study less then 3 months, they can apply for a tourist visa (L visa) from the nearest Chinese embassy. For those who plan to study longer, ask the school for help to apply for a student visa (X or F visa). Contact the school directly for any specific requirements for student visa.

After completing my study, is there any way to continue back home?

Nowadays more and more schools have means to provide their students with access to the same quality language training once they return to their country. This is usually made possible through one of the following, or in some cases, all of the 3 following options – branch school overseas, online learning platform, cooperating schools. When online classes are available, you might even be able to keep the same teacher(s). Inquire about the detail to get a clear picture of your post-study options.

Are there any cultural activities regularly held in your school?

Providing service at a more personal level is what most private language schools use to attract prospect students. Making students feel at home and accommodating their needs are the strengths of many top schools as they celebrate Chinese traditional holidays and festivals with their students and create lots of opportunities for them to practice Chinese through cultural activities, field trips and friendly competitions such as speech contests and debates. Check out the lunar calendar and upcoming holidays before finalizing your travel plans.

Is there any official Chinese proficiency test held in China?

The most popular by far is Hanju Shuiping Kaoshi, known as HSK or the Chinese Proficiency Test. Its new update version was launched by Hanban in an effort to better serve Chinese language learners. It is an international standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives.

Other options include Test of Practical Chinese (C. Test), Youth Chinese Test (YCT), and Business Chinese Test (BCT)

Is there anything else I should keep in mind?

There are always more questions to ask! Pay attention to detail so that you can better prepare yourself for the best, worst or unexpected. Here comes some more questions that our students have asked us in the past:

  • How’s the weather in your city?
  • How’s the lifestyle in general?
  • How do I find suitable accommodation?
  • Does your school provide accommodation or help arrange accommodation?
  • How much do I need to prepare for monthly living expenses?
  • What’s available in the school’s neighborhood?
  • Is it easy to find western-style restaurants?
  • How is the quality of health care facilities in your city?
  • What’s the nearest state approved hospital or clinic?
  • Do I need to purchase any type of insurance at my home country?
  • Does the school offer any health insurance package? What’s included?

Got more questions of your own? No problem, we’re here to serve! Have TLI Expert address your concerns and inquiries about traveling, studying and living in China. Check out our Q&A section, see you there!