Toni Seemann from Germany/Singapore

Mandarin Beginners Full Day class (13/2- 24/2, 2012)

1. Why did you choose Hong Kong Language School?

I am based in Singapore for more than 6 months and I was in between changing jobs. So I had plenty of time to improve my Mandarin. Anyway, the reason why I chose Hong Kong Language School is because it was initially recommended to me by a friend of mine who came to study Mandarin. Secondly, the school made the best initial impression in terms of corresponding via email in a friendly and efficient manner. I checked various schools online as well. However, I was most satisfied with the price-performance ratio of Hong Kong Language School and they were very flexible to meet individual expectations. The staff was very accommodating at all times.

2. How’s the school environment?

The Rooms and the communal area are spacious and comfortable. I also like the fact that free drinks are provided. That’s a great idea. You can have a chat with other students and keep up the energy level in between lessons, especially when studying 4-5 hours every day. Aside from that, the location of the school is excellent. It is right located in WanChai. You can witness the hustle and bustle during your lunch break.

3. How’s the class atmosphere?

The environment for learning is excellent. I learned a lot during the lessons and we had a great laugh while doing so. That’s the best way to take on the challenge of learning a new learning.

4. How’s your teacher? Was your class effective? Did you learn what you had expected?

My teacher Helen was fun and professional. She was able to incorporate personal interests into the lessons. I am working in hotels and on my last day she handed me a list of useful phrases that I can use at work. I’m using it now on a regular basis. Overall, I loved it. The learning experience during my 2 weeks was throughout positive.

5. Will you come back & take more lessons? Why?

Yes, I’ll definitely come back and take more lessons. My teacher was able to adjust easily to my individual linguistic needs, as well as encourage me. I have learnt a lot during 2 weeks and by the time I l left I realized instantly that I want to go back as soon as I can. I got used to the daily learning routine and it made me more determined to further my mandarin studies in the near future. Generally, learning Mandarin at the Hong Kong Language School was a lot of fun and beneficial. The staff is very considerate to their students.

6. Will you recommend Hong Kong Language School to your friends? Why?

The school was initially recommended to me by a good friend of mine who came to study Mandarin. I’ll definitely highly recommend it and hopefully my word-of-mouth advertising will lead to more people studying at HKLS. You guys are awesome J.

Mr. Jerome Parisse-Brassens from Australia (the gentleman on the right)

Mandarin Beginners to Upper Intermediate Full-day class (28/9, 2010 -10/1, 2011)

1, Why did you choose Hong Kong Language School?

— I chose to study Mandarin at Hong Kong Language School for two reasons: 1) Its location, in Wan Chai, in the heart of Hong Kong Island, made it very easy to get to; 2) The course I chose was reasonably priced.

2, How’s the school environment?

— The school environment is great: Clean, bright classrooms; I especially liked the fact that the walls were used as blackboards, very ingenuous indeed; There is a computer for everyone’s use during breaks; and there is an ample supply of biscuits, tea and coffee (and a great view of Wan Chai from the large windows).

3, How’s the class atmosphere?

— I enjoyed my class, my teachers and my fellow students who came from all walks of life, including from various countries. Classes are relaxed, but at the same time focussed; 50 minutes of class with a ten minute break seems about right.

4, How’s your teacher? Was your class effective? Did you learn what you had expected?

— I had two teachers, Carol and Mendy, who were both great to learn from. In fact, they had different styles and complemented each other really well. I was a little surprised at first to see one teacher being replaced by another, without any kind of logic, but it worked, and the transition between both of them was almost always smooth. It was also great that they came from different areas of China and had therefore a different accent and a different way of speaking, as it gave us more exposure to variety in spoken Mandarin. I definitely learned more than what I expected

5, Will you come back & take more lessons? Why?

— I have reached the advanced level now and need to get out there and practice my Mandarin skills in real life situations. I will be spending a few weeks in China soon and this will be a perfect opportunity to test my language skills outside the school environment.

6, Will you recommend Hong Kong Language School to your friends & relatives? Why?

— I would definitely recommend the school to potential and future fellow students, especially to beginners, as I believe this is where the strength of the school lies

Ms. Deepti Malik from India

Mandarin Beginners Level 1 to 4 Day Time class (18/1 -18/3, 2011)

Cantonese Beginners Level 1 – from 3/11, 2011 until now

1, Why did you choose Hong Kong Language School?

–I chose it because the reviews about the school on the website were very positive. The place is also located close to my house and so was easily accessible.

2, How’s the school environment?

–The environment at school is friendly

3, How’s the class atmosphere?

–The class atmosphere is open and friendly. The teachers and students interact on a one-on-one basis. There is no hesitation in asking questions which the teacher answers very patiently.

4, How’s your teacher? Was your class effective? Did you learn what you had expected?

–The teacher was very polite and patient with us. She made it a point to mingle with us at a personal level as well which made us more interested in our lessons. She also went a step forward to teach us writing chinese characters which was over and above her duty. The class was effective though I think the no. of characters that one learns everyday get a bit much by the 3rd and 4th level. But yes, I did learn what I expected and maybe more.

5, Will you come back & take more lessons? Why?

–Yes but it also depends on my time schedule in the coming months. I may want to learn beginners level Cantonese next.

6, Will you recommend Hong Kong Language School to your friends & relatives? Why?

–Yes i have already recommended a lot of friends.

Louis Ver from France

Mandarin Beginners level 1 to Upper Intermediate (8/8, 2011- 9/3, 2012)

Chinese Reading & Writing level 1 (30/1 – 10/2, 2012)

1, Why did you choose Hong Kong Language School?

— Before choose the school I check lot of private lesson, and i choose them for the location (very convenient, and the price is very good.

2, How’s the school environment?

— Very good, if you arrive sleepy at the morning and forgot to take your breakfast, you can take a coffee and eat snack. You have all what you need for quiet and serious study. Branda and Mini are always smiling, that’s great at the morning.

3, How’s the class atmosphere?

— I got 4 teachers ( Lily / Helen / Carol and Audrey )in 6 months, they are all nice, talkative, always try to help you. Every Classroom had good atmosphere, we study a lot but also laugh a lot with our putonghua. As soon as you have good classmates and teacher learn is easier.

4, How’s your teacher? Was your class effective? Did you learn what you had expected?

— I travel a lot in China with my company, so during 6 months i saw the difference between start and now. Of course I’m not fluent Chinese but i understand very well and can talk to Chinese people.

I learn what i had expected maybe more, but i now i finish the lesson i continue to learn everyday at home in the street, …

5, Will you come back & take more lessons? Why?

— If I have time, yes i will. I’m French and i have strong accent when i speak, to practice speaking with a teacher can correct my accent and make me a fluent speaker.

6, Will you recommend Hong Kong Language School to your friends? Why?

— I already recommend HKLS to my friend, and he is happy too.