360° Course Review of one-on-one Chinese language training provider MandarinHouse in Shanghai

First in a series of Totuba 360° Course Reviews of one-on-one Business / Executive Chinese language providers in China, Totuba co-founder Frank Quosdorf investigates MandarinHouse in Shanghai.

Editorial Rating

Editorial Review

Opening MandarinHouse’s website, the targeted course could be easily spotted: “Executive Private Tutoring Course” in Shanghai. Neither a Skype or MSN Messenger option for the provider was available, but a valid telephone number was. On the phone, the receptionist sounded friendly, and in good English arranged for an appointment to receive a short introduction and assessment. Upon entering MandarinHouse’s office, a course consultant promptly presented herself to gauge this reviewer’s Chinese proficiency level. The course consultant conferred a Shanghai-suburbanite-like “your Chinese is really good” judgement, which appeared to be a well trained response from hundreds of previous customer engagements. She then presented a large folder showing different ways to enrol in the course requested. Of the many options available, the course consultant advised to choose a long-term one that guaranteed a teacher of choice, as well as a stable price over the course of time.

Next, she recommended a teacher and arranged a short face-to-face meeting with her. The teacher briefly introduced herself suggesting to undergo a more in-depth assessment within the next hour or so, providing an opportunity to sit down in the waiting area and inspect the facility. Internet was accessible through public computers in the waiting area, water and Shanghai magazines could be self-served from their respective outlets.

The in-depth assessment was carried out in a classroom with breathtaking views of Puxi, which was promptly and appropriately relegated to the background thanks to the detailed and eye-opening assessment. During the whole assessment, no matter the level of imperfect Chinese she had to endure, the teacher calmly and professionally provided guidance to make it a feel-good experience - a natural talent. Some MandarinHouse teaching material was handed out for examination, and no objections were raised about bringing non-MandarinHouse books or printouts to the class.

Finally, after being informed that this was actually an editorial review of their establishment, MandarinHouse’s managing director agreed to meet. Self-review forms were handed over, and received with promises to get them back within a few days. Did MandarinHouse keep to its promise despite being a well established, premium provider of one-on-one tutoring? Well, in addition to this editorial review, statements submitted by MandarinHouse teachers, administrative staff,and  managers are printed below. Detailed student reviews can be found at totuba.com which is also the place to write your own reviews of this course provider.

Teacher Reviews

1. Zou Dan

How would you describe the working environment and conditions in your school?

Located in the most prestigious area of central Shanghai, right on Nanjing Road with many bright classrooms and broad band access, many shopping and recreational areas nearby. Access to transportation is very convenient. The relationship between colleagues is very good.

What opportunities does this school provide to participate in education and training to make learning at your school an even better experience?

Teachers can choose from many different training lessons every month. For example, Hanzi, HSK, Business Chinese training, etc.

We also ask more experienced teachers to give us in-house training. Some training sessions are obligatory, some are elective and can be scheduled according to our needs.

If you had to decide again today, why would you take a job with this school again?

Our school is the best Chinese learning school with many experienced colleagues in Shanghai. I am very proud of being a member of our school.

2. Eric Mei

How would you describe the working environment and conditions in your school?

Professional. Up-to-date facilities, convenient transportation.

What opportunities does this school provide to participate in education and training to make learning at your school an even better experience?

My school provides a number of different training courses regularly covering MandarinHouse teaching method, designing and carrying out class activities, explaining grammar points of HSK, etc. It helps teachers a lot to improve their skills. I’m training our teachers about MandarinHouse teaching method, which helps teachers learn how to give higher quality lessons.

If you had to decide again today, why would you take a job with this school again?

I’m growing up with my school.

3. Shelley Wang

Shelley Wang

How would you describe the working environment and conditions in your school?

I would say our school has quite a comfortable atmosphere. It is cozy, has good facilities and a relaxing and easy-going ambiance. We have a very central location and it is very easy to get to the school with metro and buses being a 2 minute walk away! Our school is neat and very well-organised with regard to teaching as well as studying. During breaks us teachers can relax in the lounge. We have computers for teachers to check private emails and a dining area where we can take our lunch. I really enjoy working here.

What opportunities does this school provide to participate in education and training to make learning at your school an even better experience?

For teachers, our school provides both regular and irregular training sessions in order to meet our development needs. In additional to general training courses, our teachers are offered education in seminars such as Chinese culture, HSK and so forth. I believe this ongoing reflection and renewal of skills provides an opportunity for teachers to self-asses and further develop their roles as teachers.

If you had to decide again today, why would you take a job with this school again?

MandarinHouse is an excellent school for teaching Mandarin and spreading the Chinese culture. And since MandarinHouse is a leading school, of course, I like working here. In addition, as I stated above, our school provides a good work environment and working conditions, plus regular and irregular trainings to help me grow up in my professional career. Also, from teaching at MandarinHouse, I learnt many things beneficial for life. I really enjoy my work here.

4. Angela Yu

How would you describe the working environment and conditions in your school?

