
Catherine Smith
Go Abroad China Ltd.
AlumniI have always been fascinated by different cultures, and China’s rich history and language intrigued me.
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XMandarin Chinese Language School
30
Find your balance in our structured small-group classes. Two lessons each day for two or three days a week give students spare time to study and take on other activities. Encouraging interaction and unrelenting progress, our beginner-level courses mainly focus on practical Chinese speaking and liste
See All 3 ProgramsHear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
I'm studying at the Xmandarin Qingdao campus. We have three 2-hour classes per week, taught entirely in Mandarin. Students are placed in small groups according to their language level, which allows for great practice and personal support from the teachers. I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs real guidance to improve their Mandarin
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Private Courses with XMandarin
My experience abroad is fine it's just the class I'd like to give a review regarding the curriculum, I was told it would be a more oral chinese based class and really it's just another HSK textbook read through which doesn't help for life in china unfortunately, also it's only once a week I'm not sure if its the same for all private classes but really that's not enough to learn and retain information, just for the price of it I kind of expected more
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
I’ve been at the Hangzhou campus for a couple of months now and honestly, the experience is being quite practical. I started out a bit overwhelmed because the tones were really tough for me, but since the class sizes are small, you have no choice but to speak and make mistakes. I like that the teachers don't just stick to what the textbook says, but focus on how normal people actually speak on the street. example: (To give you an idea, a few days ago I was finally able to answer a delivery guy on the phone and understand what he was asking without panicking. You have to put in the work and dedicate hours to it, but you notice that the effort pays off because you see real results in your day-to-day life.)
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
I’ve been at the Hangzhou campus for a couple of months now and honestly, the experience is being quite practical. I started out a bit overwhelmed because the tones were really tough for me, but since the class sizes are small, you have no choice but to speak and make mistakes. I like that the teachers don't just stick to what the textbook says, but focus on how normal people actually speak on the street. example: (To give you an idea, a few days ago I was finally able to answer a delivery guy on the phone and understand what he was asking without panicking. You have to put in the work and dedicate hours to it, but you notice that the effort pays off because you see real results in your day-to-day life.)
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
I studied at the Hangzhou branch of Xmandarin for 10 weeks and my Chinese language level drastically improved. The school offers classes going thru real life topics you will use all the time in your daily life. My professor Teresa was amazing she was very knowledgeable and a great teacher who made everyone feel welcomed and encouraged to learn. The school also offers many outside activities that will help you learn about Chinese culture and meet more of the students.
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
XMandarin has been an absolute game-changer for me. I rocked up in Hangzhou a few months ago with 0 understanding of the languages and now I find myself more confident to speak or understand everyday chinese. The best part about this campus is that the classes don't feel like stuffy, boring lectures. The teachers are super energetic and push you to actually open your mouth and speak from day one, which is exactly what I needed to build my confidence. They make the grammar make sense without overwhelming you. Plus, the social side of the school is incredibly chilled. It’s a great environment to meet people, and it’s been so easy to make friends with other international students. We're always grabbing coffee after class or heading out as a group to explore the tea fields. Huge shoutout to the whole team for making learning such a fun ride. 10/10 would recommend!
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Private Courses with XMandarin
truly appreciate studying at XMandarin in Qingdao! The teachers and staff are wonderful. Balancing private classes with small group sessions has been the perfect way to fast-track my Mandarin. The personalized attention combined with social interaction makes learning both effective and fun. I couldn't ask for a better environment to immerse myself in Chinese culture!"
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
China has proven to be an amazing country. Qingdao is a city I like a lot for so many reasons. Having the oportunity to learn chinese has given me the chance to know more about the Chinese culture,the history,its people and so much more. Taking Chinese classes has made this experience much easier because not only I can learn more about China,but I also get to meet people from all around the world which makes the experience a bit more easy. This experience is definitely worth trying if you want to make a change and try new things.
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
I joined the group Chinese classes at this school and it has been an amazing experience! The lessons are well-structured, interactive, and perfectly paced for all levels. The teachers are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and make learning fun. Group activities really boost your speaking confidence and help you practice in a supportive environment. Since starting, my Chinese skills: pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, have improved dramatically. The school also offers helpful resources and ongoing support outside class. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these group classes are a must!
