(Shanghai | China )
Silk Mandarin - Language Training Institute
About Silk Mandarin - Language Training Institute
Each year hundreds of students from all over the world enroll and value our modern, high-quality teaching in a warm family-like environment. Word-by-mouth promotion has accounted for, and still accounts for, the high influx of new students.
At Silk Mandarin you will learn Mandarin effortlessly! Our ground-breaking Slow Motion Technique paves the way, as it teaches you Mandarin with just one rule instead of dozens. Which student wouldn’t like that? A wide variety of incredible teaching tools ensures that our classes entertain you from start to finish. Thanks to our methodology and our tools, students learn faster and with fun!
And now that you have come over to the world’s most vibrant and legendary city of Shanghai, you want to have your fair share of ‘the China experience’ right? Our amazing activities and dedicated staff will make sure you get the best bite out of China’s culture and Chinese life!
All our teachers are full time employed, native to China and bilingual. They have a University degree in Chinese and their major is Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, they all have ample teaching experience. Our teachers are passionate about teaching and will make sure you will enjoy learning Mandarin!
We offer:
- Full-time and Part-time courses, both OffLine- and OnLine;
- Conversational Chinese/HSK and Business Chinese/BCT;
- Summer Camps and Summer Programs;
- Activities and Excursions;
- VISA service;
- Accommodation;
- Airport/Station pick-up
Additional Services
- Airport/Station transfer
- Facilities for students with disabilities
- Student counselling
- Visa support
Accommodation
- Host family accommodation
- Host family accommodation without students of same native language
- Own apartment
- In hotel/guesthouse
- Shared Apartment
Activities
- Art / Painting
- Cooking
- Cultural tourism (theater, museum, etc.)
- Hiking
- On campus events
Courses
General Chinese
95% 85 Reviews
This course is for students aged: 16-70
Location Type: Town/City
Levels: Advanced, Basic, Intermediate
Class Sizes: Small, 2-5 students
Weekly Hours: Intensive 25+ hrs/wk
Our Curriculum 2 IN 1
2 IN 1 that’s our curriculum to teach you Conversational Chinese/HSK. With this curriculum we provide 2 results in 1 course. You will learn daily life Conversational Chinese and, for those who are interested, have the opportunity to pass HSK exam at the same time. No additional Exam preparation is needed which saves you both money and time.
Please have a look at our website for information on HSK.
Intensive 30 and Intensive 20 courses
The Intensive 30 Course is with 30 classes per week our most immersive Course. It focuses on acquiring the highest level of Conversational or Business Chinese, at the same time preparing the student to pass the Chinese HSK exam.
Compared to the Intensive 20 Course the Intensive 30 Course allows for two additional afternoon classes per day in which what has been learned in the morning is being practiced in an effective yet fun way in the afternoon. Apart from that, the Intensive 30 course includes a Friday afternoon out of class Activity: we take the students outside where they can practice their Mandarin in the real world. Class size is small with a maximum of 8 students.
The Intensive Courses are best suited for those who:
• want to acquire a deep knowledge of Mandarin in all its aspects listening, speaking, reading and writing;
• want to learn Mandarin fast and to the fullest;
• prefer to review and practice in the classroom rather than only at home.
Express 30 Course
The increasing importance of HSK has been the reason to design our Express Course. It is undoubtedly the fastest way to pass your HSK exams with good results. In this course we stretch the student’s language skills to the fullest. The class size is with 4 students small.
The Express course is best suited for those who:
• want to sign up for University or apply for a job and now need to pass HSK 4 or 5 as fast as possible;
• quickly need to acquire extra ‘HSK-points’ to get their VISA under the latest VISA rules;
• want to challenge themselves and see how fast they can master Mandarin.
Business Chinese
84% 1 Review
This course is for students aged: 16-70
Location Type: Town/City
Levels: Advanced, Basic, Intermediate
Our Curriculum 2 PLUS 1
2 PLUS 1 that’s our curriculum to teach you Business Chinese/BCT. As a basis for our Business Chinese teaching we use our Conversational/HSK teaching 2 IN 1. On top of that, we add vocabulary, structures and phrases on Business Chinese topics, so indeed 2 PLUS 1.
Please have a look at our website for information on HSK and BCT.
Intensive 30 and Intensive 20 Course
The Intensive 30 Course is with 30 classes per week our most immersive Course. It focuses on acquiring the highest level of Conversational or Business Chinese, at the same time preparing the student to pass the Chinese HSK exam.
Compared to the Intensive 20 Course the Intensive 30 Course allows for two additional afternoon classes per day in which what has been learned in the morning is being practiced in an effective yet fun way in the afternoon. Apart from that, the Intensive 30 course includes a Friday afternoon out of class Activity: we take the students outside where they can practice their Mandarin in the real world. Class size is small with maximum of 8 students.
