The week-long Summer Mandarin Express program, held from July 17th to 21st, whisked 8 eager students away on an incredible journey. Let's dive into the exciting moments that made this program a real-life language and cultural carnival!

The group explored the vibrant streets of Chinatown. Led by their knowledgeable instructors, they soaked in the lively atmosphere of the Chinese community and discovered cultural symbols at every turn. Shopping at a local Chinese supermarket and practicing Mandarin in real-life scenarios became an exciting way for them to unlock the treasures of the Chinese community. 

What better way to understand a culture than through its cuisine? The students have indulged in the famous Chinese hot pot, savoring a variety of delicious ingredients while learning the art of ordering in Mandarin. This hands-on experience not only satisfied their taste buds but also expanded their vocabulary and cultural understanding. Every bite transformed words into unforgettable culinary memories.

A visit to a traditional tea house introduced our students to the rich traditions of Chinese tea culture. They learned about different types of tea, the delicate brewing techniques, and the rituals associated with tea culture. With each sip, they not only tasted the flavors of the leaves but also absorbed the essence of inner peace. 

Stepping into the realm of Chinese characters, our adventurers explored the wonders of movable type printing, one of the Four Great Inventions from ancient China. Tracing the intricate strokes of the characters, they unlocked the cultural significance and artistic expression hidden within each single character. But the journey didn't stop there! As a special treat, our students also had the chance to try on traditional Chinese clothing to immerse themselves in Chinese culture. 

Our destination? Becoming Mahjong Masters! Being immersed  in this traditional Chinese game, they not only sharpened their  language, mathematics, and logic skills but also explored the profound philosophical concepts it represents. And that's not all! They  unleashed the  inner artist with paper cutting art and calligraphy. Discovered the joy of creating intricate masterpieces and the elegance of brush strokes. 

As we bid farewell to the remarkable journey of the Summer Mandarin Express in July,  we are excited to announce that registration is now open for the August session. From August 14th to 18th, we invite new adventurers to join us on another thrilling and unforgettable adventure, where language, culture, and excitement blend to create a truly memorable experience that will forever ignite their passion for Mandarin and Chinese culture. 

Student's Feedback

"Very unique program. Offers experiences into Chinese culture and history, while learning the language and having fun with others." -- James B

"I think it was a lot of fun and I'm very happy. Thank you for making my experience very good!" -- Zoë H

"I thought that the project was unique and nothing like I've done before. I feel as if the hands on experience was a much better tool for learning than just sitting in a classroom." --  Thomas B

"I think it was a good experience. I think that one can be improved in less class time. " -- Adam S

"Very fun and informative. Made me want to learn." --Hanna M

"This was really fun. I really liked it!"  -- Eric T