1Native instructors
Our Mandarin classes are led by native speakers born and raised in Mandarin-speaking countries, which gives you an authentic, immersive experience rooted in the language and culture.
Small-group Mandarin classes with native speakers born and raised in Mandarin-speaking countries, in person in Sarasota or online.
Learn Mandarin in person or online. Classes begin four times a year, and we need four students to start a class. Already know a little? Apply and ask to observe an existing class this week.
These classes are not part of our CEA-accredited program for F-1 students.
These are the tentative classes for the coming sessions. See if there is a running class you can join, or join the next one.
Our teachers use a variety of methods and approaches to support every kind of learner: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or something in between. There is a place for you in our classrooms.
In two 10-week sessions you complete one level: Level 1A in the first session and Level 1B in the next finish Level 1. At the end of each session, with your teacher’s approval, you advance to the next level.
1Our Mandarin classes are led by native speakers born and raised in Mandarin-speaking countries, which gives you an authentic, immersive experience rooted in the language and culture.
2Since 1988 we have guided thousands of students toward fluency and celebrated over 10,000 international graduates, with strong connections to more than 50 U.S. universities.
3Small classes give you the personal attention you deserve, so you make fast progress and always feel supported.
4Our passionate instructors bring the language to life through stories and cultural insights, so Mandarin is something to look forward to every week.
It depends on your dedication, practice and learning environment. According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, English speakers need about 2,200 class hours to reach fluency. With consistent study of roughly 15–20 hours a week, you could reach conversational fluency in 1–2 years, and immersive small-group classes can speed this up.
It depends on your goals. Mandarin is spoken by over a billion people, which makes it very practical for business, travel and cultural exchange. If you are drawn to Chinese culture, history, or plan to work in China, start with Mandarin. Both languages are rewarding, so choose by your own motivation and long-term objectives.
Your journey to fluency is a life-changing investment. Let’s find your place at TLC Sarasota.