Why Choose Us
Why learn Mandarin with Yi?
We are not a cheaper version of a big school. We are a fundamentally different way to learn Mandarin — and the numbers prove it.
Small classes work better
A tutorial, not a lecture.
Our teachers facilitate discussion rather than broadcast it. Students face one another, speak more, and learn faster. Here is how that compares, feature by feature.
Classes at Yi Mandarin
- Small-group tutorial style — more interactive and specific than a lecture.
- Teachers act as facilitators of discussion, not just instructors.
- Students sit facing one another to encourage conversation and mutual help.
- Online classes keep the same small size, so they are just as interactive.
Traditional class layout
- Attention directed at the teacher — efficient for large groups, not for speaking.
- Most classes run only 1.5 hours, leaving little time for practice.
- The fastest learners get the most attention; slower students fall behind.
- Few chances to go beyond the textbook within the allocated time.
Class size
Yi Mandarin
Max 8 students
Traditional school
15–30 students
Speaking time per student
Yi Mandarin
~15 min/lesson
Traditional school
~2 min/lesson
Teacher feedback
Yi Mandarin
Every lesson, individual
Traditional school
Occasional, group-wide
Pace adjustment
Yi Mandarin
Easier in a small group
Traditional school
Fixed syllabus, teacher may rush to complete
Curriculum
Yi Mandarin
Our own textbook, written for Singapore
Traditional school
Generic overseas textbook and phrases you rarely use
Format
Yi Mandarin
On-site & online hybrid
Traditional school
On-site only
| Feature | Yi Mandarin | Traditional School |
|---|---|---|
| Class size | Max 8 students | 15–30 students |
| Speaking time per student | ~15 min/lesson | ~2 min/lesson |
| Teacher feedback | Every lesson, individual | Occasional, group-wide |
| Pace adjustment | Easier in a small group | Fixed syllabus, teacher may rush to complete |
| Curriculum | Our own textbook, written for Singapore | Generic overseas textbook and phrases you rarely use |
| Format | On-site & online hybrid | On-site only |
Our own Mandarin curriculum, learn Chinese in Singapore, and classes strictly capped at 8 students, means our students complete a Mandarin level twice as fast as at other schools with large classes.
Cost-Efficiency
Premium results, not a premium price.
Our hourly rate may not be the lowest in Singapore. But because our classes are capped at 8 students, you learn faster — and reaching the same level in fewer terms costs less overall.
Learn twice as fast, spend less in total to reach the same level.
Yi Mandarin 8 -week group course
8 lessons × 2 hours = 16 hours · 8 students max
At other schools, a larger class means more terms to reach the same proficiency. At Yi Mandarin, the small group keeps every student speaking — so you complete each level in fewer terms.
Fewer terms to reach your goal means the total you spend is lower, even if the hourly rate is not the cheapest on paper.
Student reviews
What our students say
Rahul Dey
27/10/2026
The classes are excellent. Mina ma’am is very patient with us. Highly recommend.
Verified Google review
Tessa Angela
23/10/2026
I have attended Conversational Mandarin classes for 3 levels at Yi Mandarin. They provided a free trial and preliminary assessment to determine my starting level. The teachers are eager to teach beyond what the textbooks cover. Managed to build up…
Verified Google review
Hameed Ibrahim
10/10/2026
Brilliant Professor Celeste made learning and cultural understanding seamless. I immediately signed up for part 2 as well. Really enjoying the journey!
Verified Google review
Charlotte Meyer
10/10/2026
Attentive and engaging teaching. Very practical for everyday use.
Verified Google review
8 max
Students per class
Strictly small, so you are never a face in the crowd.
2x
Faster progression
Complete a Mandarin level twice as fast as at schools with large classes.
S$0
First trial class
Experience the method before you commit.
Rated by our students
Trustindex
4.7Excellent · 78 Google reviewsverified by Trustindex 