Hutong School: Study Chinese in China

I've arrived more than 2 months ago in Shanghai. It's my first time in China and my first challenge with the Chinese language. I'm really glad of living this opportunity, Shanghai is amazing and you could find everything you are looking for. Speaking mandarin adds positive point at this experience, as it is important to understand better the real life and the culture of Chinese people, if you'd like to live here. During my Chinese class I learn not just a language, but lots of important tips about the city and life here, given from my teachers. The welcome party organized by the school are a great opportunity to meet other students and to have fun. The apartment where I live is located in a really well connected district, just 3 subway stops from the school. Everything is comfortable and easy to reach. I love Shanghai and I would not come back home!

Studying at Hutong school in Beijing was not only about studying the chinese language and culture, but also about meeting students from all over the world where you can learn very much from each other! It made my experience unforgettable!

The good points about the intensive program is that you're focusing only on your chinese studies and you're learning in small groups (4-5 students) which help you to improve and learn very fast! My chinese improved very quickly( communication+writting) : within 3 months! I would highly recommend the chinese intensive course!
The teachers in Beijing are hard workers, are always willing to help you for anything and they are very fun!
Overall it was a really great experience and I'm still learning chinese!
And don't worry about having no friends, it's very easy over there to make friends as long as you're willing to meet people and the staff is always there to help you!

Très bonne école où vous pouvez apprendre assez rapidement, en travaillant aussi beaucoup par vous même, j'ai eu une excellente professeur qui était vraiment à mon écoute, étant débutante ce n'était pas évident ! J'y suis restée 4 mois, et je retourne 2 mois à Shanghai. Beijing est une ville magnifique, tellement de chose à voir, et la cuisine est fantastique ! Je m'y trouvais en plein hiver, il y fait très froid, mais je ne regrette pas !

TRANSLATION:
Very good school where you can learn fast enough, also working a lot by yourself, I had an excellent teacher who was really listening to me, being a beginner it was not obvious! I stayed there for 4 months, and I returned to Shanghai for 2 months. Beijing is a beautiful city, so much to see, and the food is fantastic! I was there in the middle of winter, it is very cold, but I do not regret!

I found hutong from Google, even though the webpage is pretty well done, I was still hesistant until I met the people at hutong. First, it was great that I could communicate in English and get answers to my questions (believe it or not, not many people speak English in china). Second, all the people at hutong school are very friendly. And, don't worry about having no friends in china, cause they organize fabulous activities in which you can participate and make connections and friends. Last but not the least, teachers here at hutong are pretty good. They are prepared for the class. As long as you are willing to follow their instructions you will catch Chinese    pretty quickly. I am planning on staying in shanghai for a year until next March, and I am definitely sticking with hutong.

The best thing about Hutong School is the events they organized. My life in Beijing became interesting and more fun because of this events. Another great is the staff of the school as well. They are friendly, approachable and accommodating.
With regards to learning Chinese, I can't compare with other institution but my life becomes easier after a month of attending the class. I can have a simple conversation in restaurants and taxi drivers.
The rate of Hutong school is comparable to others as well

My experience with Hutong school overall was great! The best thing about Hutong School for me was the community, it's crazy when you visit a country where hardly anyone speaks English and you don't know the language (yet). The staff at Hutong School as well as the other students made me feel welcome and at home so quick and easily that the language/culture border with China seemed not so much of a big deal anymore. Hutong School organizes a lot of fun activities which make life in China even more fun than it already is.

I do think that Hutong School is a bit overpriced, especially the housing. Also the pictures of the housing on the website don't match the apartment you will get, the apartment is perfectly fine just nothing like the pictures.

Originally signed up here as the location was practical and close to my office. The class sizes are small which is good for learning. The teacher is very good and extremely patient with the class. Having attended classes in other schools I find that the methods used by this school are more effective at teaching colloquial Chinese which is what I'm looking for. Overall I think this school has a good atmosphere and I am very happy with my experience here so far.

I have been at Hutong School since August and have really enjoyed my experience here. The classes are just want I was looking for in an intensive language program, and the teachers and staff are super friendly and helpful. In addition to classes, the school offers several activities each week which are great for learning more about Chinese culture or meeting new people. I would definitely recommend this program if you are looking for a Chinese language program in Shanghai.