Study Chinese in Beijing, China!
Study Chinese in Beijing, China!
Quote from Philip Beck, CEO
“What blew me away the most after starting at the University, was sitting with fellow students who had been studying Chinese for at least 2 years and how my speaking ability was on par with them, just after 4 weeks.”
Description: an intensive course that focuses only on spoken Chinese, gets people up to conversational ability quickly, Uses custom-made materials and techniques, has outside of the classroom excursions, opportunity to buy a PalmPilot and software package to aid learning.
Available with or without accommodation
Unique methodology
When you need to learn to speak Mandarin quickly.
1 Month MandarinTM offers a fast-track pass to speaking conversational Mandarin. Our proven methods and innovative techniques will enable you to learn how to speak Chinese faster than any other available Chinese language-learning program. We offer 6 classes a day, which will primarily focus on spoken Mandarin, PLUS two classes of private tuition per day where you can take the steering wheel. 1 Month MandarinTM also provides full support outside of the classroom – right from your first steps off the plane to your last excursion - we ensure you have everything you need to get the most out of your China experience.
No one ever said learning Chinese was easy but it doesn’t have to kill you either. Here at East West Connection it is our mission for you to learn Chinese faster than on any other Chinese study program in China. Too many Chinese language schools rely on outdated, old-fashioned teaching techniques that are just not suitable for today’s modern world. At East West Connection we think outside of the box and use cutting-edge technology, so your Chinese learning keeps you one step ahead of the rest. Using proven methods and the most advanced techniques available, you can be sure we will put you on the right path to mastering Mandarin.
Our Unique Philosophy
All too often Mandarin language schools focus on mindless memorizing instead of clear communication. Sure, memorizing is important but here at East West Connection we just don’t believe this is the best way to educate people who are studying Chinese.
Communicate, Educate, Innovate
As with all language, being understood is always the key so our intensive courses focus on effective communication not rote learning.
Through a combination of state-of-the-art technology and a clear approach to speaking, reading and listening, we deliver high quality Chinese learning, right in the heart of Chinese culture, Beijing
Study Chinese for the real world
Why learn Chinese writing? Sadly most Chinese language schools are behind the times. With the advent of the internet, mobile phones and evermore developing technology; Chinese people now write less Chinese on a daily basis than ever before. Writing Chinese is intensely time consuming and it is no longer always necessary to learn in the modern world. Our method of studying Chinese ensures you will be able to read, type and text Chinese characters, so you can be sure you will never be at a disadvantage.
New Thinking, New Technology, New Methods
Just because it is an old language doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use new learning techniques. Our Chinese language school in Beijing uses the most up to date technology to enhance your Chinese language learning experience.
Whether it is a top of the range palm pilot, a dedicated computer terminal or advanced Chinese learning software, East West Connection has all the tools for you to perfect your Putonghua!
Personal Touch
Just because we’re big on technical innovation, it doesn’t mean we’re small on human interaction. East West Connection knows the importance of face-to face contact when studying Chinese, that’s why we aim to give you more personal interaction than any other Mandarin language school in Beijing. We make sure all our language students have their own personal Chinese tutor, so you can individually focus on whatever aspect of Chinese Language learning suits you best.
Going Local
While the Mandarin language is all set go global, you can’t beat local learning and there really is no better way than studying Mandarin in Beijing. Yes, you can do Chinese classes all over world and there are thousands of Mandarin Schools in China alone- it certainly would have been cheaper to hold our Mandarin classes outside Beijing, but all that would miss the point.
Beijing is China’s cultural cradle and has been for centuries. Its home to the standard Chinese dialect, the heart of government and is a seat of Chinese learning. East West Connection is based in the centre of Beijing’s university district, making it the perfect location to study the language.
To aid language learning East West Connection also uses the"Live-Life Learning™" method. This takes you out of the classroom and into the local area, so you can speak and experience Mandarin in an authentic Chinese setting. Formal Chinese classes are all well and good but there is simply nothing quite like going into the local community and speaking Chinese in real life scenarios.
Real Value
East West Connection offers a complete learning experience where others just cut corners. See what our Study in China Programs offer compared to other Beijing Language schools.
Modern Methods for a Modern World
"But we have always done it this way." Traditional Chinese teaching methods are not always suitable for non-Chinese speakers, nor do they take advantage of the ever-increasing technological tools and advances in learning methodology available. Students at East-West Connection will learn to type Chinese characters on the computer as opposed to writing by hand (to see why writing Chinese characters by hand is antiquated, read "Concerning Writing Characters by Hand" here. East-West Connection avoids commonly used Chinese learning materials that are often out of date.
Example: In the United States, The Practical Chinese Reader is still the standard textbook used in the majority of Chinese courses, despite the fact that it is nearly 30 years old. Students who learn the antiquated language in the book sometimes have a hard time when they get to China. For example, the Chinese word they believe means "comrade" commonly means "homosexual" in modern-day Chinese!
