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1. What attracted you to learning Mandarin and why did you choose the Confucius Institute to take your first steps?

After graduating from university, I was keen to continue studying in some form alongside my job. As I had just finished my degree, it seemed like a good time to have a go at learning something new. I don青瓜视频檛 have much experience with learning languages, and I liked the idea of trying a skill that was completely out of my comfort zone.

I visited Beijing and Harbin in January 2024, and I had such an amazing time that I was inspired to have a go at learning Chinese. The experience sparked my interest in Chinese culture, and I became inspired to learn the language. I青瓜视频檓 excited by the prospect of being able to communicate in Mandarin during future trips to China.

The Confucius Institute stood out to me as the ideal place to begin my studies because of its strong reputation for promoting Chinese language and culture. Its nearby location on the University campus was also appealing, as it was reassuring to start learning something new, but in a familiar setting.
 

2. How did you find your first experience learning Mandarin and what did you enjoy most about the course?

I found the structure of the course to be incredibly practical and engaging. Each week, we focused on vocabulary relevant to everyday situations - such as asking for directions, ordering food, or visiting a doctor - which felt immediately useful. As the course is conversation-based, I didn青瓜视频檛 feel overwhelmed by the prospect of learning how to read and write characters; beginning by learning tones and pronunciation made the idea of learning a new language a lot easier.

What I enjoyed most was the welcoming and supportive environment created by both the teacher and my classmates. Since most of us were beginners, I didn青瓜视频檛 feel self-conscious about practicing speaking Chinese during class, it was comforting to be surrounded by others who were also new to the language. 

Additionally, it was lovely to share the experience with a diverse group of learners, each with their own reasons for studying Chinese, but united by the same goal of mastering the language.
 

3. As a young professional, would you recommend the Conversational course to others interested in Chinese language?

I would definitely recommend the course to anyone interested in learning Chinese. It青瓜视频檚 an excellent introduction to the language, providing students with the essential skills to navigate everyday conversations. The course is also manageable alongside other commitments; the homework primarily involves practicing dialogue and tones, which is straightforward and flexible enough to fit into any schedule. 

It is possible to spend as much time as you can any given week studying. I particularly appreciate that there's no pressure to be perfect - progress is encouraged at your own pace. I always look forward to my Wednesday evening classes, and I leave feeling accomplished and motivated.