Celebrating the Holidays in China

Karl Ryan December 24, 2015

Ally Mona is what you would consider a “cool mom”: an ex-pat who has called Shanghai home for over ten years, Ally currently has her own podcast called Limitless Laowai… you can find episodes ranging from an interview with an executive for a high-end hotelier to tips on moving back home from China to a series on devoted to expat finance. Currently in its second year of production, Ally’s podcast is insightful, funny, and provides diverse perspectives on life in China.

Since Ally has lived in Shanghai for over ten years, we thought she would be a great person to interview about celebrating the holidays in China. Read the following post about how she makes the holidays spirited, the traditions her and her family follow… and of course, what she does for the ‘tree’.

7 Ways to Take Advantage of China in the Wintertime

Natasha Davis December 15, 2015

You’re in China for the winter and are wondering to yourself, “What to do?” While many take the opportunity to head south for warmer weather, there are a plethora of fun cold weather options available. Are you ready? Let’s explore China’s winter wonderland! Read More

This Mobile App will Revolutionize Your Chinese Practice!

Natasha Davis December 4, 2015

Language learning is a dynamic process: it isn’t all about listening to a podcast or endlessly writing characters; it is also about finding the confidence to converse with native speakers. Finding a native speaker to practice Mandarin with can be a struggle. This can be quite discouraging when all you want to do is practice the language that you are working so hard to learn! Never fear: thanks to modern technology, you now have HelloTalk to add to your language learning arsenal.

HelloTalk meets at the crossroads of a instant messaging mobile app and a passionate language learning community. It’s a free app, available on iOS and Android, that instantly connects you with like-minded people who want to learn another language. Read more for our in-depth review of the app, as well as a special download link! Read More

Get Your Mandarin Studies Back on Track with these Three Tips

Karl Ryan November 24, 2015

I started learning Mandarin when I was 14, and I’m about to turn 22 years old. Based on the sheer number of years I’ve been studying Mandarin, you’d think I’d be at an advanced skill level.

In reality, I’d place my Chinese literacy and fluency at a lower intermediate skill level. My main problem? Sporadic gaps that I have taken over the course of my Chinese education. I never really kept up with learning the language during summer breaks in high school, and in college I took a few semesters off from my Chinese courses.

These breaks proved to be very costly. When I’d finally gotten back into the groove of taking classes again, I’d sometimes find myself drowning because my foundation with the basics is quite shaky.

This happens to all of us, though. We go through ups and downs, turbulent times versus peaceful times, and as a result, it can be easy to get derailed in learning a language. As someone who has faltered in the past, I wanted to share with you three tips I’ve learned for getting back into the swing of learning Chinese after you’ve taken a break.

Score a Date With Our Guide to Getting Lucky Using Mandarin

Natasha Davis November 13, 2015

Let’s be honest, not all of us are studying Chinese to join an international symposium on quantum physics or to have discussions regarding the economic situation in Shanghai. Some of us want to learn the Chinese that you won’t be taught in school; the phrases necessary to have conversations with your best mates or lover. For this blog post, we’re delving into the sexier side of Mandarin and teaching you what you need to know in order to flirt with someone at a bar and hopefully seal the deal.