Learning Chinese Mandarin with EF Chinesetown

During the initial visa application process, of beginning your career with EF, the recruiters may promote an online class platform called EF Chinesetown. For eager learners, this is where you begin to learn Mandarin Chinese! Although this language skill is not entirely necessary to have when living and working in China, it will, certainly make your experience more immersive. Language is a simple skill that can be taught in an online classroom. Since having a connection to a native speaker is sought after, EF Chinesetown sets a good environment for international EF staff to learn to speak Mandarin Chinese.

In my induction phase back in 2021, I met great local teachers through EF Chinesetown who shared knowledge on pronouncing tones correctly, writing characters and eventually making sentences with grammar structures. My intensive studies with EF Chinestown lasted for about 5 months leading up to my flight to China. Once I arrived in China, I kept studying online for one more month. The basic skills I had learned in this period, prepared me to introduce myself and explain some of my likes and dislikes to the local EF staff. These beginner language skills support my current awareness of the Chinese language. Now, independently, I can learn from local people as I traverse through daily life experiences. The foundational skills really do support you throughout your life of learning.

The immersion experience of living in a new country gives you the opportunity to grow. From the point of view of a language learner, one could suggest that your new daily life experiences learned through a new language shape you into a new character. A local friend shared with me that we have the chance to create a new persona in this ‘new country’ matrix – one we express in the new language. His perspective is valid. , I have indeed chosen to embody a new character to express the cuteness, beauty and grace I experienced in my life in South Eastern China.

If you’re ready to start learning Mandarin Chinese or want to revive your existing language skills, then reach out. Express your worldview ～

Now in 2022, today, I live and work in Shenzhen, China at EF. The immersion opens doors to learning Chinese in diverse ways. Among local friends, one can practice speaking & listening, and while shopping they practice reading characters. With an intermediate level of language skills now, I can smoothly shop at the market, make reservations, and ask about the location of a place nearby.