Vancouver parents are learning Mandarin alongside their kids thanks to this unique program

The Mandarin School at Langara College is a leading destination for Mandarin language education in Vancouver, offering accessible and engaging Mandarin courses for both adults and children. With supportive learning environment, the program attracts a diverse range of students from across the region.

A practical approach to language learning.

Designed to help students build real-world language skills, the Mandarin language program emphasizes immersive and interactive learning. Program Coordinator Ruby Louie explains, "We want to provide as much time for students to stay in the school setting because learning a language is not a one-day or two-day thing."

Mandarin classes for adults are available three times a year and feature 25 hours of instruction per term, across eight progressive levels, from basic pinyin and pronunciation to advanced conversation.

Children’s Mandarin classes run on Saturdays in the Fall and Spring, open to kids aged four and up. “Students who are four years and older will be assigned to the appropriate class during registration.”

A rich history and community impact.

The Mandarin School at Langara has a long and evolving history. Originally started at Vancouver Community College, it transitioned to Langara to serve a broader community. “We have quite a lot of students, but as time goes on, [many other] schools started closing... most students come to Langara College because we are quite centralized.”

This central Vancouver location, paired with Langara’s reputation, draws students from many backgrounds, including an increasing number with no Chinese heritage.

“More and more people... want to come and learn Mandarin,” she notes, reflecting growing interest in Mandarin as a second language.

Flexible learning for families and professionals.

The success of the Mandarin program is reflected in the achievements of its students. Jingzhu Wu, an instructor and author of the Adult Mandarin program's textbooks, highlights the importance of using relatable materials: “The content of the lessons is very useful for day-to-day activities and conversations.” This real-life focus makes the Mandarin courses at Langara especially valuable for beginners and continuing learners alike.

A key strength of the Mandarin School is its flexible course scheduling. Weekend classes allow families to learn together, creating a shared experience “You are learning a language at the same time as your child,” says Louie. Weekday classes for adults also make it easy to balance learning with work or other commitments.

A family’s learning journey.

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For George and Vivian, the decision to enroll started with a request from their son, Evan. “Recently our son asked to learn Mandarin and if we could sign him up for classes. From there we did some research to find a class that would fit our family’s schedule,” says Vivian. Soon, Evan, his sister Izzy, and both parents were enrolled.

“That availability is rare. Parents are usually waiting around for their kids. To us, it was a win/win situation,” Vivian adds.

The family appreciates learning together. “We are in it together and supporting each other. It’s cool to know we are learning something together and sharing the experience,” say Evan and Izzy.

George sees long-term value in the program: “Having a second language... will always be handy personally or professionally. I think specifically Mandarin for our kids as they will have many opportunities to use it.” He also notes the benefit of connecting with Mandarin-speaking family and preparing for future travel to China.

The Mandarin School at Langara College stands as a testament to the importance of language education in Vancouver and beyond, fostering connections across cultures and generations.

Ready to learn Mandarin? Visit Langara Mandarin School to explore upcoming courses and registration details.