I would like to find a suitable place to learn Chinese. I have a full-time job (NOT teaching, thank gawd) but have mornings free, and I’d like to do 2 - 3 hours a week, one-on-one. I would also like to learn to read and write Chinese (eventually). BUT I need a place that’s NOT going to mess me around, where I’ll actually learn something at an affordable price. I’ve been told CLI is OK but afterwards heard that it’s nothing but a visa ruse. Do you have any suggestions?
Wow aren’t we special. Pray tell, what is so terrible about teaching, o mighty one?
Hang on, oh one of little self-confidence, you’re getting me wrong. It was merely an expression of my utter pleasure in NOT teaching - I did it for a month and hated it, that’s why I’m thankful. And pull in your stomach when you talk to me.
I believe Taida and shida have language programs for the busy executives.
I went down to TanZhang Uni, along Li Shui St (beside Yang Kang St) in TaAn, and talked to the Chinese class coordinator. She was able to arrange for one of their teachers to come out for a one-on-one at my house for a reasonable rate.
My tip is to find a uni near where you live or work, and approach someone there…
I know a local who is a good private teacher and a very nice person; I can definitely recommend her, and she’s on the MRT line. If you’d like her contact info, send me a private message.
Ok, Taichung county, anyone out there with much more flexible times. I tried all the Universities around here and came up with nothing.
I need a more advanced class and reading.
In the Taipei Times there was a Chinese Culture University ad for summer Chinese classes for beginners that looked promising. They offer mornings 4 days a week, 144 hours over 3 months for about $20,000 NT. Anyone with a high school degree is eligible.
The class I am interested in is the Taiwanese class, but they’re requiring that you have studied Mandarin for at least 1 year. I believe the Taiwanese classes are taught all in Mandarin. That means I’ve got to wait some time before I attempt them.
Refresher Stage Chinese Mandarin Study Plan for two months
1, Teaching aims: refresh and get rid of the rust
2, Teaching materials:
A intermediate Chinese textbook.
3, Teaching methods:
1, listen a lot to the video
2, type Chinese characters when the teacher speaks Chinese
3, read the Chinese texts fast
Time: two months
Advanced Online Business Chinese Study Plan
Teaching aims: step up and improve ability to “business level” over 10 months.
Teaching material:
Text: Up-to-date and important Chinese newspapers, business reports, forum lectures
Video: Selected CCTV net programs cctv.com/news/netnews/index.shtml
Teaching softwares:
1, Chinese-reading software files.
2, TV card that can record TV programs and RM converter that can convert the recorded CCTV programs into RM
3, Bit torrent that can transmit CCTV program RM files from China to UK
4, Hotmail messenger with earphone, microphone and camera.
Teaching methods:
1, Improve listening by listening to business-centered materials as much as possible
2, Practice speaking after having listened a lot.
3, Enhance Reading, listening and speaking skills integrated through IME pinyin input.
Teaching procedures
Intensive learning:
A, listening
1, Listen to Chinese text via Chinese-reading software
2, Watch CCTV business news, TV show and reports
B, Speaking
1, Read the Chinese texts that have been listened
2, Discuss the CCTV business news and reports
Extensive learning
1, CCTV daily news broadcasting: like JIAO DIAN FANG TAN 焦点访谈， XIN WEN LIAN BO 新闻联播
2，Reading and listening on CHINESE NEW PORTALS：
A, People’s Daily people.com.cn/GB/jingji/index.html
B, Xinhua News Agency xinhuanet.com/fortune/index.htm
Teaching time:
Flexible can be any time