Testimonials
See what our students have to say
Ranran was a fantastic teacher and we enjoyed the classes very much. We learned a lot and thought she presented all the material in a professional manner, yet at the same time with a good sense of humour. She also exhibited quite a bit of patience with some of our students who were having more difficulty than others.
Joel Pollock
Classified Manager, NOW Magazine
Learning at First Class Mandarin is truly a great experience. Ever since day one the teachers have been friendly and considerate. You can tell that the passion for the language and teaching is there. Unlike other schools where you’re in a class of 10+, at First Class Mandarin, you enjoy smaller class sizes and a more family like environment. Thanks to First Class Mandarin, my interest in China and love for the language has soured to new heights. I can’t wait to move onto the next chapter in my Mandarin studies when I fly to Guilin this summer.
Tomer
Adult learners need not fear. Ranran makes learning Mandarin manageable, easily understandable and enjoyable. Her attention to detail in pronunciation gives you confidence that you will be understood outside of the classroom, and her wonderful manner erases any self consciousness you might feel when practicing. Ranran is really a gifted teacher.
Penny Park
Supervising Producer, Discovery Channel Specials, Scarborough
After a little more than a year with Ms. Ranran Hao I find myself able to speak, read, and write efficiently and effectively in Chinese! What's more is that while I was in China, I had a chance to use the language, and I found that the locals understand me thanks to Ms. Hao's effective teaching! Her methods are accepted in many world renowned universities, and in fact both the University of Beijing and McGill in Montreal follow the same structure and lesson format as she does! To conclude, Ms. Ranran Hao is a wonderful teacher, who can answer questions with ease and can teach extremely effectively. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone remotely interested in learning Mandarin, because not only does she teach the right material, she teaches it well.
Zachary Berge-Becker
Grade 11 student, Northern Secondary School
Ranran uses a popular and well established series, New Practical Chinese Reader, to introduce new learners to one of the most fascinating languages in the world. The series uses realistic settings and situations with accompanying CD's and YTube videos to help learners with correct pronunciation and sentence structure.
The learner is also exposed to interesting aspects of Chinese culture and each chapter includes a section on the historical development of Chinese characters. With her gentle corrections, Ranran helps the learner fine tune their ear to the subtleties of Mandarin's five tones.
Students of similar ability learn together in small group settings for two hours a week with homework assigned as needed. There is opportunity for one on one feedback and I have been able to carry over my learning into my workplace setting.
I really enjoy Ranran's class.
Zhongwen de shangke hen youyisi he zhen haowanr!
Stella Wong
Audiologist, SickKids
Teacher Ranran Hao provided me with a comfortable and positive learning environment where I was able to practice and improve on my existing
Mandarin skills. Ms. Hao's pronunciation is clear and easy to understand which helped me improve my own pronunciation and tones. With her warm and patient attitude, I would recommend Ms. Hao as a private / group Mandarin teacher.
Lisa
Chinese Canadian
First Class Mandarin offer flexible programming for a wide range of language learners. Ranran's approach to instruction encourages students to achieve their best, while at the same time keeping class a positive, enjoyable experience. I'd recommend First Class to anyone wanting personalized instruction in Mandarin.
Wally
Ranran is an outstanding teacher of Mandarin especially for me as a beginner. Ranran took the greatest of care to ensure that I got my pronunciation right and she would not settle for anything less than perfection. Ranran also tells her students lots about life in China and how to use Mandarin in different social situations so you get a feeling that the Mandarin you are learning with her will serve you well both for speaking and social communication should you find yourself in China.
Dr. James Mulhall, MD
The textbook was really helpful and our teacher was great at giving me extra words. She actually recorded her own voice and we practiced using her recordings in class. Very Helpful! I really enjoyed her class. She is a remarkable teacher!
Deviann David, Accountant
Studying Mandarin in Beijing has definitely been one of the most memorable life experiences ever! Not only did I learn so much in class everyday but also had the opportunity to practice what I learned out in the real world. The teachers at Beijing Union University were fantastic and the student teacher ratio was very accommodating for a learning environment. Thank you Ranran for making it all happen!
Keo S., Student
David Needham