
Mustafa Osman Ali
That's Mandarin
AlumniActually, my job in my country had been suspended due to war circumstances. Therefore, I decided to travel to be with my wife while she pursued her Ph...
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with KCP International Japanese Language School
Go Abroad China Ltd.
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Experience the best of Chinese language education at one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious institutions: Fudan University in Shanghai. With over a century of history and a vibrant international community of 7,000 students from 120 countries, Fudan offers an ideal environment for immersive
See All 2 ProgramsThat's Mandarin
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Learn Chinese fast! With intensive classes, you will make rapid progress together with a group of peer learners. This program is designed for students who want to accomplish more within a shorter period. That’s Mandarin offers classes with top-quality teachers, relevant modern content, an in-house
LTL Language School
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LTL Language School is a perfect fit for students looking to improve their Mandarin quickly. Our comprehensive Chinese programs allow students maximum flexibility. You can study at LTL for a week up to a full year. We offer Mandarin language lessons in 10 cities across Asia, including Beijing, Shan
Lingoinn Teacher Homestay
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Learn Mandarin in China and Taiwan through an immersive learning experience combining personalised one-to-one lessons, a homestay with a Chinese teacher, authentic cultural exchange, and local experiences. By living with your Lingoinn teacher and their family, you’ll go beyond the classroom and pra
See All 6 ProgramsSN Mandarin Chinese School
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Choose our Intensive Course in Shanghai to immerse yourself deeply in Chinese learning and start speaking! This program also includes visa support. 1. Types of Groups: a) Small: Intensive 30 (6 lessons/day - 5 times/week) Intensive 20 (4 lessons/day - 5 times/week) Flexible 12 (4 lessons/day - 3 ti
See All 3 ProgramsLanguage Vacation
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Chinese in Shanghai,enjoy your Chinese learning vacation in this city of FUN! This second city of the world's oldest surviving ancient civilization, Shanghai is actually very new with soaring modern art-deco skyscrapers. Shanghai is also a port city on the Huangpu River and if you want to get awa
Weihai Chuanyue Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd.
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Are you dreaming of immersing yourself in Chinese culture? Join Chuanyue Cultural Exchange, a professional Chinese Au Pair agency with 10+ years of placement experience! Our program offers a transformative gap year experience, blending independence, language learning, cultural exchange, and adve
RICH Chinese Summer Camp
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A question in Chinese can lead to a conversation, a shared meal or a new friend. At RICH, international students aged 8–17 spend 16 days learning and living together, with Peking University in Beijing or East China Normal University in Shanghai as their campus base. Small Chinese classes of 2–5 are
Silk Mandarin - Language Training Institute
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Silk Mandarin's Chinese Camps 2026 are now open for enrollment - Winter, Spring & Summer adventures await! Experience their thoughtfully designed immersive Mandarin practice with fun, real-life speaking tasks, exciting cultural activities ranging from culinary arts to ancient traditions, and thrill
See All 2 ProgramsLanguBridge Education Centre
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By hosting our summer programs on a university campus, students are provided with a safe and quiet learning environment. By studying intensive courses with 20 classes per week, staying on campus or with our carefully selected host family, and participating in various cultural activities and trip
GoEast Mandarin
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Join GoEast’s Chinese Day Camp in Shanghai, designed for kids and teens ages 8–17, from complete beginners to advanced learners. Students are grouped by age and Chinese level, with small classes of up to 8 students. Families can choose between two formats: the half-day Academic Chinese Booster, foc
See All 3 ProgramsThe National Registration Center for Study Abroad
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Learn Chinese through an institution dedicated to providing the highest quality Chinese programs to students. They take pride in their enthusiastic and highly professional staff and teachers, and in their comprehensive and dynamic curriculum. The faculty is professionally trained, with each one
Intensive language schools, university courses, and one-on-one learning are the three most popular ways to learn languages in Shanghai.
Formal courses. Intensive language programs in Shanghai at language schools and through formal university courses both offer a structured curriculum and communal learning with other language learners. This team environment will help you build your speaking and comprehension skills, and the support you receive will help build your confidence outside the classroom. While you will learn common phrases to help you navigate everyday life in Shanghai, you can also dig deeper into specific subject matters of interest to you.
One-on-one learning. Another popular option for language learning abroad in Shanghai is one-on-one instruction. You can hire a tutor or participate in a homestay that can be customized to your learning objectives. Your tutor or in-home host can tailor private lessons and activities that will help you learn effectively.
Duration. Intensive language programs in Shanghai can last anywhere from a one-week homestay to a full academic year (or longer). Keep in mind that the longer you commit to learning the language, the more you will learn.
Shanghai is the commercial and financial center of China, similar to the financial district in New York City—think Wall Street. It has a population of over 24 million with a small percentage of registered foreigners (less than 1%). So, if you’re interested being in a bustling financial center, then Shanghai is definitely for you!
The cost of living in Shanghai is relatively moderate. Housing will likely be your largest expense, with monthly rentals for a studio apartment ranging from $800-$1,500. Most landlords prefer at least one-year rentals, so you will want to consider that as you’re planning to attend Shanghai language schools. Food and entertainment are relatively moderate, with a basic dinner for two in local restaurants running about $25 and two movie tickets costing about $16.
