Learning Chinese in Europe is a great idea, and you’ve got some cool courses to choose from. A lot of these places are flexible and have a reputation for getting students to actually speak the language, which is what it’s all about, right? Here are three schools you could check out.
1. Hutong School
Hutong School is a big name in the Chinese-learning world, and you can find them in awesome European cities like London, Paris, and Brussels. They’re all about getting you to speak from day one. You can jump into group classes or get some one-on-one time, and they even throw in some fun cultural stuff. For a week of intensive group classes, you’re probably looking at somewhere between €250 and €450, but it’s best to hit them up directly to get an exact price for your specific city and class.
Online Learning: They offer one-on-one private lessons and also have online group classes. This gives you the choice of a personalized study plan or the chance to learn with other students.
Prices: For one-on-one lessons, a package of private classes might start from around €30 per hour, with the price often getting lower if you buy a bigger package of hours. They sometimes have different packages for different levels of intensity.
2. LTL Mandarin School
LTL, which stands for “Live the Language,” is a fantastic option, and their school in Berlin is super popular. While they have bigger schools in China, the Berlin spot is a top-notch place to learn. They’re big on “immersion,” which basically means they want you to speak Chinese as much as possible, even outside of class. A standard group course with 20 lessons a week might cost you somewhere from €350 to €500 per week, but the price gets cheaper the longer you stay.
Online Learning: The “Flexi Classes” platform gives you a credit system. You buy credits and then use them to book live, small group classes or private one-on-one sessions, 24/7. This means you can learn whenever you want, and even switch between different languages like Japanese or Korean if you’re feeling ambitious.
Prices: For their group classes, you can get a monthly subscription that might cost around €60 for a few classes per month, or you can buy a one-off package with more lessons. The price per class can be as low as €15 to €20 if you buy a bigger package. One-on-one lessons are a bit more, but you still use the same flexible credit system.
3. That’s Mandarin
This school is a little different because they’re mostly online, which is actually super convenient. They don’t have a physical school in Europe, but their online platform, “Nihao Cafe,” makes it easy to learn from home on your own schedule. They have this unique “Scud method” that focuses on speaking first, which is great for beginners. A private online lesson can be as low as €25 to €35 per hour, and you can often get a free trial to see if you like it before you commit to a bigger package.
Online Learning: They offer both online group and one-on-one classes. They have a unique “Scud method” of teaching that’s especially good for getting you comfortable with speaking right away. Their online platform, “Nihao Cafe,” gives you access to all your lesson materials and lets you track your progress.
Prices: For private online classes, you might find prices starting from around €25 per hour. They also have group classes that can be more affordable, with prices per class sometimes starting from around €18. They often have a free trial class, so you can test it out before you commit.
Why you should learn Chinese?
Learning Chinese is an awesome choice, and It’s an investment that can seriously pay off in a ton of different ways. Here are some of the cool benefits you can expect.
Supercharge Your Career
In today’s world, China is a major player in business, tech, and everything in between. Knowing Chinese can make you stand out in the job market and give you a huge advantage. You could land a better job, work with international companies, or even open up your own business. It shows employers that you’re adaptable and willing to take on a challenge.
Unlock a Rich Culture
Chinese history goes back thousands of years, and the culture is incredibly rich and fascinating. By learning the language, you can understand and appreciate it on a whole new level. You can watch classic films without subtitles, read ancient poetry, and travel to China or other parts of Asia and truly connect with the people. It’s like having a special key that unlocks a whole new world of art, philosophy, and food.
Train Your Brain
Learning a language, especially one with a unique writing system like Chinese, is a fantastic workout for your brain. It’s been shown to improve memory, problem-solving skills, and even make you a better multitasker. It’s a bit like a mental gym. The tonal nature of the language also helps you develop a better ear for subtle sounds, which can be useful for learning other languages later on.
Connect with People
With over a billion people speaking Chinese, imagine how many new friends and connections you can make. Whether you’re traveling, studying abroad, or just chatting online, speaking Chinese can help you build genuine relationships and understand different perspectives. It’s a great way to break down cultural barriers and feel more connected to the world.
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