I usually work from morning to the afternoon. I would say the environment is comfortable and harmonious. The working conditions encourage me to give my best every day.

What opportunities does this school provide to participate in education and training to make learning at your school an even better experience?

The school runs different training courses every year and we can attend when we have time in between courses. This training helps me to improve my theoretical understanding of teaching as well as my practical teaching skills.

If you had to decide again today, why would you take a job with this school again?

1. Flexible. This job offers me the most flexible timetable and allows me arrange my working hours flexibly.

2. Harmony and good relationship. Easy relationship between colleagues, and I have cute students as well

3. Trendy. MandarinHouse is a modern school and contributes to the society’s development. I feel confident to do this job well.

5. Tia Fu

How would you describe the working environment and conditions in your school?

The school is located in the heart of Shanghai, it is convenient to reach. As soon as you enter, you can feel the Chinese culture and atmosphere surrounding you. The school has modern facilities, clean and comfortable classrooms, and practical learning material.

What opportunities does this school provide to participate in education and training to make learning at your school an even better experience?

Besides the regular classroom activities, the school also organizes activities such as taking students out on visits throughout Shanghai which means students can grasp the city and engage with native speakers. Furthermore, we do activities like Chinese calligraphy, making dumplings, Kung Fu, or tea ceremonies. These activities are offered all year round.

If you had to decide again today, why would you take a job with this school again?

The working environment is harmonious, the school has a great reputation. A lot of students take classes which fully fills up my work schedule. I really enjoy my life as a teacher. All colleagues are friendly to each other which makes me feel quite comfortable working here.

Management Reviews

Jallina Xu, Product Supervisor

What is your educational approach/instructional design and what makes your educational approach/instructional design different from others?

We only focus on teaching Chinese as a foreign language. For students, we combine learning Chinese and getting to know Chinese culture at the same time. Our curriculum focuses on improving students’ language skills based on their needs which we call student-centered teaching. Key curricular elements are functional vocabulary and sentence structure, communicative activities and tasks.

What is special about the learning environment in your school?

The school is located in the heart of the city, provides a professional and friendly atmosphere, comfortable and bright classrooms, and an area for students, teachers and office staff to relax and engage.

How would you describe a good student?

The most important thing is that students are willing to apply in practice what they learn at MandarinHouse. We like students who ask questions when facing difficulties in their daily communication with Chinese. We also think a good student believes in learning Chinese as a daily exercise.

How easy is it to enrol in a course?

Apply and book your course online. We respond to any inquiry within 24 hours.

Can you tell us which cultural and social contributions your school/staff is making to benefit the communities in which it does business?

Many. To give just one example: we attended the Shanghai Kids Expo in March 2009 showing and teaching traditional Chinese Arts such as making Beijing Opera masks, paper cutting, Chinese calligraphy to children, and also a “quiz” about China’s geography and Chinese culture. We also organize activities in communities where our students live.

Student Reviews

1. Corina Hertig

Who is your favorite teacher?
Angela and Shelley

What makes working with this teacher unique?
The teachers have a good understanding for both, the Chinese culture and the needs of their students. They can really help to find access to the language.

Read the complete review and rating at totuba.com

2. Christian Reksten-Monsen

Who is your favorite teacher?
Eric Mei

What makes working with this teacher unique?
Flexibility to focus on topics and materials I need/wish to learn. Outstanding ability to remember exactly what vocabulary and grammar I understand (after 2 years), thus able to explain new material using Mandarin I understand. Ability to find lots of interesting supplemental material.

Read the complete review and rating at totuba.com

3. Bernadette Archibald

Who is your favorite teacher?
Tia Fu

What makes working with this teacher unique?
Tia is a very capable teacher, very patient, very interested. She works hard to make the learning experience enjoyable.

Read the complete review and rating at totuba.com

4. Anonymous

Who is your favorite teacher?
Shelley Wang

What makes working with this teacher unique?
Shelley encouraged me in learning characters and was very patient in teaching me. She taught me a lot about chinese culture and still continues to. This is very enriching! We have become friends now and share a lot. Lessons are fun but always serious and Shelley has made me love learning Chinese.

Read the complete review and rating at totuba.com

5. Tania Conforti

Who is your favorite teacher?
Zou Dan

What makes working with this teacher unique?
Zou Dan has been my Chinese Teacher for 1.5 years. From the first lesson I knew she was the right teacher for me as she is very patient and very knowledgeable. She could explain on the spot where each character derives from, would give you the history of a character and was very knowledgeable about Chinese history as well, which helped me to get a valuable inside into why things are the way they are in China. You could immediately tell that she is not just teaching because Chinese is her mother language but she actually learned how to teach foreigners by being able to explain the background, which helps to remember things. She was also prepared for every lesson, in form of additional material or by having prepared a structured way to understand what the lesson is about. Last but not least with her friendly and patient nature she encouraged me to speak. I have finished my class in 2006 but ever since Zou Dan has become one of my best Chinese friends in Shanghai.

Read the complete review and rating at totuba.com