Frequently Asked Questions

How do you assign me to a group?

Here’s how it works:

• Before you start your course with LTL our Director of Studies will do a free assessment test with you.
• This can be done via Skype, WhatsApp or phone.
• This isn’t an exam. It is quite simply a conversation to help us to understand your Chinese level.
• Do the assessment whenever you want. We generally recommend doing it two to four weeks before coming to China to give us ample time to assign you to the most suitable class possible.

Will I learn Chinese characters?

Absolutely!

70% of class time is focused on speaking and chatting in Chinese. 30% of the class will be spent reading and getting to know the characters in Chinese.

If you want a more tailored solution, we recommend taking the individual Chinese classes in Beihai.

When are the classes?

Classes take place Monday to Friday and times can vary. A general guideline would look something like this:

• 10am-12pm
• Lunch for an hour
• 1pm-3pm

This can change, perhaps you’ll start at 8am, or 1pm depending on teacher and class availability.

If I am not comfortable with my class, can I change it?

If you speak to us anything is possible. If you feel the level of the class perhaps doesn’t match yours (perfectly natural as people progress at different speeds), then come and speak to us.

How many classmates will I have?

This depends on a number of factors such as season, number of students the same level as you, teachers available etc. We purposely keep class sizes very small. Quality is the most important thing for us, the larger the class size the less you speak and the less you get to practice.

Class sizes can be as small as two people. Across our LTL schools the average size of our group classes is just three so either way, you’ll be a key part of your group no matter what.

What about lunch?

Students tend to all go together for lunch which is something we love to see. This could involve getting some food ordered into the school (speak to our Beihai staff for more information about this), going out and exploring the streets of Beihai for some lovely local food, or just bringing in some food from the day before.

How much Mandarin can I realistically learn in a group class?

This is a question we get asked a lot and is quite difficult to define but here are some rough metrics to work with to give you an idea:

• The basics – Within two to four weeks (HSK1)
• Day to day conversations after two months (HSK2)
• Complex conversations after five to seven months (HSK 4)
• Fluency within a year (HSK 5 to 6)

Fluency is of course a broad term and this doesn’t mean you can turn up to class for a year and you’ll be fluent.

It’s what you do outside the classroom that will most likely define your success.

Are you willing to make a Chinese friend? Are you willing to change your phone language to Chinese? Are you willing to go for Chinese food instead of a pizza?

Students who live with a Chinese Homestay, or join in the Chinese Immersion Program tend to progress faster.