Before Beginning your Mandarin Language Classes...

Loneliness is a big factor when spending an extended period of time in a foreign country, and groups such as these tend to make that time easier.

So I recommend that before you begin to study Mandarin in Beijing, you check out some of the alternate programs offered by universities in your home country.

Does your University have a Program to Study Mandarin in Beijing?

Are you a college student? Does your university have a program to study Mandarin in Beijing? If so, you should definitely be taking advantage of this. University programs often have plenty of benefits and perks that you can't otherwise get.

For example, you can ask you get college credit for your Mandarin language classes. If you begin your program through an accredited university, an adviser can look over your work and assign college credit for these courses. Check with your university to see if they have such a program.

Also, universities can have access to programs of the general public may not. This includes groups with other college students that take intensive programs together. They traveled together, learn the language together, and basically experience the culture and the whole package together. This can be a great benefit, and one that should not be ignored. Being in a foreign country is oftentimes difficult, and if you can be around people from your home country, that oftentimes makes it much easier to bear.

Communicating During Your Mandarin Language Classes

Once you’ve started your manner and language classes, and you begin your quest to study Mandarin in Beijing, you will undoubtedly want to communicate back to your homeland. One of the best ways I've found to make long-distance calls is to use a program called Skype. But you may run into trouble trying to connect through the Chinese firewall. But remember, you're not only going to study Mandarin in Beijing, but the culture as well. And this culture still has some interesting qualities, namely strong central government control. The great firewall of China as it's called attempts to restrict the websites that citizens may access. Oftentimes this includes legitimate services like Skype. But there are ways around this, and I will discuss this in a later post.

Anyone else planning to study Mandarin in Beijing?

I haven't been at this blog for very long, but I have received a few e-mails here and there. It shows that some people are listening, and that this blog is providing service to some.

Is anyone else out there planning to study Mandarin in Beijing? I'm interested to know. If you are drop me a comment and

Grants to study Mandarin in Beijing?

Can you get government grants to study Mandarin in Beijing? This is something I don't know the answer to. Does anyone know if there are such things in your country? If you do, please leave me a comment.

Why take Mandarin language classes to begin with?

So why should one take Mandarin language classes? Well, it's clear that China is a growing world power, and with over 1 billion people that's a lot of Mandarin speakers. With such an economic force looming on the horizon, being able to speak the native language is a big plus for not only business people, but any true world citizen.

And while dozens of universities offer courses, I truly feel that to study Mandarin in Beijing is the best course of action for me. This gets me close to the culture, the center of the government, and the pulse of the country. If the reason for taking Mandarin language classes is to speak with other people, while the naturally the best way to learn the language is by doing just that.

So for the rest of you want to study Mandarin in Beijing, don't forget to get out once in a while and socialize with other people. As tough as it may be at first, even less-than-perfect language skills, just get out there and do it. You'll be glad you did.

Why study Mandarin in Beijing?

While some people choose Shanghai or Taipei, there are a significant number of people who prefer to study Mandarin in Beijing. Being close to the Chinese capital gives a certain advantage. As many of you know, language and culture are intertwined. In the center of Chinese culture is definitely Beijing. And you shouldn't forget culture when you take your Mandarin language classes, as culture is the source of many words.

But there are many things to do besides study Mandarin in Beijing. The nightlife is thriving, the night markets are wonderful, and modern development has provided an interesting juxtaposition with ancient settlements. I intend to take full event of this opportunity, and plan to spend much time touring the city.

I need to decide whether to take preplanned tours with a study group, or make my own trips. Or somehow find the proper balance between the two. It should be interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to the experience.