(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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Simon Stewart United Kingdom
studied Chinese onlineHighly skilled teachers
Silk Mandarin is a great languange school. The teachers are extremely skilled at bringing mandarin to life for students, helping them understand the stroies behind the characters and the logic behind the language. Silk Mandarin get the balance right between having fun in the classroom and also making sure each student makes progress in their mandarin learning. The school provides group, one to one and online classes which is great if you travel and want to keep your mandarin skills up. I would highly recommend Silk Mandarin to anyone thinking of studying Mandarin.
posted 5 years ago
Cleodette Pretorius South Africa
studied Chinese onlineBest decision I made
I have been doing online lessons with Silk Mandarin and I am enjoying every moment. Yes their courses is not the cheapest but it's worth every cent. Not only do they have great teachers with alot of experience, passion and patience but they also have great material and programs. They don't over overload you with information and they give you extra information that makes understanding mandarin so much easier. Learning through Silk Mandarin is the best decision I made. And my teacher Marsha is amazing.
posted 5 years ago
Maria Positano Australia
studied Tailor made Chinese coursesSilk Mandarin: A wonderful experience
I can't speak highly enough about my experience at Silk Mandarin. The teachers and staff are very experienced and professional, the environment is lovely, and I felt my language skills improve with every class. I spent most of my class time taking 1-on-1 classes with Hannah who is an exceptional teacher that made me look forward to every session. I found the learning methodology Silk uses to be engaging and effective in helping me memorise new characters and grammar structures. I would recommend Hannah and Silk Mandarin to anyone interested in improving their Mandarin language skills!!
posted 5 years ago
Mauricio Salcedo Mexico
studied General ChineseEffective, professional, great teachers and creative methodology
Learning Chinese is a huge challenge, so you need to have the proper support and the adequate tools. Silk Mandarin has provided me numerous resources that have allowed me to be able to start understanding the language and after only three months I can have a basic conversation and I am also able to read many characters. The teachers are very talented and professional; the system they use has a good balance of all the skills you need when learning a new language: listening, reading, writing and speaking. I believe Chinese language has a unique logic, and Silk Mandarin’s teachers have given me lots of support first to understand such logic, and then to start using it when practicing the language. Sharing the classroom with people form many different countries has significantly enriched this experience. Learning at this school has also been a great opportunity to be introduced to Chinese culture, which has so many fascinating aspects that I might have not learned about somewhere else.
posted 5 years ago
Clarisse Dautriat France
studied General ChinesePart time classes at Silk Mandarin
Silk Mandarin was recommended to me by a friend, and what really struck me is the personal attention given by Silk Mandarin team. I came to learn Chinese Mandarin from a complete beginner level. I chose to have part time classes (4h30/week). My teacher Hannah was especially great explaining us not only grammar and vocabulary but also making us understand the global thinking behind Chinese grammar, so that we have a good understanding of ultimately how to understand and speak Chinese.
Also if we had specific needs, Hannah was really supportive in giving us individual tips to improve our writing, reading, speaking or listening.
Hannah makes classes fun and interesting, and she was also very supportive during class.
It was very efficient and pleasant to learn in this warm context.
And thanks to Silk Mandarin and Hannah, I am confident in reaching HSK 2 level after 4 months.
posted 5 years ago
Belin Gül Turkey
studied General ChineseIntensive Chinese Course
Silk mandarin is the only place that you can learn Chinese that much enjoyable and easily. Your teachers are not just your teachers but your friends.They are always ready for helping you at any issue.Thanks for evertyhing you helped me gain.
posted 5 years ago
Laura Häusler Austria
studied General ChineseGreat school with nice teachers
I started with Silk Mandarin 3 months ago and continued after HSK 1 with HSK 2 directly, as the teachers are very motivating and taking care of the individual development and needs. Thanks to my amazing teacher Hannah for all the patience and encouragement!
posted 5 years ago
richard fogarty United Kingdom
studied General Chinesefinally!
As a beginner, it was a relief to finally get down to learning Chinese properly - apps and videos could only scratch the surface. This school finally put me in touch with the language after 18 months of being in China, and the structured course, with selected language areas, all useful for daily use, means that I actually feel progress week to week, and more at home overall. The teachers are adaptable to the learners in that they use their excellent English as much as you might need, and using Chinese only as much as you can manage, so I feel very supported, and intend to continue. The approach resembles that found in EFL, with different areas covered: vocabulary and grammar in useful contexts with speaking practice. Besides, the school had a course which suited my limited timings, something unavailable elsewhere, and I needed something structured rather than a private tutor - that hasn't worked for me in the past. So, I'd recommend this if you want to make your Chinese real.
posted 5 years ago
Paula Muriel Colombia
studied Tailor made Chinese coursesRecommended place to learn Chinese!
Hello! I am Paula, I’m currently studying MBA program in Tongji University and I’ve been attending to Silk Mandarin 3 times a week for 1 month now to learn Chinese from zero. I started with a one to one class with Hannah, my teacher, to complete the HSK1 level and it’s been great. She makes every class interesting, fun and useful by teaching me basic words and sentences I can use in my daily life in Shanghai. I will stay here at least two years and I’m very positive on reaching a Chinese level that allows me to communicate not only with friends but also in a working environment, something before starting in Silk Mandarin seemed hard to do.
posted 5 years ago
Sabrina Douglas-Jones Germany
studied Tailor made Chinese coursesThe one and only language school
Silk Mandarin was recommended by a good friend of mine. I had tried various other language schools before, but the methodology (customized flashcards, the slow-motion process and the and THE pen) and qualifications of the teachers intrigued me. So after 15 days of private lessons I had HSK1 and HSK 2 done. What an achievement (admitting: I did know most of the words since I am in China for many years, but I could not read or write) - tick. I then approached HSK 3 within a daily course but quickly realized that I do not have the capacity to attend on a daily basis, so the school was flexible enough to swap my package to private lessons. And I am with my teacher Andy ever since (Andy has gotten me through HSK1 and 2 already in speed time). Andy is my favorite teacher (no offense to the others), but we really got on. Andy pays attention on what I would like to focus on, she is strict but forgiving in the same time. She accommodates my schedule and goes the extra mile of making tools that help me remember the characters (aside from the awesome stories I receive to characters). I truly value my time and progress at Silk Mandarin; I wish I could spend more time outside of the classroom reviewing what we have done, but nevertheless, I am at the early stages of HSK 4 now, and that is because of Andy and Silk Mandarin. Thank you for helping me with what I have achieved so far and for what I am still in the game for!
posted 5 years ago