Job Discussion Forums

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

San Chong is probably right...............but, really it is down to effort. When I studied at TLI Beijing I did three hours of one on one classes a day and then spent five hours a day writing and rewriting characters. I never relied on the pinyin except to get the tone.

It is really is a matter of helping yourself. The more effort you put in the better value for money you will get from the classes. Anybody can pick up a book and learn characters if they have the inclination, but time spent talking to a trained native speaker is what is the most important and worth paying extra for.

SEndrigo · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 437

Wow, OK...this makes much more sense now, thanks San Chong and Mark !

I think I'm leaning towards going to TLI because I want to focus much more on improving my spoken Chinese.

Since I already know Japanese, I can understand the meaning of a fair number of Chinese characters when I see them (I just have to learn the Chinese pronunciation).

I have heard that there is a new law which requires students to study for 15 hours a week in order to get a Visa, instead of the previous minimum requirement, which was 10. Can anyone shed a little light on this?

SanChong · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 335

I've heard of a similar law, but I'm not sure of the exact details and I don't want to send you in the wrong direction.

I'd call TLI and speak with them. I'm sure they can tell you the exact law. They will be the ones who have to give you the form you need to get your ARC, so you may as well go to the source and ask them exactly what you will need to do.

Good luck!