Full-service language school
Responsiveness: extremely fast. I got a response within hours of my first inquiry. That's Mandarin always answered my questions promptly and followed up proactively. And always very friendly! Full service: for someone who doesn't have much time or local knowledge, That's Mandarin was able to help not only with setting up classes, but also with visa questions and accommodation. There was someone from school to welcome me at the serviced apartments to help me check in, show me how to use apps, and tell me where I could get groceries. When I wasn't sure of my Chinese level, That's Mandarin helped evaluate it and had me test different levels to ensure I was in the right place to learn optimally. Teaching: I had 3 rotating teachers, each with their own personality and style. I found it fun and beneficial to hear different speakers. I signed up for group classes, but soon ended up alone in my level, and so experienced 1:1 lessons (time cut in half). I liked both. In groups you can role play and learn from other students (and have time to absorb things quietly), but the pace might not be perfect for you. In 1:1 the class is tailored exactly to your level and you get a ton of speaking practice, but the class flies by very quickly. Materials: That's Mandarin has a full set of their own teaching materials, I used Nihao Cafe almost exclusively (much more than the physical books). I liked being able to listen to the words and videos. The online exercises were great because they include listening practice and provide feedback whether I answered right/wrong. "Negatives": the school is quite expensive, though I think it is comparable with other private language schools and it delivers value. Just be prepared when you ask for a quote. If you are price-sensitive, it may be better to invest the effort to search for accommodation yourself. In addition, the school organized "extracurricular" activities less frequently than I had hoped (maybe 2x per month while I was there) and they sometimes cost extra.