2 Volunteer & Chinese Language Courses

What does the Standard Course entail?

Omeida Chinese Academy offers a Standard Chinese study course. You will be taught the four fundamental aspects of listening, speaking, reading and writing of pinyin and Simplified Chinese characters while helping you focus more on practising conversations. These skills are integrated and taught simultaneously. As a student, you will have three, 45-minute long Chinese language lessons per day. That is a total of 15 lessons a week. The day is divided into 3 classes either in the morning from 9:25-12 noon or from 2-4:35 pm. The curriculum is a set programme covering the basics of the Mandarin language.

How many students are in one class?

The Standard Chinese course offers small classes of 2-4 students. Maximum six students in peak seasons. This adds value to your time and will ensure you get the quality attention you need! You will have an interactive and engaging learning environment, designed to maximize your speaking opportunities.

Who will be my teacher?

The school only allows fully qualified teachers with degrees in teaching Chinese as a foreign language to guide you. All Omeida teachers have prior experience in teaching in order to help you learn Standard Chinese in China. The key difference between Omeida and other schools is that Omeida guarantees that a professional teacher will teach you and not just a native speaker. The staff are professionally trained in how to break down the course content into easy-to-remember segments, therefore, the course will suit all skill levels, ages, and learning types. This ensures you make rapid improvement and enjoy your classes at Omeida!

What teaching methods do you use?

Omeida's highly qualified teachers incorporate Western teaching methods. They use resources including textbooks, videos, audio recordings and games to make sure you enjoy your Mandarin learning experience. This differs from other colleges where you may have to deal with large classes and course content which focuses on memorization and repetition. Omeida will ensure that you learn quickly, so you can rapidly put your new skills to use.

How do you determine my Mandarin level?

The school will place you in a class with other students at a similar level anywhere from beginner to proficient. A placement test is given before starting your course in order to make sure you are placed at the correct level. The placement test will be arranged a week before your scheduled arrival. This will be done at a time of your convenience and usually via Skype. Throughout your course, your teacher will make weekly evaluations on your progress and may periodically move you up to a new level.

What are the requirements to apply?

There are no special requirements, although if you are under the age of 12, you will need a guardian to accompany you.

What about volunteering?

Omeida Chinese Academy partners with it's sister English school, Omeida language College, to provide volunteer discounts for Chinese language students. With this opportunity, you can learn Chinese in Yangshuo at a lower budget. For one hour of volunteering per day, Monday to Friday, you can live in our shared accommodation at no cost. For two hours of volunteering per day, you an also receive free meals in our cafeteria. Most student volunteers will choose to volunteer as an English language partner for an adult English learner at the English college next door. Alternatively, those with experience in marketing, design, photography, videography, translation, or web development may also inquire about volunteering opportunities at the Chinese academy.