“Over more than three years, I have much enjoyed taking 'Zoom' classes with China Institute, both on a group class basis and with private language tutors. I would like to especially praise China Institute’s Chinese language private tutor program, both for its very well-run organization and its outstanding individual tutors. My tutors were all excellent technically and also highly personable, a combination that has helped me immensely in trying to learn the Chinese language. For me, the use of a private tutor, even at its greater hourly cost, has actually proved to be most efficient for my learning process. I very much appreciate being able to ask questions and seek clarification as needed, and to have my tones and pronunciation corrected on the spot, instead of being swept along by a standard course outline and the need to 'just get on with it' for the sake of the rest of the class. Thank you China Institute and your marvelous tutors, for allowing me to learn this wonderful language in a way that is both pleasurable and productive.”

"Having a private tutoring session with Charlene Wang is the highlight of my week. Before learning about this private tutoring option at the China Institute, I attended Chinese school classes and tried learning on my own. For me, the personalized learning possible with a one-on-one tutor makes a tremendous difference. Each student brings his own particular language needs and goals which can't always be met in a classroom setting. Learning a foreign language is more than increasing one's vocabulary and understanding the rules of grammar. It should include an understanding of the culture which is an inherent part of any language. Through my private tutoring sessions, Charlene has given me insight into many aspects of Chinese culture. I cannot imagine a more rewarding way to learn a new language."

"I have only recently begun taking Zoom classes with Shouwen Pan. I must admit that I initially felt skeptical about taking language classes online after having taken in-person classes with Shouwen Pan for close to 2 years. However, I discovered after only 3 sessions that it is an equally rich experience as taking in-person classes. In fact, the online format is equally personalized, and with even more private reviews and exercises. The online structure encourages even more listening and transcription exercises, which I would do on my own at home, and they are later reviewed in depth during the Zoom classes. In addition, Shouwen Pan provides me up-to-the-minute class notes to my specific grammar questions while on Zoom, a feature which I have found extremely helpful (as I oftentimes cannot make heads or tails of my own notes which I take during in-person classes!).
 
I would highly recommend Zoom classes to existing students, especially to those who might be skeptical about them! "