To Study Chinese in China…

My life in China started flying into Hong Kong and catching the train to Nanjing. In Hong Kong, I purchased the most effective little mp3 recorder you possibly could have possibly gotten at that time. I arrived at my college’s accommodation on a Monday afternoon, showed the fuwuyuan (服务员) receptionist my acceptance letter, which flummoxed her, as I was white but the letter displayed a very Chinese name (my Chinese name, well-chosen if I do say). But when I told her I came to take the hsk, she seemed persuaded. She and the caretaker took me my room for the evening in order that I could be sorted for the classes the subsequent day. I was in! And that began my first lesson in China: No one expects a white person to have a Chinese name.

It's well documented that all of us learn languages to a remarkable extent (at least compared to learning at home) when immersed in the native surroundings. The feeling of immersion of being in China truly did spark my language learning experience. I want to learn Chinese, which is why I recommend for all those who can to head to China to study the Chinese language. You will also learn interesting details about both the Chinese language and culture along the way.

And when you're ready, hit up our guides to get started with the most important test of your Chinese ability yet: the HSK.