Pack your bags — and your Mandarin Chinese! Our Language for Travel is a practical course that helps you speak with confidence on holiday or work trips. Over two consecutive Saturdays (10:30–13:00) at IH London, you’ll practise the phrases that matter through role-plays, guided conversations and real travel scenarios. 

You’ll leave with a “survival Mandarin Chinese” toolkit: high-frequency vocabulary, clearer pronunciation, and easy strategies to keep talking even when you can’t remember the exact word. 

Why study Mandarin Chinese at IH London? 

Mandarin Chinese is the world’s most spoken native language and a vital bridge for global business, culture, and travel. Whether you are drawn to the ancient history of the Forbidden City, the futuristic skylines of Shanghai, or the massive influence of China in the global economy, learning Mandarin opens doors to a rich heritage spanning millennia. 

At International House London, we make mastering this unique language achievable. You’ll learn with expert teachers through dynamic, interactive lessons designed to help you navigate the musicality of tones, and the straightforward logic of Chinese grammar. We focus on building real-world communication skills so you can start speaking with confidence from day one. You will also have a brief introduction to some of the characters. 

What’s included in your course? 

• Lesson summaries, notes and learning resources  

• Additional self-study materials  

• Ongoing support from experienced teachers  

• Access to exclusive IH London student workshops and events 

This course is ideal for learners who want practical Mandarin Chinese for travel, including: 

• students who have studied very little Mandarin Chinese but want to use it more confidently 

• beginners who want a focused, “holiday Mandarin Chinese” boost 

• learners who can understand basic Mandarin Chinese but hesitate when speaking 

• anyone travelling to Mainland China or Taiwan who wants useful language for real situations 

If you’re unsure about your level, we can help you choose the best option. 

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

Communicate confidently in common travel situations 

You’ll practice Mandarin Chinese for real-life travel scenarios, such as: 

• Greetings and Etiquette: Mastering the essential “Nǐ hǎo” and the vital social formulas used to show respect and build rapport (Guanxi). 

• Checking in/out: Navigating hotel arrivals, modern digital payments, and making specific requests for your room. 

• Dining and “Mànmàn chī”: Ordering in restaurants and street markets (handling dietary needs, requesting the bill, and understanding Chinese tea and banquet culture). 

• Navigation: Asking for directions and using China’s world-class transport, from the high-speed rail (Gāotiě) to ride-sharing apps. 

• Shopping and Bargaining: Navigating modern malls and traditional markets (asking for prices, sizes, and the art of polite negotiation). 

• Handling the Unexpected: Dealing with lost items, travel changes, or seeking help at a pharmacy (Yàodiàn). 

Speak more clearly and naturally 

You’ll also build speaking confidence through: 

• Survival Mandarin: Learning high-frequency vocabulary and the surprisingly simple sentence structures (Subject-Verb-Object) that make Chinese logic so accessible. 

• Mastering the Tones: Dedicated practice with the four tones to ensure you are understood clearly by native speakers. 

• Pinyin & Pronunciation: Using the Romanised alphabet system to master tricky sounds like j, q, x, and zh. 

• Interactive Tasks: Role-plays like ordering “Dim Sum” or introducing yourself to a business partner to help you respond instinctively. 

Explore Mandarin Chinese-speaking cultures 

Alongside the language, you’ll build cultural confidence through: 

• Social Etiquette: Understanding the concept of “Face” (Miànzi), gift-giving taboos, and when to use formal addresses. 

• Modern Interaction: Navigating the digital-first culture of China (including an introduction to how apps like WeChat and Alipay are used daily). 

• Practical Travel Tips: Insider advice for visiting the Great Wall, the bright lights of Shanghai or the mountains of Taiwan. 

Course materials: All course materials are shared via SharePoint. You will receive the access link in your welcome email, which is sent 24 hours before the course starts.

Do I need previous knowledge of Mandarin Chinese? No previous knowledge is required! This course is specifically designed for absolute beginners. We focus on practical travel language and guided speaking practice to get you communicating from day one. 

Is Mandarin Chinese a difficult language to learn? Mandarin has a reputation for being “hard,” but its grammar is actually much simpler than English or French! There are no verb conjugations, no genders, and no plurals. While the tones and characters are new skills to learn, the logical structure of the language makes it very accessible for beginners. 

What writing system does Mandarin Chinese use? Mandarin uses Chinese Characters (Hànzì). However, for this travel course, we will only use Pinyin, a system that writes Chinese sounds using the Latin alphabet. This allows you to speak and read signs immediately without having to master thousands of characters first. 

What about the “Tones”? Will I be able to do them? Yes! Tones are what give Mandarin its musical quality. In this course, we use targeted drills to help you recognize and produce the four basic tones so that you can be understood clearly by native speakers. 

When is the course and how long is each class? The course runs on two consecutive Saturdays, 10:00–13:00, at IH London. 

Is this course face-to-face or online? This is a face-to-face course taught at our school in Covent Garden, London. 

What level is the course? This course is best for absolute beginners and near-beginners who want practical Mandarin for travel. If you’re unsure of your level, we can advise you on the best option. 

Will there be lots of speaking practice? Yes. The course is highly practical and includes guided speaking tasks, role-plays, and realistic travel scenarios to help you build confidence quickly. 

What should I bring to class? Just a notebook and something to write with. Your teacher will provide materials, and digital resources are shared via SharePoint. 

Where will the class take place? Classes take place at IH London – 16 Stukeley Street, London WC2B 5LQ. You’ll receive full details in your welcome email. 

What if I miss a Saturday? Because this is a short course, it’s best to attend both sessions. If you miss a class, we’ll share key materials via SharePoint, but we can’t replicate the interactive in-class speaking practice. 

Can I continue studying after this course? Yes! Your teacher can recommend the best next step, such as a General Mandarin course or a level-based evening programme at IH London. 

How will I receive the course materials? All course materials are shared via SharePoint, with access provided in your welcome email 24 hours before the course starts. 

Is there a coursebook? No fixed coursebook is required — your teacher will provide targeted materials and resources specifically for the travel sessions.

Why not try out a sample beginners Mandarin lesson before signing up to a full course? These one-off sessions are aimed at students who have never studied the Mandarin language before.

Sample Lesson Plan

• Greeting people
• Introducing yourself and someone else
• Asking and giving personal details (name, nationalities, profession, age, phone number, date of birth)