Language Programs

My experience with LTL has been great: fun, flexible and unforgettable. As a Chinese heritage speaker I went looking for a school that would offer an individualised learning experience with “live-action“ support in Taipei, and from the start LTL‘s team were attuned to my needs and wishes. My student advisor Josephine answered each and every one of my questions in detail, and she followed up with a structured plan within a few days. I decided on 1-on-1 classes for 2 weeks with 20 classes per week, 50% of them being safari classes, and the connection kit. Safari classes are outings into Taipei i.e. store or museum visits that are accompanied by your language teacher to give you real-life Mandarin speaking experience. The connection kit meant that I was set up with a Mandarin-speaker in Taipei to go out with. The online onboarding couldn‘t have run more smoothly thanks to highly detailed enquiries, to an online placement test and to a video call with Alin to get a feel for my actual speaking level and to answer any eventual questions I might have had before coming to Taipei. Additionally, LTL provided detailed guides on how to get through the airport and into the city itself, and they added me to the Line student group in advance. That way if I had had any questions I could have asked LTL Taipei‘s team any time. On my first day at LTL my teacher Issa took great care to check in with what I wanted to focus on including my interests for the safari classes. She then drew up a plan for both our textbook Chinese lessons and potential outings. I appreciate her gentle and flexible approach that encouraged me while being very clear on the areas that I needed to improve, in my case mostly the tones. She offered consistent corrective feedback on my intonation and introduced me to a method to acquire a more natural pronunciation. In the first week we focused more on the textbook lessons in MTU’s ”A Course in Contemporary Chinese“ to give me a starting point. At the same time Issa left plenty of room to go on tangents related to my stay in Taipei. I felt very well guided, though the pace was high with 20+ new vocabulary per day and short reviews. In the second week we focused more on Safari classes with pre-scheduled outings to a bubble tea shop, to the stationer‘s, to a day market, to a post office and to a tea house among others. Issa went above and beyond to prepare me for these outdoor assignments with individualised vocabulary lists and example dialogues. She also provided rich insights into Taiwan‘s everyday life and plenty of suggestions for places to visit and foods to try. While I felt quite a nervous to speak to shopkeepers with my basic Chinese skills Issa‘s support helped me to build up my confidence to go out to apply my Chinese even after the language classes were over. In addition to all these intensive classes the team at LTL Taipei made my stay unforgettable by organising frequent and diverse social events i.e. almost daily lunch outings, creative Taiwanese craft workshops, a museum visit, a KTV night, a Mahjong afternoon, etc. A shout-out to Sunny! Her infectious enthusiasm and inventiveness made my stay at LTL unforgettable. Plus other teachers and staff would join some of these events and even expand them at times. So even though I had 1-on-1 classes I still got to connect to other students every day. My only hiccup was related to the connection kit when my original partner became unavailable, but Riona and Sunny resolved it within 2 days‘s time. The administration at LTL Taipei is flawless! I can‘t recommend LTL Taipei enough! They provide such a comprehensive experience way beyond just language classes! So if you consider attending, make sure to leave enough room in your schedule to enjoy the full experience. Taipei‘s team guarantees that you will Live The Language!

I came to Beijing as a complete Chinese beginner and studied at That’s Mandarin for three months. I have now achieved HSK 3. The teachers give clear, beginner‑friendly lessons. The school has a nice warm atmosphere for learning. My short‑term stay here has been absolutely worthwhile. I would recommend this school for anyone starting Mandarin in Beijing.

Studying at That’s Mandarin has helped me make solid progress with my Chinese. Tricky grammar and conversational language are far more understandable with their great teaching. The school has a really warm, relaxed campus atmosphere. Staff are friendly and supportive, making it a low‑pressure place to focus on your studies. Very happy with my experience and I would recommend it to anyone learning Mandarin in China.

That’s Mandarin, Chengdu, is an exceptional Chinese language school with incredible teachers and students that are hard to part with! I absolutely loved learning here, and would look forward to class every single day. The teachers are always so welcoming, super helpful and make learning so enjoyable! I look forward to coming back!

