Will-Excel TESOL Courses China

Learning Mandarin: Reading, Writing and Characters

If you are learning Mandarin with the intent on reaching fluency, then you will need to begin learning to read at some time or another. In this section, we will look at reading, writing and Chinese characters. Origin of characters When historians re... Read >

Learning Mandarin: Speaking and Listening

We mentioned above that there are four language skills to develop when learning a new language: reading, writing, speaking and listening. In this section and the next, we will discuss the best approaches for learning these skill sets. Here, we will look s... Read >

Learning Mandarin at Home

Even for those who have the financial resources to relocate to China, studying abroad may just not be in the cards. This section will provide a few tips on how you can learn Chinese at home without having to travel abroad. Enroll in a language class ... Read >

Funding Learning Mandarin

Up to this point, we have assumed that if you really want to go to China to study, finances are not an issue. Unfortunately, for most people financing the trip is a big concern, and relocating to China, for however long, may not be as simple as just buyin... Read >

Where should I learn Mandarin?

Once you have decided on a location, you need to decide what your main medium of instruction is going to be. In general, you have three choices: university, private school or hiring a tutor. In this section, we will examine the pros and cons to each of th... Read >

Learning Mandarin in China

Where you will study Mandarin is almost as important as how you will study Mandarin. Choosing a location that is not conducive to cultivating good language learning habits means you will spend much more time (actually, much less time) studying than you wo... Read >

Guanxi: The Concept of Relationships in Chinese Culture

This article defines and explores the concept of `guanxi` as it pertains to Chinese culture. Perhaps one of the most difficult concepts for people new to China, understanding how the Chinese view relationships is crucial to understanding Chinese people. U... Read >

Communication Styles: Low-context Westerners vs. High-context Chinese

This article defines and explores communication styles as they pertain to Chinese culture. Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of Chinese culture for people new to China to grasp is the vast difference in communication styles. Understanding how the ... Read >

Getting to Know Chinese People

This article explores some of the general characteristics of the Chinese people. Those interested in traveling to China to either live, work, or simply for fun, will find this article useful in understanding the locals. Giving and preserving face for t... Read >

The Four Stages of Culture Shock

The term `culture shock` is generally used to describe the feelings a person encounters when traveling to a new country. Whether it be on a temporary basis (short holiday or vacation, business trip) or more permanent (studying and/or working abroad), it c... Read >