What our students think of our courses
I originally studied Chinese at university, but for many years did not use it at all, and had become very rusty. Through the Confucius Institute at Manchester University I have been able to start studying again at advanced level. The once-weekly evening class works very well for me as I have to fit my studies around my young family and other responsibilities.
The classes are great, mainly because the standard of the teaching is so high - the teachers are fantastic, and their teaching methods are very effective. At the same time, classes are relaxed and informal, using a mixture of different types of materials - advanced text books, audio-visual media, articles. Everything the Institute uses is very up-to-date, and teachers are always delighted to help find extra materials or liaise outside class to help meet students' needs. The preparation we are asked to do between classes varies but has included pre-reading of texts, completing grammar exercises, writing short essays, and even preparing for the occasional dictation test!
I would strongly recommend to anyone with an interest in learning Chinese, at whatever level, to try a class at the Confucius Institute at Manchester University.
- Advanced level Chinese language student
Challenging, very well taught and a great introduction as a result. The opportunity to learn from experienced, native Chinese teachers is a real bonus.
- Beginners 1 level Chinese language student
The tonal system is not the easiest and my pronunciation was often wrong so I cannot praise all three teachers enough as they were very patient, relentlessly repeating tones and words over and over again. Having said that, the course is not at all repetitive or boring, on the contrary it is structured in a very beginners-friendly way.
Reaching the end of week 8 (Beginners 1 course) felt like a great achievement. It is amazing to see how, from being completely ignorant on the language, the whole class managed to end up asking directions in Mandarin. Beginners 2 was slightly harder, mainly due to the introduction of grammatical rules. However teachers did explain each structure very clearly and they were, yet again, always available for any questions we had. I also liked being in a small class as each and every student really received full attention.
I would like to add that I am also pleased with the chosen text book. I have no other experience with the Chinese language and therefore I cannot compare it to any other Mandarin texts, nevertheless I have used language books before and I do think that this is very well presented, easy to follow, with each chapter clearly building on the previous one.
I would recommend this course to everyone; classes are very informal yet very professional and everyone does learn an awful lot from it. Not only in terms of language and new vocabulary but also about the culture and the day-to-day life of Chinese people. I am definitely looking forward to starting next course again.
- Beginners 1 & 2 level Chinese language student
Learning with Confucius is made as easy and simple as possible for all. The tuition is kept at a steady pace with the the teacher making sure each student is understood the material before moving forward. I enjoyed my first term with Confucius and will be returning next term.
- Beginners 1 level Chinese language student
I am not currently enrolled on a course but really enjoyed the Chinese language course I did at the institute. It was pacy and well-taught with plenty of role play practice, so our group soon made friends. If it only took place on one evening a week I might have continued but two evenings was a big commitment.
- Beginners 3 level Chinese language student
I have enjoyed taking the Mandarin for Beginners courses 1-3 as they have provided high quality teaching and support. I particularly enjoyed the verbal group roleplays within each lessons. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to broaden thier languages.
I look forward to joining the Mandarin intermediate courses for the next academic year.
- Beginners 1 – 3 level Chinese language student
I've now done five courses at the Confucius Institute and have made considerable progress which will stand me in good stead for working in China next year. Chinese is a fascinating language and the teachers are great: very friendly and helpful, and very good at getting us to talk.
- Beginners 1 – Intermediate 2 level Chinese language student
I’m a keen linguist but have never attempted to learn a non-European language I fancied the challenge of picking up some Mandarin. The classes were as challenging as I’d anticipated but a lot of fun as well and the lessons twice a week mean I feel I’m actually making good progress. I’m hoping to use my new skills at work in the university’s international office, and with any luck I will be continuing my Mandarin studies next year.
- Beginners 1 – 2 level Chinese language student
I was very impressed on the quality of this course. First of all, it gives great value for money as all the equipment (proper brush, ink, paper and ink stone) is provided. Secondly, I found the teacher (Mr Yuan) extremely talented, able to pass the love of his art down to his students. He taught all basic strokes plus about 10 different characters in a very short period of time. Amazingly, by the end of the 6th week, we all managed to produce our own transcript of an ancient poem. Above all, what I have personally liked about Mr Yuan's teaching was that he did not simply show us characters but he linked them to their historical and cultural background; this undoubtedly made the learning very interesting and not at all repetitive.
- Chinese Calligraphy student
The course is excellent value for money. The balance of historic context with technique is just right and it's a lot of fun.
- Chinese Calligraphy student
The Chinese Calligraphy course has been brilliant! The class is friendly, and I have had a lot of fun learning the basics of the Yan style calligraphy. Mr Ge is a very encouraging instructor. I think it is a good introduction to the art of Chinese calligraphy.
- Chinese Calligraphy student
We have been attending as beginners the Tai Chi class at the Sugden Centre on Wednesdays and have really enjoyed the course so far. We would love to continue next year and look forward to building on what we have learnt so far.
- Chinese Chen Style Tai Chi students
Through The Confusius Institute it was possible to take two Tai Chi courses this year, a really great experience I want to continue after leaving university.
- Chinese Chen Style Tai Chi student