Learning Mandarin in Beijing - Backpacker Style

[cattrall]

Hi all. I'm planning on spending about one month this September or October in Beijing in order to study Mandarin. But I do not actually have any reason to study the language - I just want to learn a bit!! It will be mainly used for traveling around the country, chatting to people on the street,etc. I should also say that given my limited time, I am not interested in learning the written language... just conversational skills. I know there are many business-orientated language schools in the city, but I'm looking for something a bit more laid back and fun. I have studied spanish in Guatemala before, where you stayed at the home of a local family, studied one-on-one in the morning, and then the school put on activities in the afternoon. I guess I'm looking for something similar to that. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I could learn? Thanks!

[stoney]

I'm looking for something a bit more laid back and fun

I would recommend a month of intense learning if you want to accomplish anything useful. Also, from everything I've heard, for an English speaker, learning Chinese is much more difficult than learning Spanish.

http://www.1on1mandarin.com/index.php

http://www.chinaledu.com/

[self-taught-mba]

You are looking for a one month Chinese course in Beijing? We are small and have a lot of fun. Take a look: focus is spoken communication. Several people have traveled after our program and more than get by. (testimonial section -- several more coming soon too)

[Scoobyqueen]

I have visited the one month Chinese course in Beijing school (above post)and I was impressed with their approach and the competence of the teachers. They specialise in beginners and have proven results.