Asia Society Mandarin Programs

Asia Society Mandarin Programs provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds and ages to learn about the Chinese language and culture via online classes. All courses are delivered via the Zoom platform and require basic technology. Instruction is delivered virtually by a highly qualified instructor based in the US and can be offered in a classroom environment or as an after-school, home-based course. Our mission is to provide the most effective Mandarin learning experience to students of all backgrounds. Learners gain connection, communication, curiosity, and confidence by learning a foreign language.

Mandarin Launchpad, Introductory Course for Grades K-8: Designed to get individual schools or districts started on the path of offering Mandarin as an after school exploratory program. Launchpad is an effective way to begin introducing Mandarin to students who are interested in learning while also gauging overall interest in a school or district.

Mandarin Pipeline, After-School Program for Grades K-8: This program is ideal for schools or districts that want to offer Mandarin long term to maximize student potential toward proficiency. Pipeline is also ideal for districts that want to offer their students a head start on proficiency before joining full time, school day instruction at the middle and high school levels.

Mandarin Boost, Summer Program for Grades K-12: This multiweek summer program is designed for students who are learning Mandarin during the academic year and wish to boost their skills in a fun and engaging summer (or after-school) program. Boost will incorporate Mandarin instruction as well as introduction on cultural themes via authentic materials.

Mandarin Parent, Designed for Parents of Mandarin Learners: This program will provide online instruction to parents of students in Mandarin programs. Instructors will focus on basic Mandarin as well as daily terms and phrases used both at school and at home. Courses will also include time to meet other parents of Mandarin learners to share experiences and build community.

Mandarin Jumpstart +: This program is designed for adults who would like to learn Mandarin for the first time or continue their journey in an easy, interactive way. Join us for a new cohort to gain conversation skills and insights into China’s art, culture, policy, sustainability, and business. Click here for more details! 

See how our Mandarin program compares to traditional programs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the instructors?

All teachers are native Chinese speakers, have graduate-level training related to language education in the US, and are based in North America.

Target students

No previous Chinese language proficiency required, for middle and high school students new to Chinese.

Model

Two virtual settings:

1. Students gather in a shared space with a big screen.
2. Students attend virtually from their individual device.

Frequency of Classes

Weekly classes based on your school or cohort's schedule and calendar.

Timing of Weekly Lessons

Schools and cohorts decide when students are available to join at the same time each week. Consistent participation is the single most important factor in advancing proficiency.

Sign up by June 2 for 10% off. Contact <education22@asiasociety.org> to learn more!

About Asia Society Education: Asia Society Education partners with leaders and institutions from around the world to tackle one of the most critical education challenges today: how to educate all students for employability and citizenship in a global era. We are working to achieve UN SDG target 4.7 on Global Citizenship Education, and published Teaching for Global Competence in a Rapidly Changing World with OECD in 2018. ASEDU transforms education to prepare young people for a global 21st century by bringing together the most influential educators, businesses, and government officials; commissioning research and publishing insights; and partnering with schools and education systems to change policy and practice. Our vision is that in an interconnected global era, all youth from all countries and cultures will have the capacity to create, participate in, and benefit from a peaceful and prosperous world. Our mission is to develop global competence in students, young leaders, and educators as the foundation for understanding between people in the US, the Asia Pacific region, and throughout the world.

About iCanMandarin: iCanMandarin’s mission is to provide the best Mandarin learning experience to students of all backgrounds—through learning a foreign language learners gain in connection, communication, curiosity, and confidence. Proven by our classes with existing school partners, our program helps maintain and increase social interaction, especially during this period of unusual challenge.