Transportation is an important part of life in Shanghai. The city has a robust subway system which provides reasonably hassle-free transportation throughout and around the city. Of course, options like taxis and Uber exist, and are equally convenient, but may cost a bit more. Shanghai is a bustling metropolis, and for the right person, makes wonderful backdrop for learning a new language.
Know your environment. One thing you’ll want to do for the first few weeks at language schools in Shanghai is carry a map of the city. While you may get to know your immediate surroundings pretty quickly, eventually you will want to branch out to see other sites and (hear other) sounds. Shanghai is large, so don’t be afraid to look like a “tourist” for a while until you’re familiar with the larger area.
Learn key phrases. Going into your new city, you’ll want to know some key phrases. Learn how to introduce yourself, ask for directions, order a meal and other essential phrases that will help you get settled quickly. Also, picking up colloquialisms (aka slang) happens in context, and this will come most naturally as you build upon your existing vocabulary.
Make friends with the locals. You cannot get to know a city without knowing its people. Making friends with locals is an essential part of getting the inside scoop on what there is to see and do around the city. The sooner you are able to meet people, the more you will get out of your experience at Shanghai language schools. –Read our comprehensive guide on learning languages in China.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Finished my two weeks of learning Chinese today. I’m writing this review at a bar in Chengdu where I managed to exchange a couple of words with some other bar goers. Definitely was not expecting it when I landed to start the course. Two weeks really flew by and I cannot but suggest LTL Chengdu to everyone who wants to learn this amazing language. The program is well structured and follows the HSK levels, but in the end it really gets tailored to what you want or need. Big thanks to my teacher Stiles, teacher Ying, Ilaria and Giulia for the support during my stay. 马飞叔叔 out 😎

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
The platform NihaoCafe bring listening, speaking, reading and writing resources together in one place, something I have struggled to find elsewhere. Two months of classes in Beijing have delivered clear progress, as teachers blend professional instruction with a fun, lively style that makes every lesson feel like an adventure. Highly recommended.
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
I very much enjoyed my three week intensive language program at That’s Mandarin. My teachers were very engaging, the school provides good books and also use technology very well. All of these combined make the learning experience excellent. I would highly recommend!
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
Studying here is such a nice experience! Teachers care about every student. They teach Chinese with real-life examples, so it is easy to understand. Class activities help us practice more. I used to think Chinese was very hard, but now I enjoy learning it. I can ask directions and order food in Chinese. The school environment is comfortable. I make steady progress every week. I’m happy I chose this school and I will keep studying here.
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
This is a great Chinese school! My teacher is professional and helpful. She always corrects my pronunciation gently. Lessons are well planned and not boring. We practice listening, speaking and reading each class. I started from zero, and now I can communicate in simple Chinese. The staff are nice and quick to answer questions. There are interesting cultural activities too. I feel confident when using Chinese. If you want to learn practical Mandarin, this school is a wonderful choice.
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
I really love this Chinese school! Teachers are patient and friendly. They explain grammar and pronunciation clearly, and encourage us to speak bravely.Classes are fun with role-plays and simple cultural activities. I was afraid to speak Chinese before, but now I can talk about daily things. The learning materials are useful. The atmosphere is warm. I make friends with classmates from different countries. I improve quickly and enjoy every class. I strongly recommend this school to everyone who wants to learn Mandarin well.
I had some chinese lessons when I was very young. Couldn't remember half of what I learned, and barely speak any mandarin. But within 2 months, I could finish the HSK 2 textbook, and half of the HSK 3, improving a lot of my speaking. The program is very well organized, from the scheduling of the classes, to the renting of the apartment/hostfamily and cultural activities.



Great pics, Ronaldo! So glad you had a great time in Beihai and everything went smoothly for you. Flying through the HSK too! Keep it up. LTL Team
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
As a working professional, flexibility was crucial for me. That’s Mandarin customized a schedule that fit my busy routine perfectly.Their proprietary software records all lessons in real-time, so I never had to worry about taking frantic notes.
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
I spent a month at the Hangzhou campus, and it exceeded all my expectations! The location is fantastic, and the staff treated me like family from arrival. Combining group lessons with cultural excursions gave me a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and daily conversation practice.
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
Studying at That’s Mandarin in Hangzhou was an incredible experience. The immersion methodology helped me start speaking Chinese from day one with confidence. The teachers are incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and professional. Their online Nihao Cafe platform made reviewing class notes and vocabulary effortless after class.
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
The class course exceeded my expectations. Each lesson has a topic, and the teacher paces things well so nobody falls behind. I especially appreciate the interactive activities and group practice, which make learning feel natural rather than repetitive. The teacher is approachable and always willing to answer questions. Overall, a very worthwhile experience that has boosted my confidence in Chinese.
