Be prepared for World Expo 2010 in Shanghai
Wednesday, 31st March 2010
Make the most of this grand gathering of world cultures by learning some Chinese...
It seems fitting that World Expo 2010 takes place in one of the most fast-moving, forward-thinking cities in the world – Shanghai. Running from 1st May to 31st October this year, this 6-month-long fair is themed ‘Better City, Better Life’, with the aim of promoting sustainable and harmonious urban living. Very appropriate for a city that has seen phenomenal growth and a true population explosion over the last decade.
If you’re heading over to China to attend World Expo it’s wise to learn a few choice phrases before you go – as it is wherever you travel overseas. Even if you’ve never been one for languages and even if the locals speak English, you should never underestimate the impact that a few choice words in their own language may make to them. Often the quickest way to open doors is to speak to someone in their own language and, in a world where English rules, where it’s the easy option, the effort to speak your target market’s language will not go unnoticed.
How to pick up some Mandarin Chinese before you go:
• Take a 10-week Evening Language Course – from £159 for 2 hours each week
• If you need to learn Chinese fast, consider a tailor-made one-to-one course. Cactus Language Training offers 1:1 tuition, in-company training, cultural training, online courses and Skype classes, all in the comfort of your home or office. Courses are geared 100% to your needs and you will see results fast.
• Take a 1-week Intensive Course - £169 for 3 hours each afternoon, Mon-Fri (May, June & August courses in London)
Alternatively, why not extend your trip and learn some Chinese over in China. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of this busy, exciting city, you will naturally be immersed in the culture and have real incentive to pick up the language quickly! Obviously, being a difficult language, be realistic about how much you can learn in a short period of time – but, as mentioned above, even the basics will stand you in good stead, and learning a language in the country where it’s spoken is for many people the best and only way to make real progress.
How to pick up some Mandarin Chinese once in Shanghai:
• The shortest and most personal course is the Individual Course in Shanghai (20 lessons per week, one-to-one, from £559 for 1 week)
• If you have longer, many people take the General Course in Shanghai (20 lessons per week in a class of max 10 students, from £479 for 2 weeks)
• Or take a combination of the above with a Combined Course in Shanghai (20 group lessons + 5 individual lessons per week, from £689 for 2 weeks)
Tags: world expo, shanghai, chinese, china
Posted by Sarah Watkins 2010-03 under Experience Cultures, Types of Courses,
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