Study Chinese in Beijing, China!
Study Chinese in Beijing, China!
Nationality: Australian
Occupation: Chief Executive Officer
Philip 's Experience
What other schools promise, EWC delivers!
After 2.5 years of living in Shanghai, China and only being able to say “ni hao” or “xie xie”, I went from zero capability in spoken Putonghua, to being able to hold a basic conversation with people after 4 weeks.
I’m no expert in language, as I’m an Australian and we’re often been accused of butchering the English language, let alone attempting to speak a second language.
In four months, I was able to use hanzi to send and receive sms and e-mail messages to my Chinese friends, colleagues and clients. That and my spoken Chinese has made an enormous difference in my business dealings with local Chinese as CEO of the companies I’ve been leading here in China. Taking four months away from work to learn how to communicate, has been worth the sacrifice I had to make, more than 100 times over.
EWC gave me the tools and various software applications to accelerate my learning, learn how to question when I didn’t understand the spoken word and expand my vocabulary in very practical ways that have had an enduring impact in being able to communicate with and speak to people. Don’t get me wrong, I’m far from being fluent, however, I now have the confidence to try the spoken word and the Chinese are always willing to help me and correct my tones when I get things wrong.
The efficacy of EWC’s programme was proved to me when I had to sit the entrance exam for the Chinese Language University in Beijing after 4 weeks of study at EWC. This was to determine whether I went into the beginners, standard or advanced class. I made it into the standard class to my great surprise. 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. I still find the same today, when I’m asked to speak to foreign expat students about the recruitment market in China.
EWC’s curriculum and that of their Chinese Language University affiliate is a powerful combination of reading, listening and speaking, supplemented by one-on-one tutorials that cover off the day-to-day practicalities of living in China and being able to do the basics, of going to the bank, getting your hair cut, clothes dry-cleaned and sending parcels back home.
Having returned to China in Jan 2009, this time Beijing, after being away for a year in Australia, I have engaged EWC again to take me to the next level in my Chinese language speaking capability, with tailor-made weekly classes.
Lastly, I think it’s important to note, that I didn’t find EWC, my Chinese secretary in Shanghai found them after researching most of the schools in China. My brief to her, was I have 4 months and I’d like to learn Chinese; find me the best school you can and I don’t care where it is. When she took me though EWC’s programme in Beijing, we both knew it was the best decision and it can be for you too.
Enjoy the challenge of learning!
Philip Beck (贝曦贤)
Chief Executive Officer (首席执行官)
Meijob.com
Nationality: American
Occupation: Graduate, Brown University
Jessica's Experience
As a recent college graduate who didn't know a word of Mandarin before arriving in Beijing, I sought a program that would create almost immediate and steady progress--and to my surprise, 1MonthMandarin provided this type of program. The people were really supportive and nice--the ease of living in Beijing increased exponentially after just a few days in the program. Suddenly, I had significantly improved in directing taxi drivers and ordering food, a feat that the teachers made so simple.
I met other people studying Mandarin at larger universities in Beijing, but their progress was stilted and slower due to their large classes and outdated learning techniques. In my program, I had personal attention, small classes and a personal tutor who tailored our sessions to my teaching needs. The heavy emphasis on correct pronunciation places students of this program at a great advantage--students in other programs rarely get the opportunity to have a tutor help them so thoroughly.
The teachers were professional, friendly and genuinely cared about our progress. I never dreaded going to class--it was an opportunity to learn in a comfortable atmosphere. As soon as I walked outside, I could immediately practice my new words on the streets of Beijing.
People consistently are surprised that I knew so many words although I only studied for one month. I began another Mandarin program and was placed on the same level as a student who had been studying for six months--in fact, I would say we are pretty equally matched conversationally, although I may actually know more words. Also, Matthew has done extensive research on ways to improve your Mandarin after the program ends. He provides several software programs that he has personally tested.
I definitely recommend the program for anyone who wants to dive in and learn intensely for a month so they can get the speaking basics down. It's perfect to take the edge off of the intimidation Mandarin usually provokes in people and provides a solid base for speaking.
