Perfect for learning Mandarin. I am 3/4 way through the Crash Course and have not once felt overwhelmed or bored in the 4 hour classes. If you take this course you will learn a lot - proper pinyin pronunciation, tones, how to introduce yourself, numbers, dates, basic grammar, characters, directions and more - just can't recall all that I've learned in 3 classes right now.
-The lessons give you enough information about the rules so you can absorb before learning about the exceptions.
-The homework assignments really help to reinforce the lessons as do the links to websites (free) that help with pronunciation and learning the characters.
-Text book is easy to follow along and very helpful for beginners.
-The Instructor, Jas, is focused but makes the class fun while you learn. She is also very responsive to email and will tutor online if you have to miss a class. The online price was reasonable and worked very well. I was able to catch up with the next class without any difficulty.
-Price was very reasonable for the 16 hours of instruction
-Class location is easy to get to and the room and chairs are comfortable. There is also a kitchenette for making tea/coffee, eating your snack during the short breaks.
-Street parking in the front of the building (entrance to class is in the back) is free but not plentiful, garage parking available and expensive. There is also parking across Rt. 7 (Marshalls/Home Goods shopping center) by Greensboro Metro station. Use the Metro pedestrian bridge to get across Rt. 7 and the building is right there. read more