Questions about learning Chinese?

Frequently asked questions (click to expand):

• How does the on boarding process look like?

  We’ll invite you to an on video call in which we tell you more about GoEast, our online school and how you’ll learn. We’ll do a language assessment to determine which level you are, and whether you need special focus on pronunciation, grammar, reading, listening, writing or all of that. We’ll also talk about your expectations and schedule, and will make your learning plan fits what you prefer. This video call is free and without obligation to buy any course. 

• What if I have to reschedule a class?

  You can reschedule or cancel classes at least 24 hours before it takes place, and it won’t be counted from your credit. After that we have the right to count it, because the teacher will have to reserve the time and prepare.

• Which timezones are available?

  We cover all timezones. We have very experienced teachers in US and Europe, and of course in China. Our teachers located outside of China actually taught Mandarin at our campuses in Shanghai before they moved abroad. They’re true GoEast teachers!

• Will all my classes be with the same teacher?

  Yes. You’ll have one dedicated teacher who knows your progress, in-and-out. So if you take a course, let’s say HSK2, all your classes will be that teacher. The only exception can be that if you want a very intensive schedule, we may use two teachers.  Or if you wants multiple teachers, of course we will accommodate!

• Can I change my teacher if I’m unhappy with him or her?

  Yes, you can. But in seven years we’ve never had this request!

• How are HSK1, HSK2 and HSK3 learned?

  You’ll partly self-study with our online platform, using conversational videos, grammar videos, interactive exercises, flashcards and articles. These are all neatly organized in chapters. As you make interactive tests, your teacher can see how your progress is. You’ll review what you’ve learned — as well as pronunciation — with your teacher during live classes with your teacher using Zoom (like Skype, but much better for teaching and learning).
  After your live lessons, the lesson notes will be uploaded to your course and you can review it whenever you want!

• How are HSK4, HSK5 and HSK6 learned?

  For HSK4 and onwards, we let you order conventional textbooks that our teachers are highly familiar with. At the same time, we provide you with E-flashcards, assignments and extra learning resources on our learning platform. You’ll do one or two chapters each week and review them during the live lessons, in which your teacher can test your pronunciation and explain anything that is unclear. The live lessons are done through Zoom (like Skype, but much better for teaching and learning).

  After your live lessons, the lesson notes will be uploaded to your course and you can review it whenever you want!

• Which computer or devices can I use?

  Our online learning platform works on any device, such as a desktop computer (Windows & Mac), laptop (Windows & Mac), tablet (iOS & Android) or smartphone (iOS & Android). If you’re in a noisy environment like a coffee store, it helps to have a headset.

• But there are much lower-cost choices available to learn Chinese?

  Yes, there are. What we provide is fundamentally different from self-learning courses. We’re an online school, at which you study on your own as well as with your teacher. We believe this is a much more effective way to learn Mandarin, and it’ll also prevent you to develop bad habits in grammar and pronunciation. We also think it’s much more fun, so you’ll stay motivated to keep on going.

• How can I pay?

  You can pay through Paypal, WeChat, Alipay or bank transfer. Payment should be done 100% before your course starts.

• Will there be a refund if I decide to quit halfway?

  If you’re not satisfied with the course within your first 2 live lessons, we offer a full refund. After that, a refund is not possible. But we’ll do our best to encourage you!

• What if I don't finish the course before the expired date?

  We’ll highly motivate you to finish your course according to the learning plan made before you start. But if you, for whatever reason, don’t finish the course before the expiry date, we have the right to mark it as expired. But in most cases we’ll figure out a solution with our language consultant.