Chinese Talker

About our curriculum

How is Chinese Talker different from other online Chinese lessons?

AWe are different in that our teachers are qualified teachers that work from our offices in Vancouver, BC. Unlike other online schools that use freelance teachers working from home, our teachers are professionally trained and monitored resulting in a superior learning experience. Also being based in Vancouver, Canada there are no issues with time differences and telecommunications for customers in North America. Additionally at CT we offer the choice of lessons being offered via telephone as well as other web conferencing means (e.g. Skype, MSN Live etc.) to ensure absolute voice clarity and reliability. Many of our competitors offer classes only via Skype which may not be as clear and reliable.

What dialect of Chinese language will I learn?

AYou will learn standard Mandarin which is the official modern Chinese spoken language used by the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan). Mandarin is also one of the four official languages of Singapore. We also offer Cantonese lessons on a limited basis upon request.

How quickly will I learn?

AMost lessons are complete within ten 50 minute lessons. As our teaching methodology is based on practical applications you will see immediate results from your first lesson onwards.

Will I get a certificate after the course?

AYes if you wish we will provide you with a printed completion certificate that will be sent by post.

Can I have free trial lesson?

AWe do not offer free trial lessons. Instead we offer a low-cost trial-course system. Our teaching methodology is effective and proven.

Is there any extra charge for the lesson materials?

ANo, we never add any extra hidden charges to our courses.

Can I change courses?

AYes at any time. We will apply remaining course credits from cancelled courses to the new course. Please talk to customer support for more details.

Online Communications / Technical support

What do I need to take online lessons?

AEither a computer or a telephone. Since we offer lessons via both phone OR web conferencing you can may not need a computer to take our lessons. At the very minimum as long as can print out the lesson materials and access a telephone, you may take our classes.

What kind of software will I need for the online lessons?

AAll you need is either Microsoft Powerpoint, a web browser (Microsoft IE or Firefox) or Adobe Acrobat Reader. We provide lesson materials in either PowerPoint, in an html slide or in printable Adobe Acrobat.

What are my options for voice communication?

AWe provide voice options via regular landline telephone, Skype or other webconferencing software such as MSN Live Messenger. Please inquire with us if you use any other packages such as GotoMeeting or WebEx.

What is Skype or MSN Live Messenger?

AThese are two popular methods of allowing for peer-to-peer voice communication for free. The quality of the voice communication may vary. Please refer to http://www.skype.com or http://webmessenger.msn.com/ for more details.

How do I type Chinese character?

AYou will not need to type Chinese characters in our lessons. Our lessons are focused on speaking and recognition of characters.

Lesson scheduling

How many lessons can I schedule in advance?

AYou can schedule as many as you want in the specific order of the course you take.

How do I cancel and/or reschedule my lessons?

AYou may cancel or reschedule lessons as long as we are notified a minimum of 24 hours before the lesson is scheduled to begin. Full charge will be applied to no shows. Talk to the support centre about any concerns.

Can I choose a specific instructor for each lesson?

AUnfortunately not. Lessons are taught by the scheduled available instructor for the designated time slot. The scheduled instructor is also subject to change. Please be assured that all teachers are of the highest quality and are monitored for quality control.

What time of the day are lessons available?

AFrom 9am to 7pm (PST), Monday to Friday. If you want lessons beyond these times please contact us.

Payment / Points

What is a Point?

AA Point is our currency that can be used to purchase classes or services. Each point costs $1 to buy. On occasion we will award points to customers as a loyalty bonus, as a promotion or as a credit.

What methods of payment do you accept?

AWe accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) via Paypal. Invoices may be issued for corporate clients.

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

AWe do not offer refunds on any courses that have already commenced. If you wish to cancel a lesson you must notify us at least 24 hours prior to the start of the scheduled lesson.

Do you offer volume discounts?

AWe offer volume discounts for the purchase of more than 1000 points. Please inquire with us for more details.

Will you refund unused points?

AYes as long as the number of points is greater than 50 and were originally purchased and not awarded as a promotion. However we recommend that you use these points to purchase other services from us or to assign them to your friends or family.

My Control Panel

I forgot my login information. What should I do?

ALink to the "Forgot your password?" page.

How do I change my password?

AGo to the "Edit Profile" page on My Control Panel and you will be able to change your own password.

Other questions

Do you have corporate training services?

AYes, we offer specialized curriculums and custom pricing plans for corporations. Please inquire with our customer support center.

Do you have programs for any other languages?

AWe also offer Japanese. Other languages such as Spanish, French and Korean will be coming soon.

Do you have an affiliate program?

AYes, if you wish to be an affiliate please contact our customer support center. We are currently developing a web-based module for affiliates.

Do you have any other learning materials?

AYes, we are planning to develop a regular series of video pod casts. Enter your name and details on our enquiry form and state that you would like to receive our podcasts and other materials.