La experiencia que he tenido en That’s Mandarin ha sido muy enriquecedora, conocer a tanta gente de tantos países distintos y tener profesores tan empeñados en hacer su trabajo correctamente me ha dejado con una sensación de satisfacción, muchas gracias a toda la gente que he conocido y recomendaría encarecidamente a otros a apuntarse a esta academia

I have never studied Chinese before and That's Mandarin helped me not just understand the language better but also the culture and little differences in China that I never knew about. The school helps with organizing your stay in China to make it a smooth process. The location in Chengdu is really central and you can explore many attractions very easily from there. The best thing by far is my teachers! I the one on one lessons they really focus on the questions I have and help me get the grammar and pronounciation correctly. I can only recommend That's Mandarin for everybody that is trying to learn Chinese in China, especially in Chengdu.

That’s Mandarinのおかげで、日常会話でマジで使える実用的な中国語が身につきました！レッスンは「話す」と「聴く」が中心だから、学んだ言葉を使って自然に会話できるようになります。実際に中国の人と話す機会が増えるにつれて、自分の伝えたいことが少しずつ伝わるようになるのが本当に嬉しかったです。 しかも先生たちがみんなすごく親切で、学校全体がアットホームで居心地抜群です。使える中国語を学びたいなら、That’s Mandarinが絶対おすすめ！楽しく学べて、最高の経験になりますよ！

I studied Chinese for two years in another city and passed HSK 2, but I always felt lost — sentence patterns and grammar never really made sense. Then, while on a business trip to Beijing, I found That‘s Mandarin and took two classes. The difference was incredible. In just a few lessons with two fantastic teachers, structures that had confused me for years became crystal clear. I immediately signed up for 300 online classes to keep learning after I go back to the UK. If you've ever felt stuck learning Chinese, That‘s Mandarin is the place to go. Highly recommended!

This is my fourth summer studying at LTL Language School in Taipei, and each experience has been truly amazing. All of the teachers—including Sissy, Kate, Tammy Xu, Anqi and Francine, whom I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know—are incredibly dedicated and supportive, and they have helped me make great progress in my language skills. Although I don’t have many opportunities to practise during the rest of the year, I notice a clear improvement every time I return to LTL. It’s a wonderful place to learn, grow, and stay motivated! The class levels are well organised and I always felt well in my group. If your own language level doesn’t match that of the class, you can easily switch to a different level. The admin staff – Sunny, Riona and Alin – are very friendly and help with every little thing. This starts right from the preparation for the summer course. The social events are brilliant and give you the chance to get to know both Taiwanese culture and the other students better. Would I recommend the LTL School? ABSOLUTELY...

I really enjoy my time studying at That’s Mandarin. The campus is bright, modern and well‑maintained, with comfortable classrooms and a nice common area to relax between classes. It creates a really pleasant atmosphere for learning. I’ve made clear progress in my Mandarin over these weeks. Teachers are patient and focus on practical speaking skills, so I feel much more confident using Chinese in daily life. The whole team is friendly and supportive. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn Mandarin in a great environment!

I came to XMandarin Qingdao 2 months ago and I don't wanna leave. My Chinese was already basic (my listening was way better) when I first came, and the teachers helped me so much with my skills. The classes are always locally-focused, meaning that the teachers are always teaching you local common things and will help you practice a lot the speaking and the listening and I'm a great example of the change that has produced in my language journey! The city is incredible, there's a lot of things to see and learn from it. Even though, the city hasn't a huge story as Beijing or Chengdu does, it offers still a good amount of it to experience the Chinese culture. People are always kind and down to help you, as well as in the School, the process is too simple and they always try to make you feel comfortable and at home. I'll be feeling so homesick when I leave!!!

I had the opportunity to spend one month studying at this language school, and overall, I had a very positive experience. From the very beginning, I felt comfortable and welcomed, and I was happy with the atmosphere at the school. The staff were friendly and helpful, and everything was well organized, which made studying much easier and more enjoyable. I would especially like to thank my teacher, Lilia Deng. She is a wonderful teacher who is patient, kind, attentive, and very professional. The lessons were interesting and useful, and I especially appreciated the opportunity to practice speaking. Although I stayed at the school for only one month, I feel that I learned a lot and had a great experience.

