For individuals who want to learn Mandarin, there are many ways to go about it. However, if you really want to teach yourself the language thoroughly, then you will want to learn Chinese with immersion studies. By choosing to go to China for your language training, you will learn Chinese with the culture that created it.
Studying in China is a new experience for many folks. Not only will you be able to learn Chinese with the character system instead of Pinyin, but also you can do so in a typical environment.
Schools in China are very different than American schools. Teachers are given a lot more respect. Students are expected to be in the classroom prior to class starting. Dress codes are strict and behavior codes even stricter. This experience can be a bit intimidating at first, but you will find if you follow the expected standards you can learn a lot.
In addition, when you learn Chinese with immersion studies you will get the experience of living in China. Housing can vary depending on the immersion program you use. Some programs will have you living in a dorm environment with other students. Other programs will place you with a host family. If you can, then look for a program which will allow you to learn Chinese with a host family, as you will pick up more Mandarin this way as well as more aspects of the culture. Living in a dorm may be a bit more comfortable, but you will find it easier to slip back into English instead of utilizing your Mandarin skills.
The most exciting reason to learn Chinese with immersion studies is you get to experience the culture of China at the same time. Keep in mind, it is totally normal to experience some culture shock when you go to China, as well as to feel homesick. However, if you can get beyond these feelings, then you will find the Country has much to offer. There are new foods to try, new places to see and new things to experience. You will see how people half a world away think and act in their daily lives.
Of course, the main reason to learn Chinese with immersion studies is immersion is simply an ideal way to learn a language of any type. If you stay in the United States, then you will find you have limited times where you can use Mandarin – with a teacher, a friend or maybe on a trip to Chinatown. This inability can make it difficult for you to truly get a feel for the language. When you learn Chinese with immersion studies you will use the dialect every day. Whether you are ordering lunch, hailing a cab or seeing the sights of Beijing you will need to use your Mandarin to get around. You will find this technique is the most effective way to expand your knowledge.
