Mandarin Youth Summer Camp

Our daughter of 7 spent a week with Omeida. She happened to be the youngest in the particular group she was in. Our daughter had been learning Chinese for 3 years. Since my wife and I do not speak Mandarin, we chose this program for a more immersive experience. We were very glad to see the Chineses activities were not only in the classroom, but also out on the streets, parks, and markets. One activity our daughter did was to ask in Chinese strangers do perform a task with them -- like take a picture or jump in the air. It was a very fun and engaging way to speak Chinese to native speakers. The staff were very attentive to her. For example, they make sure she had an umbrella and was covered when it rained, they carried the heavier items for her when needed, and looked out for her needs. The staff also created an environment conducive to kindness among campers. For example, during the cave exploration activity, despite having overalls on, our daughter was a bit short and water would have gotten wet. The campers carried her where the water level was high to keep her dry. Our daughter had been asking to return again next year for a full two week program. We are making plans to do that!

Our experience with Omeida was excellent! My 16-year-old son attended for 3 weeks (2 week summer camp + 1 week private tuition), and was thoroughly impressed by the quality of instruction. The teachers are top-notch—highly skilled, patient, and deeply committed to helping students succeed in learning Chinese. The three-week camp provided an immersive environment where he could fully engage with the language. The instructors covered essential grammar points, practical vocabulary, and all four key language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The lessons were well-structured and paced to match the students' different learning speeds, ensuring that everyone could keep up and feel confident. What truly stood out was the supportive atmosphere created by the teachers. They were always encouraging, readily answering questions, and offering constructive feedback. My son felt comfortable and motivated to learn, which made a significant difference in his progress. He also helped teach English to Chinese native students in his spare time. He enjoyed staying in the dorms with Chinese kids where he made new friends and practiced Chinese.

My three children recently spent 2 weeks at the Omeida summer camp. They all loved the experience which was a perfect mixture of fun lessons and cultural activities such as a visit to the tea plantation, caving and rock climbing. They so enjoyed all aspects of the camp and making new friends. They are asking to attend again next year! The teacher and support staff could not have been nicer or more helpful.