SEMESTER IN SHANGHAI
Spend a full university-style semester in Shanghai studying Chinese at LTL Mandarin School.
This intensive 18-week program will get you using the language from Day One.
As part of a small group of no more than five other international students, you’ll cover all aspects of Mandarin Chinese: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
You’ll be in the classroom for four hours per day, Monday to Friday, and get the help and support you need to immerse yourself in the Chinese language outside of the classroom too.
All of our teachers are fully-qualified and experienced in teaching Chinese, having dedicated their career to dispelling the myth of Chinese being a difficult language to learn.
- Chinese Semester in Shanghai
- Full semester of study (18 weeks)
- Small group classes (max 6 students)
- LTL-designed, academic curriculum
- Professional, experienced teachers
- International social environment
Thanks to the small size of the group classes, you will get the individual attention you need from your teacher to master the basics of tones, everyday vocabulary and the Chinese writing system.
The course curriculum has been designed to get students from absolute beginner to at least HSK 3 after just one semester – and many hardworking, motivated LTL students have achieved well beyond that in so short a time. For those who return for a second semester of study, you could expect to reach functional fluency in under a year.
Rapid Progress
Small Class Sizes: A maximum of 6 students per class
Professional teachers: AFully-qualified with years of experience
Engaging: Interactive lessons centred around gaining fluency
Personalised: You will be placed in the right class for your level
Value For Money
No Skipped Classes: You get all the classes you pay for
No Hidden Fees: All textbooks are included
No Wasted Time: High-intensity 55 minute classes
Free Support: LTL staff will help you settle in China
Friends and Community
Diversity: Past students came from over 100 different countries!
Family Atmosphere: Everyone spends time with everyone
Online Community: Remain in touch long after leaving
All Ages, All Levels: Everyone is welcome at LTL
Experience Shanghai
Convenient location: 5 min walk from Subway Lines 1, 10 & 12
Historic Area: The French Concession is right on our doorstep
Weekly Events: Join us for dinners and weekend day trips
Expert Guides: Get insider tips on Shanghai from us
Semester in Shanghai // Dates & Prices
| Starting Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | 19 Sep. 2022 – 20 Jan 2023 | 32,130 CNY |
| Spring Semester | 20 Feb. 2023 – 23 Jun. 2023 | 32,130 CNY |
| Fall Semester | 25 Sep. 2023 – 26 Jan. 2024 | 32,130 CNY |
The Semester Program package includes:
- All tuition, textbooks and learning materials
- 24/7 Emergency Support and access to the LTL Social Program
- Student visa support
The Semester Program package does not include:
- Accommodation in Shanghai
- Flights
Video Interviews with our Semester Students
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you have a class at my level?
Many of the students who do the Semester program are complete beginners.
However, if you have studied Chinese before, then you will have a personal language assessment with our Director of Studies before your arrival. We will then place you in the appropriate Small Group class for your level.
What are the accommodation options?
There are two main options for accommodation in Shanghai – living in a Shared Apartment in central Shanghai, or staying with a local family.
Please see the relevant pages for details:
What about the visa?
Please see the Shanghai Visa page for more details on our visa support.
Can I also study Chinese online with LTL?
Yes, LTL offers online Mandarin classes online as well!
How much Chinese will I learn?
In the 18-week semester you will cover a lot of ground. But of course, the more effort you put in, both in and out of the classroom, the more progress you will make.
From experience, students who stay in an LTL homestay with a local family will gain oral fluency more quickly than those who live with other English-speaking foreigners.
It’s also important that you use what you have learned in the classroom when you are out and about in Shanghai, and resist the temptation to revert to English when it seems easier.
As a general guideline, a motivated student on the Semester program arriving as a complete beginner could expect to reach at least HSK 3 level after 18 weeks, and their spoken language and listening comprehension should be well beyond that. See our Levels page for details.
What is the social life like for students in Shanghai?
Students on the Semester Program quickly get to know the other members of their Small Group, and many remain life-long friends well after the course has finished. It also won’t be long until you meet LTL Shanghai students on other programs, thanks to the weekly Social calendar.
A typical week would include a ‘welcome breakfast’ for new students on Monday, a ‘school dinner and drinks’ in a local restaurant or bar on Wednesday, and a day trip to a local attraction at the weekend.
Even when there’s no pre-organised event, everyone tends to meet in the common area after class to go for lunch together.
As a smaller school we are proud of our family-atmosphere, where everyone knows each other’s names – and diverse student body, where there is no one dominant student type. Students who come to study abroad at LTL arrive from all over the world, from South America to Scandinavia, and at all different ages and life stages too.
How can I apply?
Simply click here to contact a Student Advisor directly!
I have had such a great experience with LTL. The staff and teachers were excellent. The atmosphere at school is very friendly and welcoming.