Policies and Procedures of Chinese Classes

How does Hutong School assess your Chinese language level?
Upon arrival, a level assessment test will be scheduled. The test consists of a speaking, reading and writing section. After the test and the assessment by our Classes Coordinator a class group will be suggested to you. For absolute beginners the assessment test is not required.

What happens if you arrive in Beijing later than your classmates and need to catch up?
Since it is very important to be on a similar level to the other students in your class, if needed, the Hutong School will schedule extra classes, allowing you to catch up with students who started a bit earlier than you. Normally, about twenty hours of classes can be caught up within one to two weeks with extra lessons.

What happens if you want to change to another Chinese class?
At the Hutong School we are very flexible and we will always give students the chance to find the most suitable group. A new level assessment by our Class Coordinator will help you to make the right decision.

What happens if there is no group suitable for my Chinese language level?
If no group classes are available, one-to-one classes are arranged. For internship package students this means 4 hours of one-to-one per week while for intensive students 8 hours per week are arranged.

What happens if the number of students in my Chinese class changes?
We will run a group class as long as there are at least two students in the class. If, however, the last person apart from you leaves you will automatically switch to either 4 hours (internship) or 8 hours (intensive) per week of private classes.

How many Chinese level tests are scheduled?
Normally, every chapter will be followed by a test which will give you the perfect opportunity to measure your own progress. If you do not pass a certain test, it does not necessarily mean you have to switch to another group. Instead, the teachers will first evaluate your learning situation and find a solution to improve your level by some personalized assignments etc.

When are the official school holidays?
At the Hutong School we celebrate both Western and Chinese holidays. Below you’ll find an overview with the holidays from
- New Years Day : Jan. 1st(holiday till January 4th)
- Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) : Jan. 24th - Feb. 1st
- Qingming Holiday: Apr. 6th
- International Labor Day : May 1st
- Dragon Boat Festival: May 28th and 29th
- Chinese National Holiday : Sep. 26th – Oct. 4th
- Christmas: Dec. 24th - Jan 3rd 2010

During these days the Hutong School office will be closed and no classes will be held. However, there will always be a Hutong School employee on stand-by for any assistance needed during holidays at 1501 087 1748.