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
Last year my sojourn their went smoothly with light headcounts in class often turning to one-one teaching. Given that in the pure Asian tradition of blurred frontiers between sheer in-class activities and out-doors experience it's ideal for personal exchanges to know from the inside how this whole beast which China is frankly works, goes plus all the whys and wherefores only real-life and time can tell with intimate view-points and having this meaty examples/illustrations help you figuring out while better remembering the concepts. Philippe / MA'AI Jun / 马爱骏
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Private Courses with XMandarin
I have been working at a Chinese logistics company in Qingdao for the past few months, and I started private business Chinese classes at XMandarin to improve my communication at work. At first, I wasn’t sure if I really needed lessons, my coworkers mostly speak some English, but once meetings and emails got more serious, I realized how important it is to understand the language and business culture here. XMandarin really helped me with that. The lessons were focused on what I actually needed: common phrases for meetings, polite ways to disagree or make suggestions, and how to write short formal messages in Chinese. My teacher also explained cultural things like how hierarchy works in communication, or what kind of tone is expected in different situations. That was super helpful. We met twice a week, and the schedule was flexible around my work hours. The materials were good, but what really helped was that the teacher made the class feel relevant, we even practiced with real examples from my emails or work conversations. After a couple of months, I definitely feel more confident in meetings, and I can follow more of what’s going on. Still a long way to go, but this was a good investment. If you’re working in China and want to improve your professional communication, I’d recommend the private business Chinese classes here.
Before coming to China, I was really stressed about the visa process. It’s not super clear when you’re trying to figure it out from Europe, and everything online seems complicated or outdated. Luckily, the XMandarin team was super helpful from the beginning. They explained everything clearly, told me exactly what documents I needed, and were really patient when I had questions (which was a lot haha). They helped organize the invitation letter and supported me through the application. Once I arrived in Qingdao, they also helped with the residence registration and local formalities, which can be a bit overwhelming if you’re alone in a new country where they barely speak English. If you’re planning to do an internship or study Chinese and you need visa help, I’d definitely recommend reaching out to them. It’s not a magic solution, but they do make the whole process way smoother.
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Private Courses with XMandarin
I’ve been taking private classes at XMandarin whole working in Qingdao, and honestly, it’s been a great experience. I came in with some basic Mandarin skills, but I really wanted to get more confident speaking and understanding everyday Chinese and the private classes helped me do exactly that. My teacher was super friendly and patient. She took the time to understand what I wanted to work on, and every lesson felt really personal. Sometimes we’d focus on grammar or vocabulary from the textbook, but other times we’d just chat about life in China or cultural stuff, which made it way more interesting and relevant. One of the best parts was how flexible everything was. If my schedule changed because of work, it wasn’t a big deal they were always understanding and helped me move my class time. Plus, the location is super convenient, and the vibe at the school is really relaxed. Everyone there is friendly and speaks good English, so it never felt intimidating. Overall, I’ve learned a lot and actually looked forward to the lessons (which says a lot when it comes to language classes!
Ik wilde graag Chinees leren en tegelijk netjes mijn studentenvisum regelen. Via XMandarin kwam ik hier terecht, en dat was een slimme keuze. Wat ik vooral waardeer, is dat ze je stap voor stap helpen met het visum, dat pakken zij echt voor je op. De lessen zijn fijn, niet te groot, goed tempo, en de docenten zijn geduldig. In mijn groep is er altijd ruimte voor vragen, wat het makkelijker maakt om ook moeilijke dingen te begrijpen. Buiten de lessen om is het ook fijn dat het personeel je helpt met praktische zaken, zoals huisvesting of het leven in Qingdao. De stad zelf is relaxed, met veel leuke plekjes en dichtbij de zee. Als je serieus Chinees wilt leren en tegelijkertijd een visum nodig hebt, zou ik zeker aanraden om via XMandarin te gaan. Het scheelt veel zorgen en je leert echt iets.
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
I joined the group classes at XMandarin a few months ago, and it’s been a really good experience so far. The class size is small, which means we all get enough attention from the teacher. She’s very patient and explains things clearly. Even though Chinese is not easy, the way they teach makes it feel manageable — and even enjoyable. What I like most is the friendly atmosphere. The staff and teachers are welcoming, and the group has a nice mix of people from different backgrounds. It’s a supportive environment where no one feels embarrassed to make mistakes. I also appreciate the structure of the course. There’s a clear progression, but it doesn’t feel rushed. The pace works well, especially if you're balancing other things in life.
I came to Qingdao through XMandarin’s student visa program, and overall it’s been a really positive experience. The visa part was actually the main reason I chose them they helped with all the documents and made the process much less stressful than I expected. Everything was handled professionally and on time. The classes are small and pretty flexible. My teacher is nice and explains things clearly, and the pace works well for me. It’s definitely helped me build confidence with speaking, even though Chinese is still hard :( The school has a chill atmosphere, and the staff is friendly. It’s not super formal, which I actually prefer. Also, Qingdao is a great place to live not too crazy, close to the beach, and with a nice mix of locals and internationals.
