Inside this edition:

"The fastest-growing market place in the world" by Sue Goss      "Linking Through Language" by Lydia Wang      The Forbidden City      Mu Tian Yu Great Wall      Student Feedback

World Link Education FEATURED IN THE AGE

Article published in The Age Friday Jan 9, 2004.

"The World Link Education programs use the "total immersion" system for overseas students wanting to learn Mandarin, the official spoken language of China, in a language academy or university of Beijing. The results are spectacular because WLE does not just limit the programs to language classes. They provide free after-class tuition, guided tours and cultural expeditions, as well as the opportunity to play sports and socialise with Beijing residents." "The fastest-growing market place in the world"  by Sue Goss, Editor, The Age China has always fascinated people form the European cultures. Its art and its customs, even the way the Chinese people do business and philosophise is so different and colourful that their cultures deeply respected as a distinct entity. Since the opening up of China's economy, people from all over the world have seen China as a new gateway for industry and commerce. Willing as the people of this vast country are to learn English, it is up to everyone hoping to trade with China to learn the language and understand something of the culture of their new partners. Teaching Chinese language and culture to potential business managers bound for Asia is highly competitive industry. Some language schools in Australia offer accelerated learning systems while others provide in-depth courses for people with more time. A number of programs operate partly or entirely in China itself, using the facilities of local and international universities. The World Link Education programs use the "total immersion" system for overseas students wanting to learn Mandarin, the official spoken language of China, in a language academy or university of Beijing. The results are spectacular because WLE does not just limit the programs to language classes. They provide free after-class tuition, guided tours and cultural expeditions, as well as the opportunity to play sports and socialise with Beijing residents. Students can elect to try calligraphy or traditional massage, Chinese singing, tai chi, Wushu…and some could end up with a famous Chinese rock star as a language practice partner! WLE also organises work experience and interviews for internships with companies appropriate to the student's background and level of language proficiency. Students are placed in a small class at the level most suited to their previous experience and the length of time they wish to spend in China. A wide range of people, from young university graduates to experienced professionals and senior business executives as well as academics can benefit from WLE's aim of ensuring that participants not only learn the language but also immerse in the Chinese culture and way of life. "My time in China was one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences in my life," says Julie Vun, an honours graduate in Industrial Design from RMIT. Through an internship organised by WLE, Julie worked for several years with Scandinavian Furniture, a Swedish/Chinese furniture design company. "The Chinese language program, made up of classes, tuition, workshops and the partners program, ensured that I constantly used what I learned and interacted with native speakers. Back in Australia, potential employers are extremely interested in my network of Chinese contacts and I have initiated export of Australian furniture to China"

World Link Education SELECTED BY BUSINESS BEIJING AS THE LEADING STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN CHINA

Business Beijing is a monthly publication of the Information Office of Beijing Municipal Government and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing. World Link Education was selected by Business Beijing as the leading academic organization for Chinese Language programs in China. This article was published in this month's Business Beijing November issue.

