That’s Mandarin FAQs

Courses / Study

What are your Mandarin classes like? What’s the schedule?

For both group and private classes, one class lasts 45 minutes. Most students take several classes per day, with a 10-minute break between classes to help review and absorb what you’ve learned.

• Part-Time Group Courses: 4 classes per week
• Intensive Group Courses: 20 classes per week
• Private Classes: Flexible schedule

Each class typically includes:

• Review of previous content
• Learning new vocabulary and grammar
• Reading or watching related materials (articles or videos)
• Plenty of practice to build active language skills

Most importantly, you’ll be encouraged to speak Chinese as much as possible, and classes are mainly conducted in Chinese.

What are your teachers like? Are they native speakers?

We have strict hiring standards and accept only about 5% of applicants. All teachers are native Chinese speakers with university degrees in Chinese language education or literature.

They also hold a Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (TCSL/TCSOL) certificate and complete our internal Teacher Training Course (TTC) before starting.

Will the classes be taught in English?

Classes are taught mainly in Chinese to create a fully immersive environment.

For beginners, teachers may use a little English when needed, along with pictures, videos, and gestures to help understanding. As your level improves, less English will be used.

What materials are used during classes?

We use our own learning platform NihaoCafe for both online and offline classes.

• HSK 1–3: Lessons are based on a TV series with 192 episodes, featuring real-life stories in modern China
• HSK 4: Focus on reading articles about culture, society, daily life, and more
• HSK 5–6: Fully customized lessons based on your goals and learning style

Materials may include articles, videos, comics, translation exercises, and past HSK exams.

Custom materials are also available for private classes.

You can also choose specialized courses such as Business, Diplomatic, or Medical Chinese.

What will my classmates be like? Where are they from?

Our students come from all over the world and have diverse backgrounds. Ages typically range from 5 to 60, as we offer courses for different age groups and professions.

Can I take the HSK exam at That’s Mandarin?

Yes, you can register for the HSK exam at our school. We also offer popular HSK preparation courses for students who want to study at Chinese universities or work in China.

Is it possible to have classes at my office?

Yes, that’s possible. Please contact us for more details.

What level should I start at?

If you’re new to Chinese, you can start from a complete beginner level, no prior experience needed. If you’ve studied before, we can assess your level through a free trial class to make sure you join the right group.

How quickly will I improve my Chinese?

Progress depends on your learning intensity and consistency, but many students notice improvements within just a few weeks. Our immersive teaching method, combined with small class sizes and active speaking practice, helps you build confidence and fluency quickly.

Can I switch classes or levels if needed?

Yes, absolutely. If your level changes or you feel a different class would suit you better, we can help you switch to ensure you’re always learning at the right pace.

How many students are in each class?

Our Intensive Group course typically has between 4 to 6 students, while the part-time group course has 4 to 8 students. This ensures you receive personalised attention while still benefiting from interactive, group-based learning.

What happens if I miss a class?

If you miss a class, you can review the lesson materials on our learning platform NihaoCafe and catch up easily. Depending on your course type, make-up options may also be available, feel free to contact us for details.

Why That’s Mandarin?

Is That’s Mandarin accredited?

Yes, That’s Mandarin is officially licensed by the Chinese Ministry of Education, ensuring the highest standards in Chinese language education. We have also recently been accredited by the International Association of Language Centres (IALC) and recognised for Bildungsurlaub, allowing eligible students to receive educational leave benefits in Germany.

What makes That’s Mandarin reputable?

That’s Mandarin has built a strong global reputation through decades of experience and proven results. With over 200,000 students taught, more than 21 years of expertise in Chinese language education, and 17 years of running our immersive Chinese Camp programs, we have consistently delivered high-quality learning experiences. We also collaborate with over 200 partner organisations worldwide, reflecting our credibility and international recognition.

What awards has That’s Mandarin won?

That’s Mandarin has received multiple prestigious awards in recognition of its excellence in language education, including:

• TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025
• GoAbroad’s Top-Rated Chinese Language School 2025
• Top-Rated Provider for Language School 2025

We were also honored at the That’s Shanghai Lifestyle Awards 2024, further highlighting our outstanding reputation within the industry.

Application

When is the best time to apply for a course?

We recommend to apply at least 3 months in advance to guarantee you will get a spot in a program of your choice, with your preferred schedule. By applying early, you can also benefit from our early bird discount.

Besides, you will need to apply for a Chinese visa at least 30 days in advance and longer if you’re applying for a student X2 visa (for long-term Chinese courses only).

Can I try a class before enrolling?

Sure! We can arrange a free trial class for you so that you can experience our methods directly and find out what makes us different from other Chinese language schools.

It will also give you a chance to meet our teachers and to discuss your exact requirements so that we can put together the best possible course for you. We will also give you some recommendations and make a study plan for you after the trial lesson.

Please feel free to contact us to arrange a free trial.

Visa

How do I obtain a Chinese visa to study at your school?

Your visa type will depend on the type of Chinese course you sign up for.

For a short-term course, you can simply apply for a Tourist visa. It’s the least complicated visa to apply for that allows you to study with us.

For a long-term course, you can apply for a Student X2 visa, for which you will be required to provide a number of documents, like a school acceptance letter, financial record, etc.

For more detailed information, please contact us.

Accommodation

Do you provide accommodation?

We can help you to arrange your accommodation in China.

For more information, please visit our accommodation page — or contact us directly with your accommodation requirements.

Before Arrival

Do you provide airport pick-up and drop-off services?

Yes, we can provide both airport pick up and drop off services.

Just let us know your departure or arrival information at least 2 weeks in advance — and we will promptly get back to you with pricing information.