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WHY LEARN Chinese?
what will i learn?
what level am i?
why uic?

As everyone knows, Chinese is the most widely used language on Earth. Latest estimates are that over 1.3 billion people might speak Chinese as a first or second language. The most widely used dialect is Mandarin which has over 800 million users, followed a long way behind by Cantonese, Wu and Min with around 70 million each, and then there are further dialects. The most popular commonly learned variety, and the one we teach, is Mandarin. Within a few years, China is destined to be the biggest economy in the world and we are noticing ever increasing numbers of people joining our courses who want to be able to do business with China. Also, considering its fantastic history, it’s not difficult to find a reason to want to be able to use Chinese.

Whatever your reasons for learning Chinese you will find our course structure will help you to success. As well as using specially designed written materials you will use the TV and internet where appropriate. Our aim is communication and we get you speaking as quickly and effortlessly as possible. We also spend time with the more formal aspects of language - including grammar, and of course the writing system. Self-study and homework are a regular and expected part of the course.

We can also advise you on study opportunities in China or Hong Kong.

Group classes have a maximum of 14 students. Programmes run consecutively so there is the opportunity for continuous training, allowing you to progress and move up to a higher level once a course is finished.

Deciding where to learn Chinese is not necessarily easy, but we are one of the biggest Language Schools in London and have many many years experience. You can call us anytime between 9am and 8pm.

The minimum age for our Foreign Language courses is 17 unless otherwise notified.

Courses are designed to follow the Council of Europe syllabus. This is essentially a list of different things you should be able to do in the language, and by looking at the table below you can get an idea of how long it might take you. The focus in all languages we teach is to get you using the language. If you would like to have more detailed information please get in touch.

Council of Europe Level	Group level at UIC	Length of Course	Summary of what will be covered in the course
A1	Beginner	20 hours	Greetings and introductions, Asking questions about personal information,Shopping: how to ask for prices, bargain, expressing size and colours, Asking for the time, Saying the days of the week, dates, months and years, Pinyin, tones, Yes/no questions, Measure words, Question words “nar” and “shénme”, “duoshao”, Negate words “bù”, Character writing.
	Beginner Plus	20 hours	Ordering food and drinks in a restaurant, Asking for the bill, Talking about professions and jobs, Talking about your family, Making and aswering phone calls, Chinese culture, Question words “shénme shíhou” and “duojiu”, Question word “duoshao”, Particle word “le”, Verb “yoù”, Position some adverbs correctly by using “de”, Character writing.
	Elementary A	20 hours	Asking for directions and places, Describing a house, Describing one’s health, Expressing frecuency, Talking about past experiences, Transport, The body, Making suggestions with “ba”, Adverb “you yi dianr”, Indicating location, “zai”, “you”, Character writing.
	Elementary B	20 hours	Talking about hobbies and leisure activities,Talking about the weather, Booking a room in a hotel, Describing preferences and interests, Asking somebody to do something, ‘Hui’ to indicate “can” (skills), Adverb “de”, - ‘Neng’ to express possibility, Passive form with “ba”, Character writing.
A2	Pre Intermediate	20 hours	For more details about higher levels please contact us

We teach Chinese at several different levels - from Complete Beginners up to fairly advanced levels. Our levels progress as follows:

Beginner

Elementary

Pre Intermediate

Low Intermediate

Intermediate

Upper Intermediate

Advanced

If you have studied Chinese before, we will need to assess your level so that you can enrol on the appropriate course for your skills. You can take our online test and then we will prepare a speaking assessment to confirm your level. Your speaking skills are very important as our classes focus on speaking and communicating. If you have studied Chinese before, we can arrange a trial lesson to see if it is the right level for you.

Any questions, or if you would just like to chat about the levels or what goes on in the class, please get in touch.

Learning a language is in many ways just like learning anything, it is best done if you have a teacher who has the experience, skills and resources to help you. At UIC we have the experience to help you achieve your goals - whether you want Chinese for a holiday or for professional reasons we can help you get there.

UIC is a language school in the centre of London - we currently teach 9 different languages including English to around 500 people a week. We are accredited by the British Council and ISI (the private school equivalent of OFSTED) and are one of a very few schools - perhaps the only private language school - who have their Foreign Language teaching inspected. We are also an award winning school, we are the only language school in the world to have won both of the major awards - the STAR Language School in Europe (voted on by travel agents worldwide) and the British Council ELTon award for innovation in English Language Teaching.

So, great location, award winning, accredited and inspected and we directly employ and manage not only all the teachers but also the buildings and the curriculum.

UIC is London's Language School