The Intensive Courses are best suited for those who:
• want to acquire a deep knowledge of Mandarin in all its aspects listening, speaking, reading and writing;
• want to learn Mandarin fast and to the fullest;
• prefer to review and practice in the class room rather than only at home.
Chinese online
96% 37 Reviews
This course is for students aged: 16-70
Levels: Advanced, Basic, Intermediate
Class Sizes: One-to-One, Small, 2-5 students
Do you want to study Mandarin while abroad? Do you have such a busy schedule that you can’t match the classroom schedule? With our ONLINE course you can study Chinese at any time and any place. Our Real Life ON LINE Course makes you feel like you are actually in the class room together with your teacher and, in case of group class, also together with your class mates: you can literally log on from any place and at any time:
- face to face contact with teacher and class mates;
- i+1 course ware (grammar, vocabulary e.a.) on screen;
- digital white board to write down your questions during class.
Tailor made Chinese courses
96% 77 Reviews
This course is for students aged: 16-70
Location Type: Town/City
Levels: Advanced, Basic, Intermediate
Does your busy agenda only allow for private classes with a schedule fixed to your likings? Do you want to form your own small group with friends or family? You have specific needs or you want a specific study plan? Whatever kind of course you are thinking of, our tailor made program will take you there. Together with our course consultant we can provide you with a course that will get the result you envisaged.
Chinese Summer Courses
100% 4 Reviews
This course is for students aged: 12-70
Location Type: Town/City
Our Summer Camp is ideal for parents who want to give their children a head start in learning Mandarin and get to know China! They will be immersed not only in the Chinese language but as much so in its culture. Apart from that there will be plenty of time to socialise with the other children and go on interesting and fun excursions. We specialise in providing a safe, fun, motivating, and educational environment for all kids. Our full time camp is best suited for children in the age of 13 - 17 yrs.
All our Courses are perfectly fit for a Summer Program in the period June - August. To get the best out of your time in Shanghai we offer all kinds of Activities to make you experience life in China and especially life in amazing Shanghai.
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What students are saying
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Jean Denis Varlet France
studied Tailor made Chinese coursesVery good, motivating course !
I have started learning chinese just over a year ago with Silk Mandarin. The learning curve of chinese can be very difficult and is full of ups and down but I have the chance to have a very understanding teacher that knows very well how to motivate and make me understand the intricacy of Chinese language. I am not the best student (far from it) as my job is really demanding and I have little time to spend on homework but Lexie has got enough patience with me to keep me on the right track and motivated. Without her I will have more than likely dropped out by now. The learning technique with the flashcards is great and very helpful to review your vocabulary on a daily basis. I know that I don't go as fast as the program demands it but I got at my speed and that is what is important to me and Lexie appreciate that and follow my pace. Learning chinese language enough so that I can be autonomous in everyday life is what I am aiming for and Lexie will certainly manage to get me there, with great difficulty, I admit, but I hope she will not lose faith in me as I will not lose faith in her ability to push me to achieve my goal. Thank you Lexie for all the patience you have, the motivation you give throughout your teaching. As I reward to you: I only hope that one day we can have a full conversation in your native language ! 谢谢
posted 7 years ago
Julie Adalian France
studied Tailor made Chinese coursesMy experience in Silk Mandarin
I had been starting Chinese multiple times before entering this school. It was always in universities so in big classes, it was always the same things that we learnt, it was slow, we didn’t have any books or workbooks to practice, it was repetitive because no one remembered the previous class and it felt like I wasn’t making any progress.
When I started the classes at Silk mandarin, my level was evaluated at half HSK1, my teacher understood my strengths and weaknesses, each class was prepared, we followed part of the books and I exercised on the workbooks after class. Thanks to this, we managed to moved quickly to a superior level. I started the courses of HSK1 at the beginning of March and now, in July we are starting HSK3: I definitely feel like I’ve made some progress. Every teacher is certified and you can hear the right prononciation from them as you learn. Although my schedule is very busy, my teacher and i took the time to find hours that could work for the both of us and I currently have two classes per week. Learning Chinese is challenging but learning that way makes it easier and you will reach your goal faster.
Everyone in the school is very nice, if you have any type of question they will always offer to help you. The school organizes trips as well as Chinese corners where you can practice with other students from every level. Also, if you want to get an HSK certification, the school offers to sign you up.
posted 7 years ago
Velix Angelus Germany
studied General ChineseLearning Chinese with a lot of fun and slow motion
Silk Mandarin was recommended to me by a good friend last year when I had just started my then three months stay in Shanghai. As I had already acquired some Chinese basics before at my university in Germany, I had at many occasions been told that studying this language first and foremost consists of meticulously and consitently reviewing Chinese characters and that, most of the time, it requires a large portion of motivation to not give up too early. And that was exactly what my univserity course was like: outdated teaching and learning methods not really encouraging the students to actually enjoy the whole learning process.
