Learn Chinese
in Shanghai

If you're surrounded by a completely Chinese-speaking environment every day, seeing only Chinese characters and hearing only Chinese, your Chinese will improve very quickly. Furthermore, with Sojourn Abroad's professional Chinese courses, under the guidance of expert Chinese teachers, your Chinese will improve significantly.

When you live and learn Chinese in China, you'll be able to buy fresh fruit in Chinese at the market every day, order your favorite food in Chinese at snack shops, and participate in various Chinese activities and parties. What a vibrant and fulfilling life that would be!

There is no best city. You can choose the city that best fits your preference. All Sojourn Abroad programs have the same price for Chinese language lessons. No matter which city you choose, the tuition fee stays the same. However, the living expenses vary. For example, in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, accommodation costs will be higher than in other cities.

Other factors you need to consider include the city's scale, weather, cuisine, etc. All Sojourn Abroad cities are carefully selected to help you fully understand and experience China. Delve into Chinese culture deeply by living in one place for some time, and you will fall in love with this country.

All Chinese classes at Sojourn Abroad are taught by professional teachers, so with classroom learning combined with extracurricular practice, your Chinese will improve very quickly.

If you have never studied Chinese before, it usually takes 1-3 months of study before you can use Chinese in your life.

With 3-6 months of study, you will have virtually no problem communicating in Chinese while living in China.

We have 4 levels:

• Beginner: for students who have never studied Chinese or have studied a little.
• Elementary: for students who are around HSK 1 to 2.
• Intermediate: for students who are around HSK 3 to 4.
• Advanced: for students who are around HSK 5 to 6.

Unlike university programs that you have to start at a specific time, all Sojourn Abroad programs offer the flexibility that you can start the program on any Monday throughout the year. We will offer a placement test before you start the program and recommend the class that best matches your level.

Unlike university programs, all Sojourn Abroad Chinese language programs can be from 2 weeks to 2 years. It is suitable for short-term stays and ideal for long-term living. You can choose the program length according to your needs.

No matter which city you choose, the tuition fee is always 280 USD/week. That includes 15 group Chinese classes per week.

To ensure all students have the opportunity to practice speaking in class, we ensure that each class has no more than 10 students. Through the teachers' diverse and engaging teaching methods, students thoroughly enjoy interacting with their classmates, encouraging and helping each other, and becoming good friends.

You will take 3 small group classes every day Monday to Friday, so 15 classes per week. One class is 40 minutes.

We recommend that you take a Chinese course with Sojourn Abroad for 1 to 2 years to achieve fluency in Chinese.

Because Sojourn Abroad offers Chinese courses in over 18 cities across China, you can change cities every two months to maximize your experience of different cultures and customs while improving your Chinese proficiency.

Yes, absolutely. Sojourn Abroad aims to provide you with the best Mandarin learning experience. We make sure that you are truly making progress and learning new things. Just tell your assistant at SA, and she/he will help you switch.

Sojourn Abroad offers homestay and apartment hunting services. If you need help with finding an apartment, SA charges a one-time fee of USD 600. This includes

• Property viewing (taking you to see different apartments).
• Help with signing the contract (help translate items).
• Help with calling for repair of property defects during the contract period (repair fee not included).

If the rent exceeds USD 600, the service fee will be equivalent to one month's rent.

Close to the school are many affordable hotels and hostels, which are ideal for short-term stays.

If you need help with finding an apartment, SA charges a one-time fee of USD 600. This includes

• Property viewing (taking you to see different apartments).
• Help with signing the contract (help translate items).
• Help with calling for repair of property defects during the contract period (repair fee not included).

If the rent exceeds USD 600, the service fee will be equivalent to one month's rent.

Before you arrive:

• Email us the number of bedrooms, budget, and how long for the rent
• Pay the apartment hunting service fee
• Book a hotel for 2 to 3 days, allowing us to take you to see the available apartments after you arrive

After you arrive:

• Check into your temporary hotel
• We will take you to check out the apartments and confirm the rent
• Sign the contract
• Pay the rent
• Move in

Yes! Sojourn Abroad is legally registered and licensed. We are able to provide the necessary documents for you to apply for tourist visas or student visas. Taking a Chinese language course with Sojourn Abroad is the best solution for people who want to live in China for the long term.

• Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): These delicate, steamed dumplings feature a thin skin that holds a rich pork or crab filling and a burst of savory hot broth.
• Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns): A popular breakfast staple, these buns are pan-fried to a golden crisp on the bottom while remaining soft and juicy on the inside.
• Hong Shao Rou (Red-Braised Pork Belly): This classic comfort dish consists of succulent pork belly cubes slow-braised in soy sauce and sugar until they reach a melt-in-your-mouth, glossy finish.
• Hairy Crab (Da Zha Xie): A seasonal autumn delicacy, these freshwater crabs are typically steamed and prized for their rich, buttery roe and sweet meat.
• Cong You Ban Mian (Scallion Oil Noodles): A minimalist but highly flavorful dish of wheat noodles tossed in oil infused with fried scallions and seasoned with dark soy sauce.
• Shanghai Smoked Fish (Xun Yu): Despite the name, this dish features deep-fried fish pieces soaked in a sweet-savory glaze rather than being smoked.
• Pork Ribs with Rice Cakes (Paigu Niangao): This hearty meal pairs tender, braised pork ribs with chewy, soft glutinous rice cakes that soak up the savory sauce.
• Yan Du Xian: A traditional soup that combines fresh and cured pork with tender spring bamboo shoots in a rich, milky-white broth.
• Ci Fan Tuan (Sticky Rice Rolls): A quintessential breakfast item made of glutinous rice wrapped around savory fillings like fried dough sticks, pork floss, and pickled vegetables.
• Lion’s Head Meatballs (Shizi Tou): Large, tender pork meatballs stewed with napa cabbage, named for their resemblance to a lion’s mane.

• The Bund: This historic waterfront promenade showcases a captivating blend of colonial-era buildings and stunning views of the modern Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.
• Yu Garden: A magnificent classical Chinese garden known for its intricate rockeries, tranquil ponds, and ornate pavilions.
• Shanghai Museum: Located in People’s Square, this world-class museum is renowned for its extensive collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, including bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy.
• Jing’an Temple: An active, historic Buddhist temple amidst the modern cityscape, offering a tranquil escape from the urban hustle.
• Former French Concession: This charming area is known for its tree-lined avenues, historic architecture, and a variety of boutiques, cafes, and art galleries.
• Tianzifang: A vibrant arts and crafts enclave nestled in narrow alleyways, offering a unique blend of traditional Shikumen architecture and modern creativity.
• Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: Often referred to as “The Venice of Shanghai,” this picturesque water town is known for its ancient stone bridges and serene canals.
• Shanghai Tower: The tallest building in China, its observation deck on the 118th floor offers unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of the city.
• Oriental Pearl Tower: This iconic, futuristic television tower is a symbol of the Shanghai skyline and offers multiple observation decks.
• Nanjing Road: One of the world’s busiest shopping streets, bustling with both modern malls and traditional shops.