Jonathan Chan from U.S.A. (the gentleman on the left)

Cantonese Upper Intermediate to Advanced level (25/6 – 25/7, 2012)

1, Why did you choose Hong Kong Language School?

I was recommended to come to Hong Kong Language School by my relatives in Hong Kong. I’m unsure as to how they came across your school.

2. How’s the school environment?

The school environment was very comfortable and I enjoyed being able to have some free tea or coffee in the morning. And in order to catch the express bus I needed to arrive rather early, but I felt that the school environment was comfortable enough for me to come 1/2 an hour early and just sit and study in the waiting area.

3. How’s the class atmosphere?

The class environment in my situation I believe was different from most cases. I didn’t have any other classmates, but my teacher was friendly and made the one on one class situation comfortable. The schedule was also very flexible which was helpful since during my trip to HK I needed to have some mornings to do other things. The ease of rescheduling was very nice and would not have been able to do certain things during my short stay in HK if otherwise.

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

My teacher was very good–Although our lessons followed the book’s structure, she was open to answering any of my questions that I had regarding Hong Kong life. During my stay in Hong Kong I came across things that I didn’t understand and things that my relative’s generation were unable to answer, but she was always willing to give thorough explanations. Even when she could not, she came in the following class with the answer which I really appreciated. She also gave me a list of common/popular dim sum foods and how to say/write them which became helpful to look at throughout the month as well. I learned a lot from this class and now I have many people back in America telling me how much my Cantonese has improved, so I think that it was indeed helpful.

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

I was halfway through Advanced 2 when I left and so there would be only 2 more books left for me if I returned. Traveling to Hong Kong is also very expensive, but given that if money isn’t an issue I think that another month to finish Advanced 3 and 4 would be beneficial.

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

If my friends had the opportunity to go back to Hong Kong and wanted to take Chinese classes, yes, of course I would recommend HKLS to them. Everyone was very friendly every morning and classes were very productive and enjoyable.

Overall this was a very good experience that I’m glad to have had and a very beneficial class that I learned much from.
Thank you very much for all your time and help you’ve given me the past month!

Ms. Chandrika Mudali from Sri Lanka (the first lady from the right)

Cantonese In-house Training (27/5-20/10, 2010)

Merchandise Manager
GapBody Women/ Athleta
Gap International Sourcing Ltd

1, Why did you choose Hong Kong Language School?

— The School was not chosen by us, it was done by the Company HR team.
2, How’s the class atmosphere?

— It was a great class as we were all from the same company having the same thoughts of what we want to learn.
3, How’s your teacher? Was your class effective? Did you learn what you had expected?

— Teacher was excellent!!, she knew what we wanted and her forcus was to improve our areas. She was just great!!
4, Will you come back & take more lessons? Why?

— I will come back when the time is appropriate.
5, Will you recommend Hong Kong Language School to your friends? Why?

— Sure I will recommend the school and the teacher.

Mr. Daniel Ou from USA, Korean (the second one from the left)

Cantonese In-house Training (27/5/10 – Mid April, 2011)

Mandarin private tuition – from June 23 until now

Director
Product Development Gap Brand
Gap International Sourcing Ltd

1, Why did you choose Hong Kong Language School?

–My company highly recommended it and I have not been disappointed!

2, How’s the class atmosphere?

–Ours was a really great interactive and fun atmosphere but always emphasized language skills.

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

–Myself and the three other colleagues/students loved our instructor Branda Kwong. She was so personable, persistent, encouraging, and enthusiastic. We also threw a lot of non syllabus related inquires which she always entertained with great humor and insight. The class was very effective as were able to interact and get by in daily Hong Kong life better.

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

–Sure, I would love to time permitting. It’s not only fun, but a great way to get to know Hong Kong more intimately.

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

–I would recommend it to those who are serious about Cantonese but also to those who want a more casual, colloquial understanding of the language. Cantonese seems very special in that there is a lot of slang and local intricacies and I think the Hong Kong Language School captures that in its practice and teaching methods.

Patrick So from France

Mandarin Advanced Level Day time class (25/6 -6/7, 2012)
Chinese Reading & Chinese (25/6 -20/7, 2012)

1, Why did you choose Hong Kong Language School?