Nationality: American
Occupation:
Scott's Experience
I have now studied Chinese at two different colleges and with East-West Connection, and East-West Connection was by far the best. After forgetting most of my Mandarin from a college course in 2001, I attended East-West Connection in 2007. The instructor’s attention to detail and hands on approach made sure that my pronunciation was accurate and gave me an excellent foundation to continue learning in the United States where I am now studying Chinese at another university. I really wanted to experience China by myself without the filter of a tour guide, and I expected that East-West Connection would get me somewhat proficient. While in Beijing the staff at East-West Connection helped me use public transportation, buy food, and become all around self sufficient in a different culture. After spending some time with East-West Connection, I traveled alone in China with confidence in my skills but also knowing that if there happened to be a situation in which I couldn’t communicate that I could give East-West Connection a call and someone would help me.
I would highly recommend the program to anyone who wants to learn useful Chinese and function in China.
Nationality: American
Occupation: William&Mary Student
Jeff's Experience
East-West Connection enabled me to get the most out of my time in Beijing through their highly personalized instruction and intensive focus on spoken Mandarin. Having studied Mandarin in a university course in the US, I can definitely say that the one-on-one instruction provided by EWC was far superior in a number of ways. First, the focus on speaking and correct pronunciation helped me to develop confidence in speaking Mandarin in every day situations. I was able to speak and listen to my teacher far more than I had been able to in my university course, so my grasp of new concepts was vastly improved. Additionally, the program was extremely open to adaptation, paralleling my own strengths and interests as the course developed. I was highly satisfied with both my instructor as well as the management behind the course. Everyone was always friendly and willing to help resolve some of the issues that come up living in a foreign country. Overall, I couldn't be happier that I chose to study with EWC because I was really able to improve my spoken Mandarin immensely.
Nationality: German
Occupation: Doctor
Dr. James's Experience
If you want to learn Mandarin and do not know which school to join, then choose this one. It is managed by an American who knows the problems that western foreigners have. He has mastered the language himself and has instructed his local staff accordingly. He is honest and so is the school which fully exploits modern technology and psychology. The staff are very friendly, extremely helpful and willing. For instance, initially there was no way that I could set up my cellular phone, do any shopping, buy train tickets etc. by myself. The patient school secretary quickly taught me and continued to help whenever I was in trouble - even on Sundays!
The course is almost comparable to a Marathon race because it is very compact but guides the participants to the goal after some repetitive crunching of syllables. Despite this it was good fun all the way. It was not tedious because the teacher constantly varied her approach. However, any divergence from the subject by us pupils was stopped immediately, but I did not feel curtailed like at any conventional school. In fact, I have never ever laughed as much during any lesson. There was ample opportunity in between lessons, at meal times and during week-end excursions to practice what had been taught. I have been to numerous courses all over the world during my lifetime. This course was as good as the best. Even better in some respects.
I soon learned to move about freely with the subway, but within one month I was also using the city buses. After two months I had been taught enough to travel around the country at large, buying my own tickets (train, boat, plane) not to mention ordering hotel rooms etc. (in Mandarin). Eventually I was able to chat to people. For example: After a cormorant fishing tour that was organized for foreign tourists by a local office in Guilin, I chatted to the fisherman who could not speak a single English word . He invited me to his home on a little island in the middle of the Li river. A couple of days later he picked me up with one of his bamboo rafts at a predetermined time opposite the island he lived on. He showed me his other bamboo rafts - each with its cormorants - and his big fishing boat which was moored just below his house. His house was surrounded by giant bamboo plants and a big vegetable garden. Some hens, that were busy looking for something to eat, ignored us. These hens, I was told later on, were prospective hatchers of cormorant eggs. He was a fourth generation fisherman who had been taught the tricks of the trade by his father and things presumably had not changed much. We sat down inside his simple but clean living room to drink tea and chat for several hours. Chatting in Mandarin Chinese is not easy and understanding what is being said even less so. But with the help of “One Month Chinese” tricks and its Pleco programme it was possible. I was able to ask many questions about cormorant breeding and training. After eating some delicious fish prepared by the fisherman’s wife I could not resist taking a closer look at the cormorants with their master. I was impressed by how tame they were, but soon realized how varied their characters are. The bossy male pecked me soon as I was close enough, but the others were quite content to let me pick them up and examine them. This and many other adventures were well worth the effort.
It was all a fantastic experience made possible by what I learned at the “One month Chinese” school. It was also a great relief - one that should not be underestimated - to always have somebody available both day and night, seven days a week whenever "stuck". Every foreigner in China will invariably be familiar with "ting bu dong" (i.e. I hear your words but they do not makes any sense) and sometimes the only way out is to have somebody (e.g. the school secretary) explain using a mobile phone.
