Hello! Can you please state your name and current occupation?

My name is Alex Sherr. I am from New York but now live in Hong Kong. I am a student at the Hong Kong International School.

Why did you want to go to China, now?

I really felt studying Chinese now would give me an advantage later in life and open up future opportunities. My parents also felt the same and were supportive in me going to China to study Mandarin.

Why did you want to study Chinese now?

I really wanted to study Chinese in China because in Hong Kong they speak Cantonese and that is completely different from Mandarin. So I decided I come to go Beijing because they speak the most pure form of “putonghua” (Mandarin) in Beijing.

How did you begin your search to find study abroad immersion program and how did you hear about/discover NSC?

I heard about Next Step China through a friend who I went to school with, she told me about the program and was immediately interested because I was looking for a program to study Mandarin for so long.

Why did you Choose NSC?

I choose Next Step China because the accommodations looked very nice as well as the private tutoring option that was available. They also offered University courses, what more could you ask for you can choose from anything you want. .

What do you think of our website?

The website was actually very useful a lot of times you can judge a company by their website. Seeing their testimonials from other people as well as the pictures and how straightforward they were with us.

Why did you choose to study Chinese in China versus back home?

Living in Hong Kong you have the option to study Mandarin at my high school or university. However, I decided to come to Beijing because I felt the language immersion outside of the classroom would help my Chinese progress more effectively.

What were your goals in choosing the program you selected with NSC?

I choose to do the private tutoring sessions because I felt they could most accurately gauge my level in Chinese. When you join a University program it really makes you join one class or the other and they don’t really have anything in between.

What have you gained during your stay in China?

I made a ton of progress studying Chinese 4 hours a day 5 times a week and also going out in the weekends, using what I learned, speaking to locals. I have also gained lifelong friendships, what more could I ask for.

How did you feel about NSC’s accommodations?

When I first saw the accommodation from Next Step China, I know this may sound cheesy, but I was impressed. I didn’t expect to get the size apartment I got, a working cell phone and all of the things they provided me with. Everything has been fantastic, even little things like pots, pans, dishes they were already provided for us, that was such a nice thought.

How about the little things like transport cards, address cards, phone etc.

Another example of the quality of service of Next Step China is getting around China. I wanted to feel the city and I wanted to learn the subway system. Immediately, they provided me with a map and a transportation card and they walked me through the very basics of getting around so that was very cool. What’s great is that they lead you into these things and they let you walk on your own. They let you dictate the amount of involvement they want to have on their experience, but at the same time, they’re always gonna be there. If you want to go see a temple on your own or go to a business meeting, they’re there to back you up. That’s one of the most valuable things that I liked with their program. You can call them up and they’re there.

They got all the details already taken cared of even before you land in China like the cell phone and SIM card. And that’s one of the many valuable things I value about Next Step China. They take care of the little things for you.

How did you feel about NSC’s tutoring program?

For me the tutoring programs really worked well because home my school doesn’t teach as much conversational mandarin. They focused more on vocabulary and grammar structure and textbook work. And so working here with a tutor I needed to speak more than in a classroom setting and that that is what I really wanted to press on. My character writing and pronunciation is fine but I don’t get a chance to speak. The private tutoring program really encouraged me to speak especially when we took excursions outside the Silk Market (retail store) I got tons of practice with my Mandarin.

How do you feel about NSC’s service?

Coming to China I didn’t really know what to expect. The website and service over the phone was great, however, you don’t know what to expect until you arrive. I was absolutely shocked when I got here, the accommodation were nice the people were amazing a staff member picked us up at the airport with a nice big sign. Everything has been fantastic!

Would you recommend the program?

I definitely recommend Next Step China to friends and anyone interested in coming to China.

Did NSC meet or exceed your expectations?

The program itself is phenomenal, it’s world class, it’s got everything you need from the technical aspect and the basic things you need in coming out to China. The thing I find most valuable about the program is that it represents a support-system and provides me with a back-up. I feel like I have a network here. Whatever I need, I can just call them up and I can have my questions answered, my problems addressed and any confusion cleared up. On top of the service that they provide and the discipline of the tutoring program, but the intangible effect that they’re a support system is what makes this program great. Whatever I need, I feel like my problems are addressed and my needs.