I’ve been asked to review eChineseLearning. I guess I should start with a disclosure: I’ve met one of their staff members and her husband a few times, and they’re good people. Kevin has already reviewed their free trial lesson. I should also state that China Uselesscom doesn’t allow me enough speed or bandwidth to bother with things like Skype, and not only that, but I just don’t have the webcam and microphone that are needed to take their free trial lesson. So I guess all I can do is tell you what I think of their website.
Well, it seems like a very professional setup, and I like their idea of individualised, one-on-one tutoring. In fact, it’s so individualised that they let you schedule your classes for whatever time suits you, so long as you schedule your classes ahead of time. They also offer a range of lessons, and the website has separate pages for Adult, Teen, Kids and Corporate lessons. The Adult lessons seem to be the most developed, offering a range of subjects like regular Chinese lessons, travel Chinese, Chinese culture, business Chinese, and HSK preparation. Right now the Teen and Kids sections only offer regular or customised Chinese lessons, and the corporate section is, perhaps of necessity, entirely customised. There is also a section for schools, in which they offer “customized solutions for school clients that are interested in Chinese language learning.” The teachers seem to be very well qualified and experienced. And I’m browsing through the various subjects offered to adult learners, and they seem very well planned out and structured.
Anyway, I can’t offer much more than that, not being in much of a position to try any of their lessons myself. Seems like a good setup, though, and if you’re interested in learning Chinese online, I would say its worth trying. I would say that individualised, one-on-one instruction online is certainly better than any classroom. That’s about as effusive as I can get until I get myself in a position to actually try it for myself, though, sorry.
You may wish to try BeijingInternet for 100mbps; I am an expat kiwi over here in Changping. Only been here a few weeks and spend hours on the web and keeping in contact with family and friends at “home” by Skype.
Havent met any expats out here on the outskirts of the city, only locals – who are most friendly but language is the difficulty. By the way – in reference to a few teachers who have experienced racial discrimination – I’m brown, part Maori and have received nothing but kindness from my neighbours and work colleagues
Well, I don’t know where that racial discrimination comment came from, hardly seems relevant to this post, but still, I do know some who’ve been on the recieving end of less pleasant experiences than what you’re getting up in Changping.
And it’s good that you’re having such a good time of it, and sounds like you’re in a great position to learn Chinese. Pity you’re in Changping though. Not my favourite part of Beijing. Anyway….
As for the internet, I’m quite happy with what I’ve got most of the time. I’m going to see what I’ve got at BeiGongDa when we move on Saturday, but even so I’ll stick with China Uselesscom. Despite the slow speed and lack of bandwidth, it still offers me a lot of flexibility and mobility. And it’s cheap.