Source: CCTV.com

09-28-2007 10:30

The first ever exhibition covering almost every aspect of expat life is getting a lot of attention in the city. For foreigners working or studying in China, Mandarin schools are high on demand.

There are more than 20 Mandarin schools, catering to Shanghai's 500 thousand expatriates. About ten mandarin schools, including all the big ones, set up booths at the show. The schools say the need is growing enormously not only because of expanding numbers of students but also because of increasing demand for customized courses and schedules.

Koen Vandecaveye, overseas coordinator of Mandarin House, said, "At the moment it's hard to meet the demand of foreigners. Because there are so many people who want to learn Chinese. That's why mandarin house keeps expanding. We're opening more and more schools."

Almost all the schools promoted language courses at the show. However, visitors to the exhibition say that speaking and listening are no longer enough for them. More expats say their interest in mandarin study follows a passion for Chinese culture, and say they are looking for more Chinese culture content in the courses.