Name: Chris Bell
Occupation: Consultant
Interests: Travel, hiking, reading, playing rugby   

"Get ready to work hard and have fun"

Q: How are you finding your studies in China?
A: Great. Mandarin is a very difficult language and the courses move very quickly, but the teachers are very patient and I am making a lot of progress every day and every week.

Q: Has the program been as you expected ?
A: The Mandarin house does a great job with all aspects of the experience. The classes and teachers are great, the extracurricular activities are a lot of fun, the staff is really friendly and helpful. It has exceeded all of my expectations.

Q: What do you find most interesting about Shanghai ?
A: How can you fit so many people into one city? It is amazing to me that all of these people are able to coexist in one place. It makes for a very unique experience where you can find or do just about anything your heart desires.

Q: Tell us a few memorable experiences in China ?
A: Going out at night is always a good time, they have some amazing bars & clubs here. I've also had a couple great day trips with my friends from Mandarin house to both Suzhou and Hangzhou. Both beautiful towns, but the trip was the real experience - taking the train, navigating the public bus systems, meeting locals and asking for directions. It's a lot of fun to use what you've learned to get around and see the sights.

Q: What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in China ?
A: Get ready to work hard and have fun. Try to come with an open mind, especially in regards to food. Duck tongues aren't bad but I wasn't wild about bone marrow.