"...all classes are strictly limited to no more than eight people to ensure that every student gets sufficient instruction, communication and practice. WLE's China business programmes are especially suitable for those seeking to do business in China. WLE has excellent professors from top Beijing business universities to give lectures not only on the Chinese economy, but also on how to operate within it. Top executives, professionals and entrepreneurs of foreign companies operating in China also give presentations." "Linking Through Language"  by Lydia Wang A lot of foreigners are longing for learning some Chinese now. Some of them need to know some Chinese because speaking local language can be of great help in communication with other people in both their work and life, while some people would like to study in universities in China. To serve the need of these people, Business Beijing interviewed World Link Education to get some information that would be useful for our readers to learn Chinese. World Link Education is an international organisation that offers quality immersion programmes around the world. Through its six offices, WLE promotes international education and cross-cultural understanding through a comprehensive range of unique and affordable programmes. In Beijing, WLE co-operates with many local organisations to offer a full range of courses. Its partners include Academy of Chinese Language Study (ACLS), Beijing Language & Culture University (BLCU), University of International Business & Economics (UIBE) and Capital College of Physical Education (CCPE). WLE's programmes in China are carefully designed and given close attention. The organisation's mission here, says Programs Director Dominic Johnson-Hill, "is not only to teach students the language, but also let them to get into Chinese culture, to understand the culture and Chinese business, and do things in the Chinese way." From fresh beginners to advanced levels, WLE offers courses tailored to meet individual needs. The Chinese language programmes comprise core language classes, language tutorial, language exchange and electives. Johnson-Hill says that all classes are strictly limited to no more than eight people to ensure that every student gets sufficient instruction, communication and practice. WLE's China business programmes are especially suitable for those seeking to do business in China. WLE has excellent professors from top Beijing business universities to give lectures not only on the Chinese economy, but also on how to operate within it. Top executives, professionals and entrepreneurs of foreign companies operating in China also give presentations. The seminars offer students the opportunity to learn at first hand from the expatriate business community about the different forms of foreign investment, company operations and practices, management styles and marketing. The speakers are old hands at China business and offer valuable advice. WLE students include lawyers, engineers and business people. One student says, "I am British. It is not so easy to find a job in my country and it is not as interesting. But now it is easier and easier to do business in China and you do not need to have a lot of money." WLE also offers martial arts courses, including wushu, taiji and qigong. Classes are held at one of China's top institutes of higher sports education. This unique program provides foreign students the opportunity to train with Chinese students who have been admitted to the institute's prestigious wushu programme. Students can look forward to a fascinating Shaolin Temple Weekend after eight weeks of study. This programme has proven extremely popular with students who have been curious about Chinese martial arts for years, especially when they can learn it together with Chinese language. Apart from the conventional language courses, several electives are available for students who are interested in Chinese character writing or Chinese songs. Those who wish to learn about other aspects of Chinese culture may participate in Chinese painting, traditional massage or calligraphy electives. In one afternoon massage class, for example, the teacher first lectured on Chinese medicine and massage theory. He used simple, expressive language to explain complex concepts such as yin and yang and their practical applications in daily life. He then demonstrated various techniques for finding acupuncture points and giving massage. All the students followed his example, trying out their newly acquired skills. One young German woman said she plans to show off what she learned in Beijing by giving her mother a massage when she returns home. To enable students to maximise their China experience, WLE offers a variety of tours and excursions, as well as opportunities to participate in social activities with local people. This is a distinctive feature of WLE's total immersion programmes. Foreign students can interact with their Chinese counterparts through language, social and sports events. Such activities are especially helpful in improving the students' speaking and comprehension abilities. The instructors also frequently student visits to hutong and other interesting Beijing locations after class. WLE offers International Student Insurance Service and International SOS medical membership, which provide comprehensive and emergency assistance in case a student should be injured or ill. Every member of the WLE faculty seeks to excel in a highly competitive industry. They say, in fact, that they welcome competition because it spurs them to continue improving themselves and the organisation. They are confident that they can hold a solid lead in the industry.

With members of the People's Liberation Army at Tian'anmen Square	Thomas exploring the historic 1,000 year old Forbidden City	Nadine, Barbara & Amy, amazed by the world's largest palace complex

Ruby (UK) pictured with the Tong Xiang, a bronze elephant on the palace grounds	Ruby, Dina & Jonathan in front of an imperial stone structure	Thomas and the guide Han pictured in front of an ancient prayer sculpture
Dina (Sweden) at the Forbidden City	Enjoying the Forbidden City	Gordon & Amy in awe of this ancient tree
Husband and wife, Gordon & Amy, in front of one of the Emperor's chambers	Jonathan & Ruby at the entrance to the Forbidden City	Nadine (Holland) & Pierre (Switzerland) at the Forbidden City

Barbara, Amy, Gordon, Nadine, Howard, Wayne, Connie & Xavier ready for the historical climb	Nadine is all smiles, posing next to a friendship stone on her way to the Great Wall

Stunning view of the Wall below, from a guard tower	The view along the Mu Tian Yu section of the Great Wall	Wayne came well equipped for the weather
Connie & Xavier on the cable car below the Great Wall	Barbara (US) with her camera ready as the Great Wall comes into view	Despite the weather the views were stunning

When the weather got too heavy we took shelter in one of the guard towers. There we met some really friendly Chinese tourists and exchanged stories of how we got to the top and the amazing view. We were excited that we got to practice some of our Mandarin and they seemed very impressed with our language skills. At the end of the day we were amazed about the beautiful view and happy that we got to see this great monument of Chinese history.