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Private Courses with XMandarin
I’ve been taking private Chinese lessons at XMandarin in Qingdao and honestly, it’s been great! My teacher is super friendly and really knows how to explain things clearly. The classes are personalized, so I can focus on what I need whether it’s daily conversation, business Chinese, or just getting better at tones I also love how flexible the schedule is. As an international student, that’s super helpful. The staff is super kind and always ready to help with anything, even outside class. I’ve improved so much in a short time and feel way more confident speaking Chinese now.
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
XMandarin’s group courses are a fun and effective way to learn Chinese. The teachers are super patient and keep lessons engaging with real-life practice. The small class sizes mean lots of speaking time, which really helped me build confidence. One of my favorite moments was when our teacher took us to a local market to practice bargaining in Chinese it was both hilarious and super useful! Highly recommend!
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
I’m from Poland and spent three months studying at XMandarin. I had zero experience with Chinese before arriving, but the teachers were patient, clear, and very supportive. Classes are small, so you really get to speak a lot, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. There are also fun activities outside of class, like cultural events and city tours. It’s a great mix of learning and enjoying life in China. I really improved my Chinese and made some great memories along the way!
Program: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
Learning Chinese at XMandarin has been such a great experience! The group classes are super interactive and make learning way more fun than just memorizing words from a book. The teachers are really patient and know how to keep things interesting, so it never feels boring or overwhelming. I love that the classes are small, so you get plenty of chances to practice speaking and ask questions. Everyone in the class is super friendly, and it’s a great way to meet new people while improving your Chinese. The lessons are really practical too we learn things that are actually useful in daily life, which makes a huge difference when living in China!
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Catherine Smith
Go Abroad China Ltd.
AlumniI have always been fascinated by different cultures, and China’s rich history and language intrigued me.
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Elise Hanks-Witaszek
CAPA The Global Education Network
AlumniSeeing my sister study abroad in college really motivated me to go abroad as well. I knew I wanted to study abroad but I wasn’t sure where. I found ou...
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Jennifer Conner
CAPA The Global Education Network
AlumniLearning Mandarin has been a lifelong goal of mine that I only recently began to seriously work on. I am half Taiwanese, but growing up Mandarin was n...
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Jacob Danzi
CIEE College Study Abroad
AlumniI really love learning languages and about culture in other countries, so I have always had the desire to travel the world. Once I graduate, I would l...
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Deshawn Peterson
(DEAD URL) Mandarin Spring
AlumniI always wanted to travel, not only as a tourist; I wanted the local experience. I felt If I didn't do it now, I would never go.
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Nick Botham
Hutong School
AlumniI was working in the oil industry as a contractor when the price crashed late in 2014. After a long project in the Arctic, the next contract was cance...
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Alana Perez
[SUSPENDED] Alliance for Global Education
AlumniI decided to go for an international program, because I knew it was the only program that would allow me to study a language outside of the classroom.
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Matt Colbert
IES Abroad
AlumniI have always been interested in the word beyond my immediate grasp. To see what other cultures and lifestyles there were elsewhere, to experience thi...
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Caroline Sterling
IES Abroad
AlumniThe educational experience of problem solving in an unfamiliar culture, adapting to new standards, and interacting with a foreign civilization fulfill...
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Ling Le
TEAN by WorldStrides
AlumniI applied for an international program because I wanted a better understanding of the world for what it truly is, and not just what everyone said it w...
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Francesca Dorsainville
TEAN by WorldStrides
AlumniApart from a childhood dream of climbing the Great Wall, I wanted to experience living in a culture that was completely different from what I am famil...
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Brita Preus
IES Abroad
AlumniAs a management major, I thought that learning about Chinese business and culture would be very relevant to my major and useful for my future. I didn’...
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Cheryl Wassenaar
Boston University Study Abroad
AlumniClasses started at 9 a.m. If the weather was nice, I would walk through the campus of Fudan University; if the humidity was up or the heat was oppress...
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Gabrielle Dawkins
WorldStrides
AlumniAt the time my university had opportunities to go to countries like Brazil and Ghana. Unfortunately, China was not on that list. One of my friends ref...
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Aram Mashigian
WorldStrides
AlumniI chose ISA over other study abroad programs because of their course offerings, program length, and last but not least: their affordability.
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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