A Bit Expensive for Chinese Lessons, but You Get Your Money's Worth

I've been taking Chinese lessons here for almost a year now. I initially signed up with them because they were close to my apartment and I came to China with zero Chinese skills, so I was just looking to get started as quickly as possible.

I've been overall pleased with my experience, although I do think it's probably a bit overpriced. My friends always balk when they hear I'm paying 108 RMB/hour for Chinese lessons when you can find independent tutors for 50 RMB, but my teacher is qualified and very competent. She also speaks very good English (which helps when I need to ask questions or have complicated grammar points explained). The other great part for me has been the flexibility. I have class twice a week, but often I find myself unable to attend because I get tied up at work. The school just lets me work this out with my teacher, so we often double up on classes for the following week or reschedule them. They're also flexible with payments. I always paid mine quarterly, and if I forgot to bring money the day it was due, it was never a problem and they let me just bring it the next time.

I don't know much about pedagogy so I'm not sure how effective the teaching has been as compared with other programs, but I can say that my Chinese level has improved 100%. When I came I could not speak or read anything, and now I can read over 1,000 characters and I can speak enough to get by in most situations. If money is no object for you, I would recommend the teachers here.