Sanya Supplement: Learn Chinese on the Beach
By Bryce Hampton
Believe it or not, it is possible to get to the point where communicating with Chinese people will not only be possible, but advantageous. Imagine answering phone calls in Chinese or negotiating details with your landlord so that your apartment is just that much more comfortable for the year that you are there. With Beach Chinese, you can achieve all these things, all the while improving your tan.
Living in Shanghai has its perks, from the business scene to the party nights, but why is it so hard to learn the language while you live here? It just seems hard to “find the time” or “make the commitment” to crack that nut of learning at least a basic level of Mandarin.
Actually learning Putonghua may be more fun than you think. In a hybrid concept of learning while relaxing, Beach Chinese is a modern way to study the language. The immersion program, located in Sanya, is geared toward people that need to maximise their learning time and make use of a break from the work gauntlet.
It’s common knowledge today that the core values to learning to speak Mandarin in a shortened time frame are:
One-on-one tutoring – Classrooms are fine for learning some things. Learning a language is a special exercise of the brain. It works best when it is focused and being used.
No wasted learning – Why do so many people buy language study books and rarely get past the first few chapters? Because they are typically learning things that will never be used in their own life. It makes sense to only study and learn what will be used. Make your own study book!
Repetition – Often times in school, the teacher goes to the next chapter and leaves behind bewildered students. Learning to speak a new language is an even more complex form of learning.
Comfortable environment – Many people think Beijing is a great place to learn Chinese. If you like your sand in the air, go there. If you like your sand on the beach, go to Sanya. Rather than a stuffy indoor environment, studying outdoors in the fresh air is best.
Never boring – The problem with traditional language schools is their ‘traditional-ness’. Get out of the building and out in the environment. Almost equal parts of repetition and real practice should occur during the learning process. Have fun with your study and utilize what you’re learning.
Together time – Letting the language soak into necessary tasks of daily life is crucial to the learning process. Standing shoulder to shoulder with native speakers, sharing culture and even eating together are important ways of reducing the time frames.
Beach Chinese strives to take care of all the details for setting up success in study. Housing is comfortable and well-located. Food is a mix of Chinese and western favourites. The activities for practice are drawn straight from the local tourism book and are customized to meet students’ needs. The tutors are some of the most qualified individuals from all parts of China. Operated like a bed & breakfast, my Chinese wife Haley and I do our best to set students up for success in study, while enjoying their time in Sanya.
Bryce Hampton is the founder of Beach Chinese. Visit www.beachchinese.com to find out how you can start studying Chinese on the beach.