Howard (UK) in awe of the breathtaking view from one of the many guard towers	Looking wind swept but happy, Nadine is amazed by the stunning view

Name: Dr Dennis Lowe Age: 52 years Nationality: Australian Occupation: Eye Practitioner Program: Chinese Language Tailored Program (3 hours daily Total 15 hours a week) December 2003 Level: Total Beginner Purpose: Daily conversational Chinese plus basic phrases used in a medical practice. Dr Lowe was accompanied his son Jeromy, see below for Jeromy's feedback. Is this your first time in China? No. Why did you decide to study Chinese Language? I am eye specialist in Australia. Many of my patients are Chinese. About a third of my patients are Asian, and about half of them are from China, therefore I need to speak Mandarin. How are you finding your studies in China? Excellent! Have they been what you expected to be? If you want to study Chinese, studying Chinese with this program is very good. I can eat Chinese, drink Chinese, see Chinese, hear Chinese, everything is Chinese. Ihave to speak Chinese. How do you like Beijing? Beijing is very quiet, also has more culture and history and the people in Beijing are more friendly. What do you find most interesting in Beijing? The culture and history. Any memorable experiences in Beijing/China? Tell us a few. Eating, especially Beijing Roast Duck. What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China? Lot of things. Will you come to China/Beijing again? Yes ! What advices/tips would you give to other Australian students who plan to come and study in China? For me, the program is perfect, because it is tailored program. The one to one tailored program fits my specific needs. I needed to learn conversational Chinese and some simple medical words. The teacher is aware of this and has taught me very well. Name: Jeromy Lowe Age: 17 years Nationality: Australian Occupation: Student Program: Chinese Language Program December 2003 Level: Elementary Purpose: Studying Chinese at high school in Sydney, Enrolled in program for 3 weeks with father Dennis Lowe. Is this your first time in China? Yes! Why did you decide to study Chinese Language and Business? To improve my speaking and grammar as I have an Mandarin exam coming up when I get back to Sydney. How are you finding your studies in China? Really good because I am improving faster than I thought and using my Chinese every day. Have they been what you expected to be? Cha bu duo (More or less) How do you like Beijing? It was so much better than I expected What do you find most interesting in Beijing? The western influence on modern day China. Eg. Fast-Foods, Sky-rise buildings, nightlife etc. Any memorable experiences in Beijing / China? Tell us a few. Meeting heaps of people even Chinese musicians and communicating in Chinese (which was challenging) How has your experience in China changed you, if it has? I was only here for two weeks, but it changed me because I met many new people. What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China? How everything is ridiculously cheap! Will you come to China/Beijing again? Yi ding! (ie. Definitely) What advices/tips would you give to other Australian students who plan to come and study in China? Come here for more than a month at least. Definitely consider the opportunity of coming to China if you have time. What will you be doing after you finish your course? I weill attend my final year of high school, continue to study Chinese, and hopefully do well in my final exam ! What have you enjoyed about studying this course? The people in the course: students, teachers, advisors and staff. The flexibility of studying: the classes, after class tutoring, language exchange partner etc. Name: Frank Wissbrock Nationality: German Occupation: Self-Employed Level: Total Beginner Program: Chinese Language Program 4 weeks Dec 2003, plus re-enrolled in a second Chinese Language Program Jan, 2004 Is this your first time in China? Yes, it is my first time in China. Why did you decide to study Chinese Language? During my university studies I attended courses with international subjects. Since then I was interested to spend some time in China and eventually work in China. At the end of last year I arranged to get some time off my job and start learning the Chinese language. How are you finding your studies in China? I like the way the language is taught. The small classes and afternoon tutorials allow me to train the difficult pronunciation of the Chinese language. Besides the classroom training I learned a lot about Chinese culture through my language partner and through my visits of cultural places in Beijing. Have they been what you expected to be? Yes. How do you like Beijing? I like the relaxed life style of Beijing's inhabitants, the Chinese food, and that one can experience something new every weekend. What do you find most interesting in Beijing? The possibility to bargain for prices in the shops. This is so different from home. Any memorable experiences in Beijing/China? Tell us a few. - I met a lot of new friends during my studies and the World Link events. - My first Chinese conversation in action (Last Friday I could explain the way to the taxi driver). - My visit to the Great Wall and the forbidden city. - The first time I tried to cross a street I learned that I should not care about the traffic lights but about the gaps in the traffic :) How has your experience in China changed you, if it has? I think my personality has grown to some degree. What is the thing you like best about Beijing/China? The future oriented atmosphere. Will you come to Beijing/China again? Definitely yes. What advices/tips would you give to other German students who plan to come and study in China? I would suggest them to take time to experience everything of Beijing.

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