MsHark! Chinese immersion program Q

[Brit]

alleinesein mentioned to me on IN that you did a Chinese immersion program before you moved to China. What was it like? Did you learn a lot? How did you like it?

We are thinking about a move to Beijing and an immersion program may be an option for us.

Thanks!

[misshark122]

Oh that's so cool! So I was really lucky and went to the language school that is run by the us military and that they use for their linguists. It was a 63 week program Monday through Friday 730 to 4 and no joke studying from about 6 until 10pm. It was absolutely amazing. I had never stepped foot in China and could watch Chinese television, read Chinese news and hold conversations. I definitely recommend super intense programs, I just don't know how else you learn a language like that! Even after that training there was still a learning curve once we actually arrived in
China. Anyway so yes highly recommend... Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Brit]

Wow. That is pretty awesome!

We are looking at something completely different. Our program would send us to live with a family in a small, rural town where nobody speaks English. More the sink or swim approach.

[misshark122]

That would be cool but one thing to consider is that there is a good chance that a famiy in a rural town will not speak standard mandarin - really different accents - etc. if you were going that route
I'd try to find someone like that in a bigger city!

[misshark122]

Id almost recommend more of a formal school setting... You really need someone to teach you proper pronunciation. At my school we went over sounds and tones for three weeks straight!

[Brit]

Thanks! That is good feedback. I know that my company sends some expats to classes as well, in fact, I'm not sure if they have sent anyone to a Chinese immersion program before.

Now that you have left China, do you still remember what you learned?

[misshark122]

Oh yeah! My husband is actually taking his Chinese proficiency test today. You do have to keep up with it though. I haven't studied in sooo long but I was reading the online news last night with no issue. You will forget words if you don't use it though, especially with speaking...'that will be the first thing to go! Luckily we both speak Chinese!

Also I remember several times in china I'd speak with a stranger in an elevator or somewhere random and they would compliment me on my Chinese because it's very "biaozhun" or standard. That's why I think it's important to take some formal classes to make sure you are learning to speak in a way that's understandable to the majority of people.

I'm really excited for you. It's such a great Opportunity.