With China’s economy growing at an unbelievable rate, anyone who can communicate in standard Chinese (Mandarin) is set to enjoy a huge advantage in the international world of business in the future. China is also a big country offering a wealth of exciting travel experiences, and if you know some Chinese it will help you get by and get more out of your trip.

The Chinese language — spoken by more people than any other language in the world — is the official language of the People’s Republic of China, and is one of the four official languages of Singapore.

The best way to learn any language is to have fun with it and to speak it in context - giving Chinese language learners the perfect excuse for an extended trip to China.

By immersing yourself in Chinese language and culture, you will absorb a lot more than you would by studying alone or on a language course in your home country.

Study options

In China you can study at top universities or at private language schools, with courses available for all levels from beginners to intermediate and advanced learners.

Some courses last just a few weeks, while others are far longer. Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), for example, is the best-known university in China for teaching Chinese language and culture to foreign students. It offers short-term courses lasting 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks or 20 weeks – plus long-term courses lasting either one or two academic years.

If you are keen to learn Chinese while you’re travelling, more for communication than for business, you could consider joining a study and travel programme, which usually combines language learning with travel and cultural activities, often pairing you with a ‘buddy’: a native Chinese college student who will give you plenty of opportunities to socialise with locals and immerse yourself in Chinese life.

Immerse yourself in the language

Wherever you choose to study in China, make sure that the course incorporates immersion teaching methodologies - where the majority of the classes are taught in Chinese in order to completely immerse you in the language from the start. The course should provide a balance of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills if you are serious about learning the language to a decent level, and class sizes should not be too large or you won’t get enough individual attention.

And after classes, when you’re not busy doing your homework, get out and about and visit local shops and markets to put your new language skills into use in everyday life.

Before you go

If you’re travelling to China, you will need to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for your entire trip. Make sure you take out a policy with a reputable, well-established company such as travelinsurance.co.uk, which has more than 10 years of experience and insures more than two million customers each year.

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