Just wasting some time on Digg and I found your article . Not typically what I like to read about, but it was definitely worth my time. Thanks.

James Trauba…..just sent you an email reply

Hi, My name is Jim Trauba, and I’m planning on attending the same school as you in Shijiazhuang this summer. Before I start making concrete plans, I just want to hear a little more about students’ experiences. Your blog here has already been very helpful! But I have a few other questions. Does Konall try to plan activities with you outside of the language school? As for the actual school… How are the facilities? What is the location like? Is it near places to eat (like lunch places)? Also, is there anything you think that needs to be said about the school? Do you feel like your progress was worthwhile? Lastly, would you recommend the program? Thanks for reading all of my questions. I am pretty set on doing this program. I just need a little more confidence before I can go through with it. If there is anything that you think I should know as a student coming to this school, please let me know! 祝好 Thanks again, Jim Trauba

Great post mate! Where

I liked it very much and got very good at Chinese. I would highly recommend it if you are looking to learn the language (the city isn’t that exciting, but that doesn’t matter if you just want to study). I didn’t do homestay

hey i was just wondering did you like t he program i was thinkning of going there this summer. did you homestay? how is your chinese now??

Carl……Chinese is a language that requires time. 2 months is not a lot of time for a language this complex, especially if starting from scratch. Romantic languages are much easier, and may be better suited to such a short time frame. In 6 months, I was able to get VERY good in Italian. It took me roughly 3 years to get to the same level with Chinese, and I studied MUCH more. SJZ is very safe. Food is great. People are friendly and welcoming. Biggest downside is that there is not much nightlife / activities in the city. It is great for focusing on studying, but not great for a fun vacation. Don’t know too much about home stay…sorry

How much can you learn in 2 months in the summer. My daughter will be 16 years old next summer (2010). Any thoughts on safety, food, people, emergency help, etc… Any feedback on homestay from other students that attended> Thanks, Carl

谢谢你的改正，这是我3年之前写的，错误不少，很别扭。我现在觉 得那时快我的水平太差，呵呵

hi,写的很不错哦。但是。呵呵有些表达不很准确，比如“我现在 不想回美国因为我越来越是中国人。” 如果是我，或者说一般中国人会这样表达“我现在不想回美国，因为 我觉得我越来越像个中国人了。” 也许你有你的表达方式吧。已经非常非常不错了。呵呵，加油哦。

Channing…..no worries…..I know that constructive criticism is always useful when u are starting out. On the whole, I really like your podcast

Thanks for the comments on our podcast… we are making changes as we go… a good portion of whats going on right now is us just finding our feet on the podcast ground … once again thanks for your time listening…

Phil….just sent u an email

Andrew, I really enjoyed reading through your site. I know a few others have already asked you this, but I would really be interested in hearing more about your experience with the Konall program. I’m a beginner planning on doing 3-4 months of intensive mandarin this summer, so specifically I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts on the quality of the program from a learning perspective. I really like the idea of being in a city with fewer foreigners, and the price is right, so it would really be helpful to hear from someone who’s been there. Any thoughts you could share would be great. (The other option I’m considering is doing Berlitz in Beijing or maybe a university program if I can still get into one). Thanks, Phil

Serren…..glad it helped

This advice is really going to help, thanks.

Laily……I studied at Konall, you can visit their website at: http://www.gatewaychina.net/

Andy … where did u have ur lesson?? I’m planning to study for 3 months in shijiazhuang but can not find the place. thanks.

Hi there, Andrew. Wondering if you are still here in SJZ or if you are abroad already. I’ve been living here for just a few days, and would like to get more info on where to meet other expats, or whatever cool tips you got. Send me an email, or somethn’. Fabian

Richard…..anything in particular you wanted more info about?