Congratulations to Mr. M. Worley and his team. I hope that his “experiment” will prosper for many years to come and that many candidates can enjoy China the way I did. (Hence, if you are serious about learning Mandarin and are in doubt as to where to go, then try this school.)
Dr. James Koch (ex-Yorkist, ex-Nairobi/Kenya, now Bavaria/Germany) July 2008
Nationality: United States
Occupation: Student Advisor at Stanford
Nick's Experience
My EWC experience was excellent from start to finish. EWC really took an interest in my personal language-learning and trip goals. I wasn’t a complete beginner so I was given a language test and my course was tailored to my level. When I wanted to switch between university classes it always seemed to be possible. When I wanted to take friends on the cultural excursions or learn how to cook accommodations were always made.
My teacher wasn’t just good, she was fantastic. She was fun, energetic, and pushed me to speak even when I was by nature a little reluctant to do so. When I needed to get something done (e.g. buy more cell minutes, order more water or buy train tickets), she never hesitated to treat it as a Chinese learning opportunity; while she was there to back me up if I made a mistake, she made me try first! When I finished the program, I felt quite confident in my abilities to get things done in my daily life.
Between the great language instruction and the personal attention, I’d highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a great Chinese learning experience.
Nationality: American
Occupation: HR Manager
John's Experience
The program was very effective in improving my Chinese skills. As part of the augmentation program, I attended classes at UIR coupled with daily tutoring and excursions from East-West Connection. My tutor was exceptional in providing vocabulary and conversation practice for daily situations and showed me a number of sites in Beijing during the weekend sightseeing excursions. East-West Connection staff has invested much time in reviewing and selecting the best software and methods for learning Mandarin. The program surpassed my expectations and I highly recommend it to English speakers who want to learn Mandarin Chinese quickly and efficiently -- while experiencing Beijing.
Nationality: British
Occupation: Teacher
Sam's Experience
1-1 lessons with East-West Connection have allowed me to learn
汉语 at my pace, fitting studying around a full time job. They have been
extremely flexible when I've needed to move lessons times. My teacher
has adapted the course to fit my needs; teaching me extra vocabularly
(such as mascara and eye shadow) and also adding in bits of information
about Characters which I am learning by myself at the moment. If I
struggle with something she teaches it a new way the next lesson and
takes more time, if I find something easy we pass over it quickly. I
would say we spend about 75% of the time studying whats on the syllabus
and 25% on the time studying things around the syllabus which either my
teacher thinks I'll find useful, or I've asked about.
If you want 1-1 teaching which really tailors to your needs then I can recommend East-West Connection.
Nationality: American
Occupation: Harvard student
Philip's Experience
There was never a period more special than the time I spent in Beijing, and as I grow older and look back, I will always know that definitively, it was the best month of my life. And it is safe to say that my trip would not be nearly as satisfying if it weren't for my program with One-Month Chinese. As a tutoring/learning center alone One-Month Chinese offered me high quality services such as: one on one tutoring with teachers, a comprehensive lesson plan which included vocabulary, character writing, grammar, phonetics and listening, a flexible schedule to suit my own activities, and most importantly teaching which accommodated my own specific level of progress in Chinese. One-Month Chinese is also so much more than just an instructional program though. For many Western people, arriving in China for the first time can be a startling change, and many might find themselves lost in all the culture shock. One-Month Chinese really helps to assuage this. They are always within easy contact, will take you out to phenomenal dining experiences, and even include showing you China's amazing sights on weekends. They will pretty much take care of any problem you come across during your stay. Most importantly, is their excellent service in providing a concierge (Wendy in my case) to spend time with you in showing you around and getting you acquainted with the surroundings. This helped me a great deal, and having someone with you to always speak Chinese with is the best way to learn. Really, the people at One-Month Chinese become your friends rather than your teachers, and this is evident in that the program is a small, warm and intimate group, at your service, rather than a large, distant tutoring corporation. You will remember the employees of One-Month Chinese; they become the people you know in China, who you see and talk to nearly everyday and by the time you have to leave, you will miss them greatly. I know some people choose to stay a year a more in Beijing learning Chinese; and I cannot think of a better program to use. I recommend all people who are thinking about coming to China to come, to step outside their comfort zone, experience a greatly different city and culture, and to see things one might never see elsewhere in life. I know I did, and would like to thank the people at One-Month Chinese for all their tremendous efforts. My time in Beijing would not have been the same without them, and I am still waiting for the day I get to return.