–I chose this school because it was the only school suited for my level.

2, How’s the school environment?

–The school environment is good. People are nice. Branda and Mini are always smiling and available.

3, How’s the class atmosphere?

–The class atmosphere is also great. Classmates are friendly and warm.

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

–Carol is a great and funny teacher who has a great understanding of China’s socio-political environment.
I learnt a lot with her.

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

–I don’t think I will have further opportunities to come back and take more lessons.

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

–Yes. Because Hong Kong Language School is a welcoming place with competent teachers.

Ms. Eunice Faith C Asis from Philippine (the second lady from the right)

Mandarin Beginners Level 1 to Advanced Level 1 Full Day class (12/11, 2009 – 21/3, 2011)

Year-out Assistant
BA(AS) HKU
Baumschlager Eberle Hong Kong

Thank you for all your support and encouragement, you’ve given me the confidence to learn a new language and I know this will be a life long journey because the Chinese language is so rich in culture I don’t think any outsider would be able to fully grasp it in one seating.

Thank you to all the teachers that helped me and were patient with me as I struggled to organize my thoughts more coherently and though at times it was painful to try to express myself with the limited words that I knew, their support and encouragement made it much easier for me to trust in their wisdom and experience that I would one day be able to communicate my thoughts better.

I’m amazed by how much I’ve learnt in the span of a little over 4 months. This is truly evidence that your centre is the best in hong kong and your teachers, professionals.

Thank you again and I hope if time allows I can pursue learning this beautiful language further.

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.

Chloe Qiu from Australia, Chinese (the lady on the right)

Cantonese Beginners Level 1 for Mandarin Speakers (27/2 – 9/3, 2012)

1, Why did you choose Hong Kong Language School?

I visited a few other schools before deciding to go with Hong Kong Language School because it offered the most flexible hours, a very competitive price and the friendliest staff!

2, How’s the school environment?

The school is very easy to get to and the class studios are very cozy. The staff are extremely friendly and supportive. Loved their morning tea as well!

3, How’s the class atmosphere?

I originally signed up for a group class but I was the only student so it became a one-on-one class which was awesome.

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

I couldn’t have been happier with my teacher, Jaime. At first I was a bit shy because my Cantonese pronunciations were poor. However, Jaime was very supportive and patient with me. She had such a fun and relaxing teaching style that just two classes later, I was able to chat with her about Cantonese pop stars and my business operations using words and phrases. By the end of level 1, I could carry on a basic conversation and understand most of the local news. I never thought that I could progress this fast. All credits to Jaime.

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

I will definitely come back for more classes because I won’t be able to achieve the same level of progression on myself.

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

I highly recommend the Hong Kong Language School. The school writes its own teaching materials and have the most flexible course schedule anywhere in HK. Joining HKLS is one of the best investment I’ve made in a while!

Mr. & Mrs. Oliver from Australia (the third & the fourth ones from the left)

Cantonese Beginners Full Day class (30/8- 27/9, 2010) & Cantonese Private Tuition (24/1-13/4, 2011)

Nicholas from Britain (the third one from the right)

Cantonese Beginners Full Day class (30/8- 27/9, 2010)

Fulltime volunteers at a Christian charity

1, Why did you choose Hong Kong Language School?

— We visited a couple of schools and found the HK Language school to be very inviting. Also we had heard from a few people that they would recommend it.

2, How’s the school environment?

— The environment is very friendly and extremely welcoming.

3, How’s the class atmosphere?

–We thoroughly enjoyed our classes as the teachers were very helpful and patient, as well as being a lot of fun.

4, How’s your teacher?

— Our teachers were excellent, and always went out of their way to explain the things we struggled with. Was your class effective? As we are very mature age students (!) we struggled a bit with the pace, however we find that we have learned a lot and will be able to revise at our own pace now. Did you learn what you had expected? We have recieved a good foundation, and are able to converse as well as could be expected in just 4 weeks.

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

— We hope to! We feel it would be beneficial to add to what we have already learned.

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

— Of course we will recommend HK Language school to friends. Mostly because of the encouragement given and the ‘family’ atmosphere.