I’ve been considering the pros and cons of learning Chinese through language programs in a university classroom setting compared to small 1-on-1 language schools like 1 on 1 Mandarin.

Consider BLCU. It is widely known that their curriculum is world-class and that many of their foreign students come out of their programs with a great understanding of the Chinese language. However, the one clear weakness with this is the quality of spoken language it produces. For the extroverted student, this weakness may be diminished by their desire to get out and speak to Chinese people, but it still does not provide a direct and constant source of correction for their pronunciation and tones.

Now consider how that compares with 1-on-1 learning. A 1-on-1 learning environment can provide all of the benefits of the same type of curriculum offered at places like BLCU, but with the emphasis on quality spoken language included. Even the introverted student is forced to speak and improve his or her spoken Chinese.

I was speaking to a Chinese friend recently who wants to improve her spoken English. She told me how all of the English she learned from childhood was focused on passing a reading and writing test. She said that she, along with many other Chinese students, can write and read English fairly well, but when it comes to speaking, they are lacking because it was never emphasized when they were going to school.

Of course, reading and writing in any language we intend to work in has great value, but on a daily basis, relationships and even just functioning in everyday life, 90% of our language is speaking and listening.

(Shared by Joel, about himself- “I moved to Beijing over one year ago at the age of 50 and began studying Chinese. My wife is now teaching at a kindergarten and we are enjoying many of the opportunities that come from living in the great city.” Lastly……

Wondering how Joel speaks Chinese now?-watch his youtube video of speaking Chinese!