Nationality: American
Occupation: Tufts student
Nicholas 's Experience
The One Month Chinese program at East West Connection far exceeded my expectations about what could be accomplished after only a few weeks of language study. I came to Beijing only knowing “Nihao” and left being able to order at restaurants, take cabs without writing down names, and engage in simple conversations with Chinese people I met along my travels., The success comes from the unique teaching style that emphasizes sentence pattern structure and grammar. Vocabulary naturally builds from there. In addition to the great teaching, East West Connection also offers support with visas, home stay arrangements, and local travel logistics. This kind of support proved extremely useful as China is not the easiest country to navigate., Overall I would recommend this program to anyone looking to jumpstart their Chinese language studies and start speaking Chinese as quickly as possible.
Nationality: American
Occupation: Banking and Finance Executive
Andrew 's Experience
I studied Chinese in Beijing with East-West Connection for eight weeks during December 2009 and January 2010. Their team delivered a top notch teaching and cultural experience. My Chinese skills improved dramatically and I feel that the program delivered a high level of value for the fee that I paid. I would recommend this program with a high level of enthusiasm to anyone who is looking to quickly improve their Chinese language skills while having the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and explore Beijing.
Nationality: American
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Scott 's Experience
I came to Beijing and began studying Chinese in a local University, and although the teachers and program were excellent, I found myself frustrated with my lack of progress in spoken Chinese. I began studying at East-West Connection and within six months found my spoken Chinese and listening comprehension had improved dramatically. The teachers and program at East-West Connection are specifically tailored to the native English speaking Chinese language learner and their methods are creative and innovative. I have since moved to Xi'an and started a business, but none of that would have been possible without the advantage that my training at East-West Connection provided me. I would recommend East-West Connection to anyone.
Nationality: British
Occupation: Retired Teacher
Robert 's Experience
I took a 1-month course in Mandarin with East-West Connections in Beijing in September 2008.
The course was challenging, with 2 hours of intensive private tuition per day. It was up to me to do as much homework and preparation as I could manage between one lesson and the next. The tutor would then adjust the next lesson to provide what I was ready for. Sherrill, my tutor, was an excellent English speaker, native of Beijing, and well qualified as a teacher both of Mandarin to foreigners and of English to locals. She was charming and friendly but no easy taskmaster, and you certainly had to do your homework! It was not a good idea to make the same mistake in consecutive sessions!
The course focused on practical everyday Chinese: speaking, listening, conversation, vocabulary. There was no attempt to teach Chinese characters, writing or reading. It was all to do with getting it into your head, and out of your mouth. Much use was made of modern computer techniques and software, with one’s own terminal available throughout every session.
There were also arrangements with a University Chinese Language Department situated just a couple of hundred metres away, and joint courses were arranged with various degrees of flexibility.
There were also many extra-curricular activities: guided tours of the major sites in and around Beijing, and the opportunity to visit a staff member at her home, so that we could experience the life and circumstances of a local person. There were also some splendid dinners arranged for students and staff in private rooms at smart Beijing restaurants.
I found that East-West Connections gave a most effective short course in practical Chinese, together with a memorable taste of many facets of Beijing life and culture, altogether a fascinating and unique experience.
Robert Lishman,
Liverpool, UK
Nationality: American
Occupation: Senior IT Consultant
Kim's Experience
Thanks to East-West Connection, I had a great experience learning Mandarin in China. Their goals and ambitions for my progress with the Chinese language exceeded what I had set out for myself. Considering that I had no knowledge of Chinese when I started, I now feel that I had built a solid foundation during my time study in Beijing. The classes also provided a keen insight into the language as well as culture.
I particularly appreciated East-West Connection adapting the classes to fit with my training needs. The close attention paid to my pronunciation and progress gave me much needed encouragement when the learning curve seemed too steep. Additionally, the Chinese learning software, materials, and tools provided by the class were a big help in continuing my studies upon my return.
Although I traveled to China and later to Tibet by myself, I never really felt alone due to the personal interest the staff had for my safety and enjoyment of my travel in China. In so many ways, East-West Connection made my study abroad in China very memorable.
Nationality: Australian
Occupation: Graduate Pharmacist
Eric's Experience
The 1 month mandarin program which i undertook during december 2008 was an amazing experience and excellent learning program. It gave me more confidence in speaking, writing and reading of chinese characters and also helped me build upon my basic fundamentals such as grammar. The staff at East West connection were extremely helpful and ensured that my stay in beijing went as smooth as possible. I would highly recommend anyone that is interested in learning mandarin in an environment and with staff that maximises the learning experience to go with East West connection.
