[XBL]

Thanks BC.

You’re right, the whole deposit thing was a bad idea and I have cooled on it. I was just a bit too keen to have something organised before I arrived, as basically I’m desperate to make the most of the limited time I have in Chengdu and ‘break the back’ of learning Chinese. I’m in a situation where, relatively speaking, my problem is more so my lack of time rather than money. I am prepared to pay if it means I will have quality tuition.

Who else have you guys used to learn Chinese in Chengdu? I have cooled a bit on Chinese(Mandarin)Corner. If anyone knows of a quality private tutor I would definitely follow it up.

I am aware of the dialectical issues. I spent 10 days in Sichuan in April. My understanding is that the tutors in Chengdu (at least the decent ones) are quite strict and disciplined about their students using proper putonghua pronunciation (e.g. not sliding into a sichuan accent). Also I will be living with my friend who is very well educated and speaks mandarin with no accent.

Again, any thoughts or referrals will be taken seriously and greatly appreciated.

XBL

[Author]

Posts