Practical Focus
We focus on teaching you what you need to know when you need to know it. We give you the structure and context words so that you can quickly build vocabulary that makes sense.
Example: In the English sentence, "New York is bigger than Chicago," the key phrase is the phrase of comparison "is bigger than."
Basic pattern: "is ____er than" (biggER/smallER/cleanER etc.)
So if foreign students are trying to learn English, it would be better for them to learn the key phrase of comparison "is + adjective+er + than" rather than to try and start out by memorizing all the adjectives.
In this way, learners have a contextual queue from the structure which allows them to look up specific meanings more easily. Chinese uses many such structures.
East-West Connection thus avoids the traditional method in which key structural phrases needed by the student are not encountered until the second year or second book, in which case, the unfortunate student cannot effectively communicate or understand unless the situation is exactly the same as studied. East-West Connection focuses early on transferable knowledge.
Statistically Based Utility
Modern data harvesting techniques have shown which words and phrases are most frequently used. Our approach gets you speaking quickly by combining structure/context words with the most frequently used words first.
Example:: Why do Chinese textbooks often ask students to memorize the names of famous writers, poets, old emperors etc., when these terms are seldom if ever used in modern Chinese? We are not against studying culture and history, of course. We just believe that such studies can be more effective and enriching when the student is able to learn these things through conversation after first learning to communicate with others on a competent level.
Learning Tools
We heavily employ assistive Chinese learning technologies for your benefit. At East-West Connection, we have spared no expense in purchasing the software packages, equipment, and Chinese training tools that go far beyond simply learning from a standard book.
Example: Our computer lab is integrated into the training, and students will take advantage of several software tools that greatly enhance their learning. Our PalmPilots incorporate learning programs for on-the-go study, dictionaries for fast reference, and the ability to record actual situations that your personal tutor will then transcribe for you.
Modified ImmersionTM
Chinese is a special language because of the homophones (similar sounding words); therefore pure immersion is NOT best. (See "Concerning Immersion" to see what one professor says here). Any program that claims immersion as a technique is taking the easy way out and overwhelming students. Our "Modified ImmersionTM technique guides you by filling in the blank spaces with our expert coaching and specialized Chinese learning programs and is complemented by our outside-the-classroom excursions.
Data-Gathering/Content Production
Unlike many other schools, we do not rely on a single textbook series. We are in the business of finding and producing proprietary content that helps our students learn faster than with less-effective traditional methods.
Example:: Data are gathered from students about situations encountered, and we replicate the situations for them. The PalmPilot's recording ability allows students to record the conversation outside the classroom and bring it to instructors/tutors later for analysis and explanation. Materials are thus in a continuous process of improvement and adaptation.
Outside the Classroom Learning (Live-Life Learning
Some other schools include arranged trips, but these are not integrated with the curriculum. We take it a step further. At East-West Connection the teaching staff are a part of the outside excursions and such trips are used as both recreation and a continuation of the classroom learning.
Example: Expect trips to the local store, restaurant, and parks to interact with natives while accompanied by teachers/tutors. Travel to some of Beijing's most-famous tourist attractions every weekend (Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square etc). East-West Connection students don't just see these sights. They converse about them in Chinese, with their tutors or other staff on site.
Appropriate Metrics
The management saying goes "What you don't measure, you don't manage". We care about the progress of our students and will assess and reassess your progress. We will continually monitor and improve upon our teachers and methodologies. Unlike the majority of Chinese language schools, students will evaluate our teachers for effectiveness.
Quality of Instructors
Many schools find any teacher, give them a book, and tell them to go teach. We do not believe this is conducive to effective Chinese language learning. Our teachers are better because they are:
Accountable: they are evaluated by staff and students for effectiveness.
Well-paid: we demand much from our teachers and we pay them accordingly.
Observed in practice: only teachers that have been personally observed by the founder of East-West Connection in a classroom and meet strict criteria will be hired
Total Peace of Mind + The Best Learning Experience
From the moment of application until your departure from China we are here for you to guide and support you. Our packages start with the pre-departure guide and include everything you need to have a safe and carefree trip: 24-hour hotline, and an experienced staff with years of experience.
Visa
Once your application is accepted and your enrolment is finalized, we will transmit you documents to obtain a Visa in the People’s Republic of China. The Admission letter and JW202 form will be part of this Visa application support package if required.
Airport Reception
Our warm welcome staff will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the accommodation, avoiding you potential hazards and difficulties of your first steps in the program.
Welcome Packet
After your arrival in Beijing, you will be provided a welcome bag including prepaid long distance card, magazines, Beijing attractions and tourist guides, Beijing maps (English / Chinese), information about Beijing nightlife, Chinese-English reference menu, some snacks, water, towels and shower shoes. It will also include a guide and emergency contact information (US Embassy in Beijing and Consulates in China as well as EWC emergency contact information).