Nationality: Australian
Occupation: OT
Geraldine's Experience
My visit to Beijing was made most memorable and meaningful through the assistance of the people of East West Connection. My main priorities for the visit included: to learn the basics of the Chinese language on a conversational level and to have exposure to other cultural aspects such as the local food, arts, and sights around Beijing. A quick search on the internet soon took me to their website, an informative and instructive first point of contact which brought me confidence to progress closer to my goals.
Being the first time to travel on my own to any foreign country for an extended period meant that I was entrusting my valuable time and resources into the hands of what I hope were people who both valued the provision of high, personable service in their language study program as well as being able to utilise the benefits of our rich technological advances to cater to an adult style learning needs.
True to their highlighted mission, everything from timely and efficient email communication, airport pickup and drop off through to the dedicated care and concern shown to me throughout my stay has most definitely resulted in a lasting, positive impression on every aspect of my stay. Whether it was to go to the hospital, the pharmacist, bank, or the church… I knew that my needs were their top interest. I attest that the professional quality of the teaching with use of various language softwares, the coordination of my accommodation at a university campus with other foreign students, daily wushu classes, orientation to the public utilities, and the weekend tours is worthy of anyone’s recommendation… to name a few.
I have gained much since and am still amazed at just how much more I’ve come away with aside from fulfilling my initial goals. Those were fond memories, warm friendships, and most definitely a month well spent! The smooth transitioning and ease in finding my way around Beijing within the first week and a half allowed for an immersion into the local way of life on a level made more possible than any tour guide alone could orchestrate. There were nights spent where I alone meandered through the night markets and alley ways and many streets well travelled throughout the days… haha, these were interspersed with a plethora of food and shopping stalls galore amidst an ever bustling hive of activity, smells, and sounds. It was more than can be asked for by a foreigner. The encouragement and the progress made in my Mandarin throughout the month (and its day to day application by the first lesson) is a sure testament to all who were a part of East West Connection. Duo xie ni!!
Nationality: Bahamas
Occupation: Banker
Doris 's Experience
My time at East West Connection has been a good one. The teachers went out of their way to assist me in anything that I needed. I am happy to have met such caring and sincere individuals. They really helped to ease the burden that comes along with being in a huge foreign city such as Beijing.
Nationality: American
Occupation: Professor
Ryan's Experience
After living in China for nearly six months, my Chinese speaking ability was no where near where I wanted it be. 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. The program is effective, the staff is friendly, and the experience is fun. I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking to get a basic handle on the language.
Nationality: American
Occupation: Indiana University Student
Brad 's Experience
1-Month Mandarin was an excellent investment of my time. I participated in several Chinese language programs while I was in China and 1-Month Mandarin easily provided the greatest value. All of the staff members are extremely helpful and truly interested in teaching. They were always tremendously supportive and went out of their way to help me. For example, I had an important meeting in a part of Beijing I had never been before, and my teacher insisted on helping me find my way there. I had a wonderful time in Beijing thanks to the support of 1-Month Mandarin. The skills I learned with them have been invaluable to me in my travels across China. I highly recommend the program.
Nationality: Belgian
Occupation: IT Networking
Oleg's Experience
The Chinese courses were perfect (I had my own teacher too), the Ving Tsun courses were exactly what I was looking for. Every persons working in the school are so friendly. Excursions and weekly outside dinners were really nice. So my global appreciation is really good.
Nationality: American
Occupation: Editor, Major North American Magazine
Elizabeth's Experience
What appealed to me most about One Month Mandarin was the eclectic approach, integrating the best of many different programs. I also liked the emphasis on spoken Chinese and the way they utilized technology through computer programs and the Palm. The excursions were also fun, and very useful for trying out Chinese in real-life situations. But the best aspect was the way that both Matt, who runs the program, and Kat, my teacher, customized the lessons for me, adapting to my language level and to my unpredictable schedule. They anticipated my needs and were just terrific all around. I would highly recommend the program to anyone who wants to get comfortable speaking Mandarin fast.
Nationality: American
Occupation:
Lana 's Experience
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Nationality: American
Occupation: Senior IT Consultant
Kim's Experience
I never really felt alone due to the personal interest the staff had for my safety and enjoyment of my travel in China. In so many ways, East-West Connection made my study abroad in China very memorable.
