Mandarin Chinese is not an easy language to pick up immediately. Yet, there’s a sure way to learn it faster and feel comfortable in communicating with natives — Chinese courses in China. In this article, LinguaTrip.com will tell you about the types of courses you can take to speed up the language acquisition and boost your career.

• Types of Chinese Courses in China

  Intensive Chinese. Such courses allow you to focus on real-life Chinese conversational skills, character reading and writing. Small group classes sharing your level will give you friendly competition while allowing you to get full attention from the teachers. The course covers listening, speaking, reading and writing - the 4 building blocks of language learning - and build a strong foundation to master your Chinese skills.

  Reading and Writing Chinese. Learning characters is considered to be the most challenging part of Chinese learning. To make the process faster and effective, teachers put emphasis on character writing and memorizing techniques. Students also learn to read, write and understand some of the mysteries behind a writing system that is 5,000 years old. The course is highly recommendable for those who are planning to enter a Chinese university, or take the HSK exam (Chinese Proficiency Test).

  Private Tutoring. One-to-one tutoring course is the most personalized way of language acquisition. A private tutor will design the learning plan with the content and learning pace perfect for your interests and needs. You can choose the accommodation type. Some tutors may invite you to live in their houses. You can also stay in a Chinese family house, or rent your own accommodation.

  Among the variety of Chinese language schools in China, we recommend the most well-reputed ones: Mandarin House and EF. These schools can be found in large Chinese cities.

• What else to consider before the trip

  Visa. If you come to China for study, advanced studies, or fieldwork, you’ll need a China Student Visa (known as the X visa).

  • X1 visa: For long-term study > 180 days
  • X2 visa: For short-term study ≤ 180 days

  If you apply for a visa for the first time, it’s better consult a visa manager LinguaTrip.com on how to fill out the form, collect and translate all the documents and register for an appointment at the consulate.

  Accommodation. You can book it on your own via Airbnb, or other hospitality services. LinguaTrip.com offers you an opportunity of a homestay with a Chinese family. Aside from your own single room, you will be sharing life with native speakers. Through conversation, meals and daily activities shared with your homestay family, this is the perfect way to put your Chinese into practice, and learn more about modern Chinese life and culture.

  Money. Remember to change your local money for Yuans before your departure. Usually, this way is cheaper. Also, take some money for excursions and entry tickets to museums or theaters. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so make sure you’ll have enough money for cultural breaks between classes.

  Local SIM-card. All the schools will provide you with Internet connection, but you may not always have it outside the classroom. So, if you and your kids want to stay connected during the entire stay in the country, a local SIM-card is a must.