I am truly grateful for the wonderful time I spent in Beihai and would like to express my sincerest thanks to every aspect of this trip. From the warm homestay family to the well-organized school program and the breathtaking natural scenery, everything exceeded my expectations. This trip was not just a language learning opportunity, but a life-changing adventure that gave me new perspectives, lasting friendships, and unforgettable memories. First of all, my homestay family was truly amazing. From day one, they warmly welcomed me and made me feel like a member of their family. We spent many quality moments together and participated in many activities that I will never forget. One of the most exciting was surfing it was my first time on a surfboard, and they patiently taught me the basics and encouraged me to enjoy the waves instead of being afraid of them. Riding the waves under their guidance was both thrilling and exhilarating. In the evenings, we often watched movies together, shared popcorn and laughter, and discussed the plot and characters. The children in the family were energetic and adorable; we played basketball almost every day at the nearby court. Those matches were more than just sports; they were opportunities to strengthen bonds. We encouraged each other, shared new skills, and improved our game together. The family's kindness, warmth, and generosity made me feel a deep sense of belonging in a foreign land, making my stay exceptionally special. One of the most unforgettable parts of this trip was visiting their ancestral home in rural China. Unlike the bustling city, it was a tranquil haven embraced by nature. The scenery was breathtaking，lush green mountains stretched gently into the distance, crystal-clear streams meandered through the valleys, and a tranquil reservoir reflected the sky like a perfect mirror. The air was fresh and clean, and the sounds of birdsong and flowing water blended into a soothing natural melody. We took long walks along the reservoir, and I even tried fishing with my family for the first time. The scenery was picturesque, and I couldn't resist taking photos every few minutes. This experience allowed me to deeply appreciate the charm of China's natural beauty and gave me a rare glimpse into authentic rural life, a refreshing contrast to my accustomed fast-paced city life. Next, I'd like to talk about the school，Beihai School，which is equally impressive and professionally managed. The teaching team truly listens to each student's needs and tailors the curriculum accordingly. Whether I wanted to focus on improving my spoken fluency, grammar accuracy, or writing skills, they adjusted the course content to fit my individual goals. Homework assignments were meaningful, reinforcing classroom learning, and teachers provided detailed and constructive feedback on each assignment. What I appreciated most was the class recording system，they recorded the key points, vocabulary, and grammar structures of each lesson and shared them with us promptly, allowing me to review them anytime and never fall behind. The teachers' explanations were always clear, patient, and easy to understand, greatly boosting my confidence. The entire program was exceptionally well-organized, from the daily schedule to extracurricular activities and weekend outings. A perfect balance was struck between study and leisure, ensuring we learned effectively while also having ample time to relax and enjoy life. Furthermore, the administrative team, especially the sales department, performed admirably in every aspect. Whether via email or instant messaging, they responded to my inquiries almost instantly, never keeping me waiting. Before I even arrived, they answered all my questions about the program, accommodation, transportation, and even local customs with remarkable clarity and patience. Throughout my studies, they followed up regularly to ensure everything went smoothly and promptly addressed any minor issues I raised. Their professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care made the entire process completely stress-free, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my studies and enjoy my time. In short, this trip to Beihai perfectly blended cultural immersion, academic growth, and nature exploration. I not only returned home with significantly improved language skills but also gained lifelong memories and friends from all over the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking an authentic, enriching, and truly transformative experience in China. Thank you to my host family, the school staff, and everyone who made this trip unforgettable. I will definitely be back!

LTL Language School responded to this reviewAugust 26, 2026

Surfing for the first time, fishing at a rural reservoir and playing basketball with the family every evening! It's been some adventure with you, Dipesh!! We are thrilled Beihai delivered so much beyond the classroom! Thanks so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review. Keep up the great work studying Chinese and we cannot wait to welcome you back! LTL Team

High quality teaching is on offer, but it’s not consistent. One of our teachers doesn’t have good enough English to teach at a complete beginner level, as she doesn’t understand questions or explain things properly. Additionally, there’s limited flexibility with moving your lessons and/or switching to one-on-one on occasion, which is surprising given the cost of the course. Additionally, the school offers little opportunity for cultural immersion or group activity, and what it does offer is expensive.

