posted by hans.castorp.tahiti on October 1, 2012 | 28 comments
Hi everyone,

I have already asked but I can't find the older threads... and now, I have a more precise idea of what I really want.

I'd like to study Chinese quite intensively from december 17th to december 28th. I've been searching on the Internet and it seems I won't be able to apply for BLCU (because of the dates). Does anyone know:

- iMandarin: http://www.imandarin.net/

or:

- 1on1mandarin: http://www.1on1mandarin.com/ ?

Thanks!
signin to comment
trevelyan on October 2, 2012 | reply
Hans,

No experience with either of those, but if you're looking for one-on-one tutoring instead of group classes you might want to give Gail an email (gail@popupchinese.com). She works with a lot of teachers and might be able to set you up with someone personally.

The going rates for tutors at BLCU is around 50 RMB per hour these days. And there are schools like 地球村 in Beijing, my (pretty old) review is here, not sure what prices are like these days, but it is likely still fairly inexpensive:

http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/2200-global-village-language-institute-diqiucun-%E5%9C%B0%E7%90%83%E6%9D%91/

hans.castorp.tahiti on October 10, 2012 | reply
Hi trevelyan,

I wrote to Gail as you suggested, but still didn't get any answer. It's been a week now; should I wait a bit more or begin to worry and send her an(other) mail?

Thank you!
Gail天堂的声音 on October 11, 2012 | reply
@hans.castorp.tahiti,

Hi Hans,

I just got a msg from echo that you actually wrote me an email. But I checked my email and didnt found it. What's your email address? How can I help you with your Chinese?

or do you have my right email? zhouligailchina@gmail.com

hans.castorp.tahiti on October 12, 2012 | reply
Hi Gail!

I didn't have your right email. Just forwarded you the mail I sent a few days ago...
hans.castorp.tahiti on October 3, 2012 | reply
Hi trevelyan,

Your Global Village Institute review was really helpful. I'd consider it as a really good alternative to BLCU or other sites.

Thank you so much for giving me Gail's contact: I've just sent her an email. I hope she can help me.

Thanks again!
on October 10, 2012 | reply
if you come to China you can try Keating School in Kunming... they can probably customize a 1x1 schedule for you...
hans.castorp.tahiti on November 12, 2012 | reply
Hi everyone!

Thanks to trevelyan and gail of course, I'll finally be able to study Chinese in December. I'll be in Beijing in the last two weeks of the month.

If anyone has some advice for someone going to Beijing for the first time, I'll be more than happy to hear it :)

Thanks you everyone!
Echo on November 13, 2012 | reply
@hans.castorp.tahiti,

Great! Welcome to Beijing! 北京欢迎你!

Winter is the best season to see the real old Beijing. Besides those well-known tourist attractions, you can go to Hutongs (like 南锣鼓巷 or Hutongs around it) in the afternoons or evenings. When it snows, you can go to the Forbidden City or Summer Palace. Going to skate on Houhai is also a good idea. These places are all full of 北京味道 in the winter.

--Echo

echo@popupchinese.com
hans.castorp.tahiti on December 10, 2012 | reply
@Echo

Hi Echo! Everything has been arranged with Gail: chinese classes have been scheduled :)

I've just bought a guide to Beijing, with a map, and things I absolutely must visit there. So, if anyone has advice, just tell me!

Two weeks won't be enough, of course, but I really plan to enjoy them fully.
Echo on December 10, 2012 | reply
@hans.castorp.tahiti,

Great! Glad to hear that and welcome to China in advance!

--Echo

echo@popupchinese.com
hans.castorp.tahiti on December 15, 2012 | reply
What's the weather like right now? Below, around 0°C? :)

Leaving the day after tomorrow...
Echo on December 17, 2012 | reply
@hans.castorp.tahiti,

Pretty cold recently. During the day, it's about -3. At night, it's like -15.

--Echo

echo@popupchinese.com