Practical Chinese for Living and Working in China
Intensive Introduction (suitable for beginner and lower-intermediate students)
Taught by Anny Li.  Click here for Anny's profile.

Finding an inspiring and results-oriented Chinese class can be hard work.  Mandarin classes at many schools are commonly taught by native Chinese teachers using homegrown educational methods.  Our class teaches Mandarin using recognizable Western educational techniques and methods that foreign students respond better to.  This course is intended for the beginner who wants to become conversationally functional in Chinese relatively quickly.  We will focus on "everyday Chinese", the words and phrases essential to making your own way in daily life.  Because this is an activity-based course which employs a broad range of activities and exercises designed to get you talking (and listening) effectively, you will continuously use and reinforce what you already know while acquiring new material.  The activities are fun and entertaining, with topics and content selected to be both engaging and relevant.  You will become well versed in such typical situations as introductions, visiting a friend, asking and giving directions, shopping (and bargaining!), restauranting, speaking on the telephone, traveling, and emergency essentials.  At the end of the ten weeks, you will be conversational on a basic level and possess a strong foundation – the grammar and usage, sentence patterns, phrases, vocabulary, and pronunciation -- upon which to pursue further study toward the goal of total fluency. 

Increasing numbers of people coming to live and work throughout China are learning to speak Mandarin, the language that binds this huge and diverse nation together, from Shenzhen to Hohhot, from Kunming to Harbin.  Our journey through the Chinese language will be an eye-opening and educational adventure, offering vivid glimpses of a unique culture while getting you out and about chatting with locals.  For those of you who have already made the plunge, the language can sometimes seem daunting.  This course aims to make learning Chinese accessible and fun, guiding learners toward their goals of speaking with confidence and enthusiasm, from restaurants to mobile phones, taxis to tea time.

We will focus on practical applications that can be used every day, while cultivating an understanding of the language and how it works that will be vital to your success.  This amazing and delightful language will be an invaluable tool as you maneuver your way through this exciting and rewarding land.  Also included in the class is an introduction to Chinese characters: the rhyme, reason, and logic behind the form.

The following topics will be covered:

Pinyin and greetings
Names, titles, nationalities, and languages
Days, dates, time and daily routines
Addresses and telephone numbers
Family and family members
Work and professions
Interests and abilities
Invitations and appointments
Telephone and messages
Money and currency, shops and shopping
Colors and clothing
Sizes and style
Food and restaurants
Cafes, pubs, and drinks
Hotels and services, places and directions
The weather
Activity and progressions
Intentions and plans
Health, body, and massage
Festivals in China, sending a gift, well wishing

Course Title: Chinese Language
Tuition Fee: RMB 3200
Materials Fee: RMB 30

Spring Session 2013: March 3rd to May 9th

Section A: Tuesday and Thursday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)   Registration Closed
10 weeks from March 5th to May 9th (Course Code: CL103)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section B: Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (1:00 PM - 3:30 PM)   Registration Closed
10 weeks from March 5th to May 9th (Course Code: CL104)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section C: Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:30 PM - 9:00 PM)   Registration Closed
10 weeks from March 5th to May 9th (Course Code: CL105)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section D: Sunday afternoons (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM)   Registration Closed
10 weeks from March 3rd to May 5th (Course Code: CL106)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Fall Session 2013: October 10th to December 17th

Section A: Tuesday and Thursday mornings (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
10 weeks from October 10th to December 17th (Course Code: CL103)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section B: Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (1:00 PM - 3:30 PM)
10 weeks from October 10th to December 17th (Course Code: CL104)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section C: Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
10 weeks from October 10th to December 17th (Course Code: CL105)
Location: ELC Learning Center

Section D: Sunday afternoons (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
10 weeks from October 13th to December 15th (Course Code: CL106)
Location: ELC Learning Center

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE

Registration Procedure:
First register online to reserve your place.  You will receive a confirmation email with further details and instructions.  Payment must be made on site at the ELC Learning Center during the payment dates shown below (you can come in person or send someone).

Tuition fee payment for the Fall Session 2013 will take place Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, September 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th.  The payment hours are 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Payments will be received in the Registration Office at the ELC Learning Center.  Payment must be received on time to complete your enrollment and maintain your reservation in the class(es) for which you have registered.

Register early to reserve your place, as many classes fill up quickly.  If the course for which you are registered does not reach the minimum enrollment requirement, you will be notified of the cancellation before the payment dates.  As such, we receive payments only for courses which are proceeding as scheduled.  Please note, we do not offer trial lessons or discounts of any kind.  Refund Policy: No refunds will be issued after the start of the term.