This school was a real treasure to find! 🙌 And I’m happy to say I’ve had a lovely first experience with “That’s Mandarin!” 🥰 Right from the start they sent me marked location photos, making the school easy to find. My first lesson was great; the teachers are exceptionally patient, friendly, and encouraged me to speak—which made organizing my thoughts in Chinese feel much more natural. Their learning material matches daily life Chinese, with common phrasing and realistic usage—which for me personally, was a big relief, because learning textbook Chinese and sounding like a robot was one of my biggest fears. 😢🙏 The classrooms are modern, clean and perform well with their platform (nihaocafe.com). They setup my account for me and even uploaded materials beforehand, so I could have an easy start into my first lesson. Over five days, I took 10 classes with two different teachers. Rotating teachers was a surprisingly good detail that made it a lot easier for my ear to adapt to various speaking speeds and accents. Their online classes are just as smooth, connecting through their platform was easy, the connection was strong, and the whiteboard right below the video callmade it easy to follow along. The lessons center on everyday scenarios like ordering food or paying for a taxi, that balance listening and reading comprehension really well. Afterwards, you can easily review, and even preview for your next class, but also track your word count—which really encouraged me to learn more, because that score increases a good amount after each lesson.😊 The school and its teachers encourage a warm, home- like atmosphere, and I met some really nice people from all over the world during the breaks and after class, who learned Chinese just like me. “That’s mandarin” also hosts fun little events like playing games and having lunch together which makes the place really feel like home.💖 Highly recommended!😘

A happy returning customer here - i attended a longer course last year, this year they tailor made a shorter intensive course for me! You won’t regret enrolling, no one ever has! Basically it felt like visiting my old friends 🙂

A great study spot is all about the right vibecalm, comfortable, and distraction-free. Somewhere you can settle in, stay focused, and actually enjoy the process. When the atmosphere clicks, productivity flows naturally

A great study spot is all about the right vibecalm, comfortable, and distraction-free. Somewhere you can settle in, stay focused, and actually enjoy the process. When the atmosphere clicks, productivity flows naturally

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect about my time with IA and on the program before I came. I mainly booked because I wanted to improve my Spanish, but I ended up enjoying the whole experience way more than I thought I would. The classes were really good and the teachers were great, but I think what helped me the most was everything outside the classroom. Living with a Mexican family meant I was hearing Spanish all day, every day, and after a while you kind of stop overthinking everything you want to say. We'd go out into the city, visit markets, grab food, do the cooking class, weekend trips, all that sort of thing, and you're just constantly using Spanish without really thinking about it. One thing I really appreciated was how much effort everyone put into making sure we were having a good time. Harry and Harry were always around if anyone needed anything, whether it was recommendations, helping someone who wasn't feeling well, or just making sure everybody was included. It never felt like they were just running a business. You could tell they actually cared about everyone having a good experience. Cuernavaca was also a really nice surprise. I'd never even heard of it before finding Iguana Abroad, but it's such a relaxed place and feels really authentic. There aren't loads of tourists everywhere, so you end up speaking Spanish much more than you probably would in somewhere like Cancun or even Mexico City. I also made some really good friends on the course which I wasn't expecting. Even now we're still talking about meeting up again somewhere. If you're looking for luxury accommodation and cocktails by the pool every day, this probably isn't that kind of trip you are going to be looking for to be honest. But if you actually want to improve your Spanish, experience Mexico properly, and come home with some brilliant memories, I'd definitely recommend it.

I had a great time in my week long stay at Na'atik. I did a solo trip and was able to practice my Spanish for the whole week. My teacher Licey was incredible. So patient and persistent as I was learning. She kept the content interesting and conversational while also ensuring I learned the fundamentals for communication. The program coordinator Elizabeth was always on top of things and helped make sure communication was consistent and that all the plans were well coordinated. She was also really helpful with recommendations for the town and navigating being a foreigner in a small town. The school itself is beautiful and everyone there was really kind and welcoming. The activities offered were also really fun. It was great to get to learn more about the Mayan culture and I high recommend any of the excursions that include learning about the land, practices, and people. I went during a less busy time of year, so I was the only student around. If you like the one on one time, then I recommend going in mid-end of August. If you want to be around people, don't go then. Overall, I recommend this program!