Courses

All courses will adopt a dynamic, multi-faced approach beyond academic frame. In addition to textbooks, a good mixture of materials is also used to effectively improve learners' speaking, reading, writing and comprehension abilities. Bilingual class discussions on various subjects are especially encouraged to enable students to carry on short everyday conversation.

OUR COURSES INCLUDE:
(1) Children's Morning Immersion Program (under age 5)^new!
features:
Students start to recognize Chinese characters among other fun, age-appropriate activities: word time, work time, outdoor activity time(weather permitting), small group time and circle time.
High/Scope cognitively oriented curriculum.
Max. six students in one class. Students receive quality instruction and full attention while enjoying plenty of conversational practice in a Chinese simulating environment.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 9-12. Sign up for four days, three days or two days a week. Extended care (up to one hour) possible upon advance request.
Year-to-End Statements are provided for tax purposes.
curriculum: Fundamentals of Chinese language and civilisation, including highlights of Chinese children's songs, children's games, paper cutting, folk tales, stories, music & crafts.
tuition: payment is made every two weeks. The bi-weekly tuition are $210 for students attending four days a week, $157.5 for three days a week & $105 for two days a week.
(2) Fun, Intensive Chinese Summer Program for Young Teens @ Beginner's Level
features:
Intensive Chinese immersion program allows young teens to learn the language/culture and creates a life-long memory during a summer break's time.
Max. five students in one class. Students receive quality instruction and full attention while enjoying plenty of conversational practice in a Chinese simulating environment.
Customized programs also available upon request. Please contact us for details.
Year-to-End Statements are provided for tax purposes.
sessions & age groups:
Session 1: 06/14-07/02 -- Session 2: 07/05-07/23 -- Sessions 3: 07/26-08/13
Monday-Friday 10-noon for teens age 10-12 for all three sessions.
Monday-Friday 12:30-3 for teens age 13-15 for all three sessions.
curriculum: Fundamentals of Chinese language and civilisation, including practice of Chinese calligraphy & songs among other activities.
registration fee: $40
tuition: $490 for teens age 10-12 and $580 for teens age 13-15. No additional charge for textbooks, classroom materials and/or field trips.
payment schedule: $40 registration fee and $100 tuition deposit are required for reserving a spot. The remainder of tuition is due one month prior to the desired session.
note: $40 registration fee is non-refundable.
(3) Mini-Lectures
features:
Max. five students in one class. Students receive full attention from the instructor and enjoy plenty of practice in the classroom.
Easy to skip or re-schedule a lesson when your personal schedule becomes hectic. Simply ask your classmates' consent before giving the instructor a 24h advance notice either by phone or via email.
Both seasonal schedules and customized classes are offered. To know more about our customized mini-lectures, please visit our FAQ page.
Installment payment available. Please visit our FAQ page for details.
Year-to-End Statements are provided for tax purposes.
options:
Chinese Language & Culture (beginner's, intermediate, advanced)
HSK/TOP (Chinese Proficiency Test) Preparations
Business Chinese (intermediate+ level required)
Calligraphy
Traveler's Conversational Chinese
tuition: $162 for a session of 9 hours

(4) Mommy & Me Chinese Language Class
features:
Max. five students in one class. Students receive quality instruction and full attention while enjoying plenty of conversational practice in a Chinese simulating environment.
Easy to skip or re-schedule a lesson when necessary. Simply ask the other students'/parents' consent before giving the instructor a 24h advance notice either by phone or via email.
Both seasonal schedules and customized programs are available.
Year-to-End Statements are provided for tax purposes.
curriculum:
Fundamentals of Chinese language and civilisation, including highlights of Chinese calligraphy, children's songs, children's games, paper cutting, folk tales, history, classical music & arts.
tuition: $195 for a session of 12 hours

(5) Individual Lessons
features:
One-on-one, intensive instruction works best for those who want to effectively progress within short period of time.
Easy to skip or re-schedule a lesson when necessary. Simply give your instructor a 24h advance notice either by phone or via email.
One-hour Special Consulting session tailored for self-learners or busy executives. No further commitment required.
Year-to-End Statements are provided for tax purposes.
options:
Chinese Language & Culture (beginner's, intermediate, advanced)
HSK/TOP (Chinese Proficiency Test) Preparations
Business Chinese (intermediate+ level required)
Calligraphy
Traveler's Conversational Chinese
tuition:
$50 for one-hour Special Consulting session
$380 for a session of 10 hours except HSK/Chinese Proficiency Test Preparations
$420 for a session of 10 hours' HSK/Chinese Proficiency Test Preparations

About Our Chief Instructor:

Sophie Lin is a native Chinese writer. Also fluent in English and French, Sophie acquired her B.A. from National Taiwan University(1994) and M.A. from the University of Paris III, France(1998).
Before moving to Charlottesville, she had been working for the foreign service and teaching as lecturer in a Taiwanese university. In addition to her expertise in giving language lessons, Sophie published Chinese poems, novels and essays including "Truancy", "So long, Paris", "The Black Narcissus", Parisian Sensation" and "The Eye" etc. Sophie is a member of the Chinese Language Teachers Association.
As a hobby, Sophie plays the piano and teaches piano at the University Program Council of University of Virginia. She is also a member of the Music Teachers National Association.