Simone

I started studying Chinese at Silk Mandarin after two of my friends with excellent Chinese highly recommended them. I had already lived in China for 2 years while working full-time and studying (in a half-assed way) on the side and had taken 1 year of university Chinese. But I felt really inspired at Silk Mandarin that my studying was going to pay off, which energized me a lot. One great part was that I was able to dictate what I wanted to learn and what would be useful for my work and daily life. That in and of itself was great, but it’s not the thing that sets Silk Mandarin apart from other schools I’ve gone to. Instead the big things these guys do is teach you the logic of the language, using a very straightforward and easy to understand method, but one that I’d never heard anything about before in university or other private schools. Once my teacher started teaching me this, so many pieces were coming together for me in terms of sentence structure and how Chinese works. I think my language was really inconsistent before and I was never sure where to put which words because I knew different rules but not a unified one. So I’d say these guys are incredibly friendly and flexible and cool, but they also really know their stuff. I’m a native English-speaking editing/writing professional who majored in lit and my Chinese teacher knows the English parts of speech better than I do– you have to understand language to teach it and these guys have it down 🙂

George

Upon entering the school the motto says “More Than Just Talking!”, which made me think most Chinese schools would say this plus initially I found them on a map app. Honestly, the space is quaint, comfortable and staff is very personable. Final decision to join came after taking a level assessment and them expertly finding my level to help push and support me. Still figuring out what “More than just talking!” means but most definitely feel a better connection using the language with their patient and earnest effort for my development. Highly recommend to join, my suggestion is to let them know your personality and the best  way to learn, then they can correctly accommodate your speed of learning. It’s a safe environment!

Myles

“I was referred to Silk Mandarin by a friend and I have never looked back. The teachers have helped me pass my HSK 6 and I am very grateful to them for making it easy and fun for me.”

Sara

When it comes to learning languages, my ambitions have always overshadowed my end results. Silk Mandarin helped me change that!

Before starting my course with Silk Mandarin, I knew nothing except “Nihao”. I was going to stay in Shanghai for 3 months and wanted to put the time to good use. I was introduced to Silk Mandarin by another exchange student and after a consultation where we were introduced to their method, we were sold! After two months of two three hour lessons per week, I can introduce myself and get by in simple conversations.

We are five people in my class and Jessica, our teacher, is amazing at making sure we all keep up and have fun while learning Chinese. She’s very attentive and answers all our questions, and when we ask about useful things to learn when navigating Shanghai. I’ve already recommended it to the next exchange students coming to Shanghai from my home university.

Here’s the kicker; I opted for Silk Mandarin despite being offered FREE lessons by my university, and the best money spent and best decision I’ve made while in Shanghai!

Aside from efficient and rewarding lessons, what you can expect from Silk Mandarin:
– Clean & Modern classrooms
– Free coffee, tea & water
– A warm atmosphere
– Professional, patient and welcoming staff and teacher
– Good study material; the flashcards and the magic pen are a godsend!

Don’t hesitate; they’ll take good care of you, and your language skills!

Antonella

At Silk Mandarin, I found the right teacher. The teachers are qualified, motivated and always in a good mood. The atmosphere in the class is really refreshing, that’s why I really like to take lessons there. Thanks to Silk Mandarin I now can engage in a real conversation with my Chinese friends, that’s such a great feeling!

Julia

I have no bad word about this language school. The office building is very clean and new, unlimited coffee, tea and water (sometimes we even get food like Tony Chocolonely and fruit mmm), very warming atmosphere, professional, kind and patient teachers and very good study material (love the magic pen and flashcards, it helps you a lot and it’s a fun way to learn Mandarin). My teacher Jessica is absolutely sweet to her students! Her lessons are very efficient and fun. I don’t regret my choice at all. Two friends of mine took lessons here before me and recommended it to me. I recommended it to my exchange group and now there are 8 students from my group at Silk Mandarin and everyone is very satisfied. I would like to say a huuuge 谢谢 .

Jess

Having studied in many language schools in different countries during my life gives me the confidence to say that Silk Mandarin stands out from other schools for different reasons. The foundation is made of enthusiastic and friendly people that are always encouraging our learning process; then it’s noticeable how they are really motivated in making us learn through different approaches, not only by using books, but offering their own material like flashcards, talking pens, customised apps and even SMS groups to keep us constantly engaged; and finally, their openness in asking for feedback is legitimate and they will always try to improve our experience with tailored classes, according to our needs, in the best way possible.

Roshni

I have been in Shanghai for over seven years and I had tried to learn Mandarin before but I failed. When I won free classes with Silk Mandarin, I had just signed up for trial classes with another school to support my roommate in her effort to learn Mandarin. I attended those classes with her and thought I would come just for those free lessons at Silk Mandarin and then continue at the other place which was closer to where I live. However, Andy is an amazing teacher. Silk Mandarin’s teaching methodology, the cards and the talking pen as well as the other two students, Heidi and Sisay soon had me signing up to continue taking lessons at Silk Mandarin. Since then I have recommended Silk Mandarin to other people and I will continue to do so!