When it comes to unlocking future opportunities, learning Mandarin Chinese is a powerful choice.
Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world, with over 1 billion native speakers, and it is the official language of China - a major global player in business, technology, and international relations. As China continues to grow in global influence, Mandarin is becoming increasingly important in fields like trade, diplomacy, and education.
Studying Mandarin abroad in a Chinese-speaking country gives you far more than just classroom instruction. It immerses you in the daily life, customs, and rhythms of the language. You'll practice ordering food, navigating bustling cities, and conversing with locals - all while experiencing centuries of rich cultural history. This kind of hands-on exposure deepens your understanding, improves your fluency, and builds your confidence to use Mandarin in real-world settings.
At Languages Abroad, our Mandarin language programs are designed for learners of all levels. Whether you're preparing for international business, academic advancement, or simply passionate about Chinese culture, we'll help you meet your goals with tailored support and authentic experiences.
Step into the heart of one of the world's oldest civilizations and one of its fastest-growing economies.
Begin your Mandarin journey with Languages Abroad - and open the door to a global future.
Make intercultural connections in Hong Kong, perfecting your Chinese Mandarin along the way!
Study Abroad in Hong Kong »
Connect with global minds and master Mandarin in the dynamic heart of Shanghai!
Study Abroad in Shanghai »
Make great strides in your Mandarin skills in historic Beijing!
Study Abroad in Beijing »
Immerse yourself in vibrant traditions and elevate your Mandarin skills in the heart of Taiwan!
Study Abroad in Taiwan »Complete beginner or advanced student?
All proficiency levels from A1 to C1 are welcome to start a course with us!
We offer a range of standard, intensive, holiday and private language courses, as well as additional cultural classes.
Immerse yourself culturally with homestay options or enjoy the freedom of self-catering accommodations.
Your new, hard-earned language skills will open new doors as you discover the next steps on your journey.
"Languages Abroad made it easy to deal with the complications of traveling abroad.
They found me an excellent school and prepared me well for what I would experience in Taiwan. It was a fantastic experience, and I am incredibly glad I went.
The staff was fantastic, very helpful, and very willing to listen to what I needed and do things quickly since I was going on short notice.
The school was excellent, in a decent part of Taipei and very convenient because it was on the subway line.
I received three hours of private tutoring a day, which was very nice. I feel like I improved significantly, especially in my pronunciation."
(Erin, age 24)
"The learning experience at the Beijing school was fantastic. In just a week, I was able to make significant progress, particularly during my one-on-one sessions, which were tailored to my specific needs and learning pace. The personal attention I received was invaluable, and I felt like my teacher was truly invested in my success. I only wish I could have devoted more than a week to the process, as I feel even more time would have allowed me to advance further. However, my teacher provided me with excellent guidance and resources to continue improving my Chinese skills independently.
I appreciated the structure of the lessons, and the cultural immersion that accompanied the language instruction made it even more enriching. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to enhance their language skills, whether they are just starting or want to take their proficiency to the next level." (Leo, age 61)
"Cantonese on Hong Kong is the only way to learn Cantonese. With Friendly staff, small classes and college in an excellent location, it's learning a language made easy. Languages Abroad was brilliant. I was a bit unsure when I first emailed, but it was very easy and very helpful.
The Cantonese course in Hong Kong was excellent. The college in general was very small, but with small classes came easy learning. It was right in the center of Hong Kong and the teaching staff were all very friendly; not only helping with learning the language, but also places to go, food to eat and things to do while in Hong Kong. If learning Cantonese, I would advise everyone to go to Hong Kong because by living in the environment, you definitely learn it faster."
(Siobhan, age 22)
1. Coffee Break Chinese - by Radio Lingua Network
Level: Beginner to Lower Intermediate
Length: ~20 minutes
Perfect for: Absolute beginners who want a friendly, structured introduction to Mandarin.
2. ChinesePod
Level: All levels (from Newbie to Advanced)
Length: Varies (5-20 minutes)
Perfect for: Learners who want flexibility, variety, and practical conversations-from zero to fluent.
3. Talk Chinese - by Melnyks Chinese
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Length: ~15-20 minutes
Perfect for: Learners who enjoy a slower pace with direct explanations and everyday topics.
Master the Basics
In the pursuit of language mastery, starting with a firm grasp of the basics is paramount. Establishing a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation lays the groundwork for more advanced learning and attaining fluency.
Utilize Technology
Tools such as AI chatbots and language learning apps can provide structured lessons, supplement learning and highlight specific weaknesses in your English ability.
Practice Speaking
Active participation in speaking, despite initial discomfort or fear of making mistakes, is crucial for language growth. Seeking out opportunities for conversation facilitates real-world application and is the quickest way to boost confidence. Soliciting feedback from peers, tutors, or language instructors will also offer valuable insights and strategies for improvement.
Write to Improve
Embracing writing as a means of practice and self-expression further solidifies language skills and reinforces grammatical structures and vocabulary usage.
Expand Vocabulary
Regular exposure to new words and phrases, whether through reading, listening, or vocabulary exercises, broadens linguistic proficiency and enhances expressive capabilities. Similarly, honing listening skills through exposure to podcasts, audiobooks, and news broadcasts sharpens comprehension abilities and acustoms learners to diverse accents and speech patterns.
Set Goals
Setting achievable language learning goals serves as a roadmap for progress and provides a sense of direction and purpose. Tracking milestones and celebrating small victories along the way serves as a source of motivation and encouragement to stay committed to the learning journey.
Mandarin Chinese can be challenging for beginners due to its tonal nature, unique characters, and grammar differences from many Western languages. However, it has some straightforward aspects, such as no verb conjugations or plural forms, which simplify sentence construction. With consistent practice, immersion, and exposure to the language through conversations, media, and structured lessons, learners can make steady progress. While it may not be "easy," Mandarin is highly rewarding and opens doors to understanding Chinese culture and global opportunities.
Yes, you can achieve significant progress in Chinese within a year, especially with consistent effort and structured learning. In one year, you can likely reach a conversational level (A2-B1), allowing you to handle everyday situations, basic conversations, and understand essential vocabulary. To maximize progress:
While fluency may take longer, one year is enough to build a solid foundation and communicate effectively in many real-life scenarios.
The number of hours you should study Mandarin daily depends on your goals and timeline.
Consistency is key, so even 30 minutes a day can make a difference if you stay disciplined. Focus on quality over quantity and include varied activities like practice, review, and real-world application.
Questions about our courses? Need assistance with enrollment? Interested in finding out more about our programs?
Our friendly team is more than willing to assist you.
Contact us by clicking the link below and filling out our contact form.
We promise a prompt and helpful response to all your inquiries
