Learning Chinese as a Teenager 🙍‍♀️ Olympia’s Story

Learning Chinese as a Teenager in China || Is It Possible?

This is the story of Olympia, who came to Beijing with her younger sister, Fabiola, at the start of 2018. There stay with LTL totalled to six months where they would study Chinese from 8.30am to 5.30pm, with breaks in between. She tells her story covering the lessons at LTL, why her and her sister came to China, and what she thinks of Beijing.

I Wanted to Learn Chinese, so why not Beijing?

I do not remember it so well, but I think it was the story of the first emperor, told to me by my grandmother that inspired me to start learning Chinese.

My name is Olympia, I am Spanish/Italian and I was living in Madrid until two months ago when I arrived in Beijing.

I am staying in Beijing, along with my younger sister, at a Chinese homestay family for the rest of the four months that I have left.

Learning Chinese as a Teenager – Why?

Learning Chinese as a Teenager - Olympia with her sister Fabiola, and other students exploring Beijing
Olympia with her sister Fabiola & friends

When my friends heard about this idea they were all like:

“Are you mad? Why?”

“You know they eat dog and insects right?”

But no, I am not mad.

Beijing is actually amongst the best places I have ever been!

It all started when, in the taxi from the airport, you see the daily life and how China functions.

The lady on the motorcycle carrying so many things. She isn’t even sitting on it!

The cars not really following the driving rules, but in such a way that you realize that you feel completely safe, somehow.

The skyscraper with a hutong right next to it. The grandiosity of the malls near a small street food stall.

This is China.

Learn Chinese in 6 Months - How Far Can You Go? Thumbnail

Learn Chinese in 6 Months – How Far Can You Go?

Learn Chinese for 6 Months. Read Alice’s story – Studying Chinese was something I had always wanted to do, but never had the opportunity.

Studying Mandarin at LTL Mandarin School

Making Lanterns at School
Making Lanterns at School

The school is on two small floors one on top of the other, which gives one the sensation of a house in which we are the family.

During my first lunch at the LTL lunch club I was amazed, how in one small room, there were so many different people.

Germany to Italy, Israel to America and Australia, all seated together with some very different interests but all of them hungry for the same end, to learn Chinese.

Learning Chinese isn’t as impossible as many people think it is.

The teachers at the school always make the class interesting! Even when you are going through your second hour of Chinese grammar.

Why LTL? Diversity

My Chinese Homestay Experience

I have always loved the noodles or rice my mother back home would make.

I used to think that that was heaven (I still do). However, here in China for less than four euros one can get a number off flavours that will make even the most picky peoples mouth’s water.

Do not assume that they have just noodles and rice, with nothing else!

When you have the choice between baozi (包子) and jiaozi (餃子) just get both!

Oh, and I have never seen dog served at any table but I have seen and tried bamboo!

Alternative Things to do in Beijing 💎 8 Hidden Gems Thumbnail

Alternative Things to do in Beijing 💎 8 Hidden Gems

Discover these zmazing, zlternate things to do in Beijing – Many “Beijingers” claim there are not enough hours in the day to live in Beijing. It’s true!

What to do in Beijing on the weekend?

Qie Zi - China's version of "Say Cheese"
Qie Zi – China’s version of “Say Cheese”

At the weekends… well apart studying for a while, we just spent all day out (and there isn’t enough time)!

This would involve exploring Beijing or just relaxing.

Sometimes we go to the school social events with the school or we organize our own with our friends.

Now at least, we do not get lost thanks to our improved Chinese (and iPhone).

We really get to enjoy Beijing. Overall, the nature of Beijing gives you and unexpected attachment to the city.

I will really miss it when I leave.

Follow another student story at LTL – this is Emily from Colombia

A huge thanks to Olympia for featuring in the LTL Mandarin Blog with her story about Learning Chinese as a Teenager. Stay tuned because we’ll have plenty more student stories coming in the near future.

Don’t forget you can visit our other website pages which include reviews from other students who have been to LTL.

We also have a review page where you can read about students experiences from Facebook, Trustpilot and many more websites.

We want you to know, when you come and join LTL, you become part of a very tight knit family who all have one goal, to learn Chinese in China.

Learning Chinese as a Teenager || FAQs

Is Beijing safe for foreign teenagers?

Beijing is one of the world’s safer capital cities.

Chinese culture is very much focused on the well-being and safety of children and that includes foreigners.

You might be surprised how caring teachers, homestay families or just regular people are about children.

Chinese are generally incredibly warm when it comes to welcoming foreigners to their country.

Are there programs for Under 18’s at LTL?

Absolutely – we welcome students from 7 to 70 years old (and older).

There is no bracket on who should learn Chinese.

Our under 18 programs can be found here.

Is there a Summer Camp at LTL?

There is indeed – it runs for 8 weeks and is exclusive to under 18’s.

To find out more, visit our Summer Camp page here.

Can you arrange a school trip for a class of students?

We can indeed.

We’ve welcomed students from Russia, Mexico, Italy and many other countries in previous years.

Find out more on our China School Trip page.

You can also find out how our schools from Italy and Mexico did on our blog.

Can I speak to other students who attended LTL?

Absolutely yes.

Please contact us and let us know a bit more about you and your situation.

We’ve had thousands of happy students and they are always happy to speak to future/potential students to alleviate their concerns.

Want more from LTL?

Want to learn Chinese from the comfort of your own home? Then our 24/7 online Chinese lessons might be the thing for you.

We offer a 7 day free trial to all new online students where you can study Mandarin 24/7.

Come and check it out free of charge and see what you think!

If you wish to hear more from LTL Language School why not join our mailing list?

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  1. Max Hobbs
    Reply

    Thanks for your lovely review Olympia – you are a pleasure to have around at LTL 🙂

  2. Great blog!

    Looks like they had a great time!

    1. Max Hobbs
      Reply

      Thanks Lyle, they certainly did and they are coming back for another spell this year!