That's Mandarin is a Mandarin language school with campuses in Beijing (its founding location) and Shanghai, serving primarily adult expatriate and international learners since its founding in 2006. The school has developed a stronger technology component than many competitors, with a proprietary online learning platform that supplements in-class teaching and allows continued study between sessions.
The school's teaching approach places emphasis on a holistic learning environment alongside classroom instruction. Cultural immersion activities — calligraphy workshops, dumpling-making sessions, tea ceremonies, museum visits, and hutong walks in Beijing — are organised regularly for students and create a social dimension to the learning experience that purely classroom-based schools lack. This community-building approach has given That's Mandarin a loyal international student following that extends into social media communities.
That's Mandarin offers semester-length structured programmes at multiple levels (Beginner through Advanced) as well as shorter intensive courses and private tuition. The teaching is primarily in English (or French or German in some class compositions) and does not assume prior Chinese literacy. Character literacy (reading and writing) is taught alongside speaking and listening from the beginning levels.
For expatriates who are not permanent residents — including those on business visas, study visas, or tourist visa status — That's Mandarin can advise on whether attending as a language student is compatible with their current visa and whether a student visa conversion is appropriate.
The school's Beijing campus is in the Dongcheng district; the Shanghai campus is centrally located. Online-only enrolment is available for those outside these cities or preferring remote study.