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
I recently completed a class course with That's Mandarin in Hangzhou, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. The teachers are professional, patient, and genuinely passionate about helping students improve. Class sizes are small, so everyone gets plenty of attention and chances to speak. The staff are friendly and supportive, and the learning atmosphere is relaxed and encouraging. My Chinese has improved significantly in a short time. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to learn Chinese in Hangzhou!
Student advisors Mojca Godec & Savannah Feng were wonderful & truly helpful. I got more hours’ education than I deserved! Teacher Summer did a great job too! I logged 4 weeks’ 20hrs/week in a group of 2 + 2 weeks’ 10 hrs/week individual study, completing HSK 1 & most of HSK 2. I intend to continue next month with 4 weeks’ LTL Osaka small group study of Japanese, for which they gave me a 10% off coupon for successful Chinese language completion.
Super happy to hear it :) Thanks for leaving LTL Beihai such a glowing review! Japan next? Already excited. Let's go!! LTL Team
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
I'm glad I picked That's Mandarin over other options. This is my third Mandarin school and it's my favorite by far. From the beginning, they were very helpful and fast at replying when I started inquiring for prices and structure. Upon my arrival everything was set up and I had to do no further arrangements to the course structure or hours; anyone venturing abroad to study understands that consistency is not a constant, but That's Mandarin excels at it. Once in the school, everyone is extremely kind, patient and willing to help. The class structures are fantastic and geared to what I've been looking for. I opted for the 1-on-1 classes and don't regret it. Also, I picked the downtown school, which is a cozy space in a cool building and beautiful street; I highly recommend this location. Last but not least, I want to give a shout out to Joey, who was my first contact, and of course to the professors DaoDao and Sun; they are clearly experienced, but also important, they are very patient and continuously show a will to help their students. I initially came for a couple of months to try it out, but I want to come back next year for a few extra months.
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
I’ve been in China for two months, and the Chinese classes here have removed my hesitation to navigate daily life in Beijing. Basic phrases I’ve learned let me shop, get rides and chat briefly with local people, and That’s Mandarin has made integrating into this city far easier.
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
After three years of university Chinese and a year-long break, my skills faded. Starting at HSK2 here, experienced teachers helped me review efficiently, and I quickly regained my footing before advancing to HSK3. I’m now making steady progress and feel confident again.
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
That's Mandarin campus in Shanghai is well located. The classes are small, and group sessions are very good for learning new vocabulary fast, and review it so it is easier to remember. The topics are very useful for everyday activities ie shopping, booking tickets etc.
Școala este foarte bună cu profesorii foarte bine pregătiți într-un oraș turistic ,școala profesorii și orașul fac un mix foarte pozitiv. Am găsit în China un oraș foarte liniștit primitor cu oameni foarte buni , este vorba de orașul Beihai.



Ne bucurăm enorm că ai găsit în Beihai un oraș liniștit și primitor, iar mixul dintre școală, profesori și oraș ți-a plăcut atât de mult! Mulțumim că ai și-ai făcut timp să ne scrii. Spor în continuare la studiul limbii chineze și sperăm să ne revedem la LTL într-o zi! LTL Team
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
I visit this school the second time to learn more about chinese language and culture I like the warmly welcome the teachers and teammembers give to me The method to teach the pupils is different to the way other schools do teaching the combination of reading,listening,writing is very helpful to dig deeper into chinese language It is very inspiring to know different teachers. I want to mention that me as a pupil never had the feeling to be blamed
Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
In Chengdu habe ich mit Sprachlehrerin Wu bei Null angefangen. Nach nur einem Monat konnte ich schon auf Chinesisch bestellen, einkaufen und zum Teil einfachen Gesprächen folgen. Lehrerin Wu ist absolut phänomenal, sie motiviert und spornt an ohne bei komplexen Themen zu überfordern. Ich bin extrem zufrieden mit ihr und That’s Mandarin!
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Mustafa Osman Ali
That's Mandarin
AlumniActually, my job in my country had been suspended due to war circumstances. Therefore, I decided to travel to be with my wife while she pursued her Ph...
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Mert Saracoglu
That's Mandarin
AlumniMy inspiration to go abroad stemmed from a desire to broaden my horizons by experiencing different cultures firsthand. I enjoy immersing myself in new...
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Kelly Jones
Lingoinn Teacher Homestay
AlumniLast October 2023, I had been studying Chinese (Mandarin ??) for almost three years, mostly through a diploma in modern languages at a university in A...
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Clàudia Naranjo
Chinese Language Institute (CLI)
AlumniI studied Chinese at my hometown University (Barcelona) for four years, but I had never been before in China. This year I graduated, so I decided to s...
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Nicole Springer
WorldStrides
AlumniI have always loved traveling ever since I was a little kid. My parents were fortunate enough to be able to take us to Florida to go to Disney every C...
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Melissa Mercer
LoPair Cultural Exchange
AlumniI really wanted to gain more life experience, as I took a year off from university. I wanted to step out my comfort zone and experience a completely d...
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Rebecca Fortuin
LoPair Cultural Exchange
AlumniI believe learning a language is much more effective in its native country as you have the opportunity to practice in everyday life with native speake...
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