Orientation Day
Held on the first day of the program. Includes information briefing (about course, banking services, medical aspects, etc.) and a tour of the classrooms, teaching facilities, student facilities, offices, and surroundings.
Welcome dinner
A special Chinese welcome diner is held followed by a meeting with Chinese students for Friendship and Language partner participants.
Friendship Program
EAST-WEST CONNECTION can connect you to a network of dynamic students in local universities willing to share time and help you to experience the best out of Beijing life.
PDA & Software
Provides students with an electronic student dictionary to use on-the-go, Chinese learning software (including Chinese Wordlists, Chinese vocabulary lists and subject matter), Chinese character input and pinyin input.
Student Centre
Our institute gives access to an easily accessible Student Lounge, where students can access internet for free and all our resources such as magazines or books covering Chinese teaching to Martial Arts.
Free Internet
Free wireless access is available in our offices and students can use internet facilities in the accommodation centre.
Social Events
We will propose various social events to discover more the local culture and enjoy Beijing life with your classmates. Events generally include the traditional Beijing Duck dinner, outings to popular Karaoke and local movie theatre.
Language Exchange Partner Program
As we want to provide you a global learning experience including understanding China, we’ll help you to meet and spend time with dynamic and open-minded locals from Beijing. Participants and their language exchange partners will be able to share their cultures, discuss about their habits in both languages outside language classrooms.
Tuition and Materials
We will provide you with all necessary textbooks and Chinese learning materials as you continue your Chinese language learning at the University in Beijing.
After Class Tuition OR 1 ON 1 TUITION
In addition to the six hours of class time Monday through Friday, each student gets a personal tutor for one-on-one tuition for two hours a day for every single day of the course. Tutors are proficient in English and selected for their professionalism. They are available after class on afternoons and can help with language coaching, homework assistance and to help you to improve your Chinese speaking skills. Coordinated with class teachers, they are trained to efficiently
explain specificities of the language.
Tours and Excursions
Experienced English and Chinese speaking guides will guide you to the best local attractions such as Tian'anmen Square, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. Admission and transport are provided. Our guides will also help you to practice your Chinese with locals and bringing you to local markets, experiencing your first bargaining in Chinese.
Monthly Travel Packages
Students willing to explore more in depth the greatness of China can take part in discounted customized travel packages to the top national attractions (from Inner Mongolia to Tibet).
Internship and Work-Study Experience
We provide assistance to connect you with local and foreign companies where you will have the occasion to acquire a work experience and interact with Chinese. The selection process is depending on the matching of your abilities (based on your resume) with the requirements of companies who will enrol you and agree with you on characteristics of the contract.
Course Options
Course Dates:
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|
Class |
Start Date |
End Date |
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Jan |
Monday, December 28, 2009 |
Friday, January 22, 2010 |
|
Feb* |
Monday, January 25, 2010* |
Friday, February 12, 2010* |
|
Mar |
Monday, March 01 , 2010 |
Friday, March 26, 2010 |
|
Apr |
Monday, April 05, 2010 |
Friday, April 30, 2010 |
|
May |
Monday, May 10, 2010 |
Friday, June 04, 2010 |
|
Jun |
Monday, June 07, 2010 |
Friday, July 02, 2010 |
|
Jul |
Monday, July 05, 2010 |
Friday, July 30, 2010 |
|
Aug |
Monday, August 02, 2010 |
Friday, August 27, 2010 |
|
Sep |
Monday, August 30, 2010 |
Friday, September 24, 2010 |
|
Oct |
Monday, October 04, 2010 |
Friday, October 29, 2010 |
|
Nov |
Monday, November 01, 2010 |
Friday, November 26, 2010 |
|
Dec |
Monday, November 29, 2010 |
Friday, December 24, 2010 |
|
*The Feb. Program is three weeks due to the timing of Chinese New Year with an optional 4th week after the holiday. Fees will be adjusted accordingly. Inquire for further details. Applications are due 45 days prior to program start date Enrollment deadline is 30 days prior to program start date Late Applications and Enrollments: Please Contact Us Late Applications are charged an extra $150 fee |
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. Course Fees:
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|
Program |
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|
Core Classes (without accommodation) |
Class Extra (without accommodation) |
Total program (without accommodation) |
|
|
No PDA or software package |
$975 |
$1325 |
$2200 |
|
With PDA and software package |
$1375 |
$1725 |
$2600 |
OR
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Total Program (with accommodation) |
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Option |
Double room |
Single room |
Home stay |
|
No PDA or software package |
$2499 |
$2789 |
$2789 |
|
With PDA and software package |
$2899 |
$3189 |
$3189 |
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Nationality: American
Occupation: Professor
Ryan's Experience
Thanks to 1 Month MandarinTM , I was able to obtain a basic level of communication skills that has been a definate boon while living in this environment.