However, my opinion on this radically changed when I started my first class at Silk Mandarin last year! Among the countless things that fundamentaly differ from my previous Chinese experiences, it is probably their practical, daily life oriented approach combined with the unique slow motion technique that amazes me the most. It is just unbelievable who fast I could see first progresses in my language skills. And also, the entire staff is so motivating that even in times of despair and discouragement they somehow manage to put you back on your feet and gain new energy for the challenges ahead.
I have at no point regreted my decision studying Chinese at SIlk Mandarin and can wholeheartedly recommend the school to anyone coming to Shanghai to study this beautiful language!!!
posted 7 years ago
Simone Varrassi Italy
studied Tailor made Chinese coursesBy far the best language school
The teachers are not only very professional but also able to mix fun and learning at the same time. Each class is also linked to real life situations (day to day life, work, etc.) which makes the learning more effective and applicable. They follow their own scheme and structure for each class, and there is always a positive outcome. I have improved my Chinese level with a very fast pace and I can definitely say that since attending classes in Silk Mandarin I have learned more than I would ever expect before. Thank you 老师们!!
posted 7 years ago
Aura Toader Romania
studied General ChineseStudent
What I liked the most is the energy that the teacher had every class, which made me stay focused throughout the entire class. The teaching methods are excellent, and this helps students remember information in the long term. Moreover, I loved the Chinese corner, which is organized frequently and it's suitable for every level. Silk Mandarin organizes events and outings for the students, which is a great way to meet people and practice speaking Chinese! I strongly recommend taking classes here!
posted 7 years ago
Alexander Petersen Denmark
studied Tailor made Chinese coursesAmazing school with the best teachers
I've been living in Shanghai for o´ver 5 years and tried many different schools. At Silk Mandarin I've had the best experience by far and always recommend it to my friends that need a place to study Chinese. They make it fun, they care about your learning, and it works... I started around HSK2/3 level and am now 6. Have introduced many beginners also who loved it and still go many months after starting.
posted 7 years ago
Anand Dattani United Kingdom
studied General ChineseLearnt a lot in a short space of time
I definitely felt the benefit of being at one of the smaller, but still popular language institutions. The teaching style and techniques are very effective and after two weeks I can’t really believe how much vocabulary and grammar I have been able to absorb. The staff are very friendly and make you feel like you are part of their family, which makes it a much more enjoyable environment to learn the language in.
posted 7 years ago
Thomas OM Netherlands
studied Business ChineseMy intensive course experience
Very nice and friendly staff. They really want to make a bond with you upon arrival. Professional teachers that will help you achieve your set goals. Private classes can get quite intense if you follow the intensive program (makes sense, right?). So prepare yourself for a lot of characters thrown at your way. Although this school is not bad, I do believe that it’s main focus are beginners. If you start from scratch or are a very low level, this is the place to be! Location is good but the school itself could use some upgrades (maybe some place to relax during break, give it a more ‘school’ feeling, tidy up the bathrooms). Activities were organised a lot but I never participated in any. They seemed OK though. Service was on point. Whenever I wanted to sign up for the BCT test, it took them 1 day. Well done on that one. I cannot speak for the group classes because I took private classes, but I had the feeling that there weren’t that many students. So not really a place to make lots of friends. Overall, a medium sized Mandarin school that has potential to become a very big one. Classes are clear and structured. If you pay for private classes, you can decide the content of that class. A worthy Mandarin school that will make you feel like learning Mandarin is easy and fun!
posted 7 years ago
Marcel Gut Germany
studied Tailor made Chinese coursesBetter than comparable schools
Little bit more expensive, but therefore better Chinese learning experience than comparable schools. The teachers are very motivated to find a suitable way to help you improve your Chinese. Classes can be scheduled flexibly, which is helpful when you have changing working schedule. The location is good, in the city center. Class rooms are functional, with big screens. School offeres additional activities incl. saturday language circle (free of charge).
posted 7 years ago
Tobias Klein Germany
studied Tailor made Chinese coursesGreat Service - Great school
I've been in the Silk Mandarin for just one week and did an absolute beginner course. It was great how flexible they've been in arranging the class as per my needs and personal schedule. The class itself was really good - we were just 2 students so we learned a lot in this one week. The teachers know well how to explain step by step. They use several media like books, PPP etc.
I received books + a stick which is reading Chinese words so that I know how to pronounce them in the correct way.
So it was a great week in which I could quickly learn the basics.
posted 7 years ago