Singapore Expats

I am an expat and would like to learn Mandarin Chinese language. I am from the US and have no basic Mandarin speaking skills and will be starting from scratch. Initially, I would like to focus primarily on getting to a conversational speaking level and holdoff on reading and writing. Does anyone have any suggestions on tutors, teachers, classes, etc. for learning Mandarin Chinese?

Who do you want to learn from? Professional tutors? language schools? etc etc

I just moved from Beijing to SG a couple of weeks ago. I would like to help anyone who seriously want to practise mandarin meanwhile find myself a chance to socialize.
I am not a professional teacher so can't teach in a school way,but considering mandarin is my mother tongue it should be enough for your casual practising.
btw,I have a lovely dog, hopfully any dog owner wants to learn mandarin.

ltrock wrote:I am an expat and would like to learn Mandarin Chinese language. I am from the US and have no basic Mandarin speaking skills and will be starting from scratch. Initially, I would like to focus primarily on getting to a conversational speaking level and holdoff on reading and writing. Does anyone have any suggestions on tutors, teachers, classes, etc. for learning Mandarin Chinese?

u should enroll in community clubs/centre, they hold basic classes at night once a week. previously i enrolled in toa payoh

i second airwind's suggestion. and it's inexpensive too. just know that you're learning basic chinese-mandarin and you're not in china so the standards differ.

otherwise, singapore's an awesome place to start picking up that extra skill...

maybe you can find a private tutor to help you improve.

I am from China Mainland too, and willing to instruct someone likes to learn. I am not professional, but I am good at chinese language and culture. I am free at daytime recently. Can PM me if you are interested in it too.

ltrock wrote:I am an expat and would like to learn Mandarin Chinese language. I am from the US and have no basic Mandarin speaking skills and will be starting from scratch. Initially, I would like to focus primarily on getting to a conversational speaking level and holdoff on reading and writing. Does anyone have any suggestions on tutors, teachers, classes, etc. for learning Mandarin Chinese?

you can input "mandarin tutor singapore" into google search.

ltrock - try the Pimsleur series of CD's. You can find them on the web. Their Mandarin courses concentrates on conversational, and are used by governments and organisations worldwide. Mrs C and I are finding it quite a breeze to get through - as long as we listen to the CD's together.

HTH, P

If you're interested in a class, try the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce (Institute of Business - SCCIOB). http://www.scciob.edu.sg

Their Gateway to Mandarin class is quite good, very structured, and needs no previous experience. If you're taking Level 1, there's no entrance test.

The evening classes are good, but if you work late check if they are still doing Saturday classes. I like their location because they're just a short walk from City Hall MRT.

When I first came to Singapore many years ago, I did a course in Mandarin at Cambridge Institute which offers language courses.

I did the beginners and the intermediate courses, each 10 weeks in conversational Mandarin, 1 evening a week. Not too taxing, as I was working full time and good enough to learn some basics.
I was quite satisfied with the teachers - but not sure how it would be now, this was back in 2001.

This is the website http://www.cambridge.com.sg/languages/P ... ourses.htm

Location is in Pensinsula Plaza, just across from City Hall MRT.

Hi,i'm a chinese native speaker. I can help you to practice verbal chinese,but no courses,i'm not a teacher and i dun think you will learn how to speak chinese in the classroom.If you r interested,please pm me:)