In this special episode, host Jared Turner takes you inside a study abroad trip to China with a group of teenagers including his two sons.

These teenagers, who have been learning Chinese for years in a dual language immersion program, finally get to put their skills to the test in the wild, navigating real-world challenges, stepping out of their comfort zones, and experiencing those "aha" moments of realizing they can truly speak Chinese!

From hilarious mishaps to triumphant conversations, these stories will inspire as you witness the magic of immersive learning.

Don’t miss this exciting episode packed with adventure, growth, and the real impact of learning Chinese!

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion graded readers
• T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion

Do you think your Chinese skills are better than they actually are? You might not be alone. This cognitive bias can cause learners to overestimate their proficiency, leading to overconfidence and potential setbacks in their language journey.

Jared and John share personal anecdotes and experiences, breaking down the stages of language learning where this effect is most prevalent. They discuss the importance of humility and realistic self-assessment in mastering Chinese, providing practical tips on how to identify and overcome overconfidence. Tune in to gain insights on how to accurately gauge your language skills, set realistic goals, and continue progressing towards genuine fluency.

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, this episode will help you navigate the challenges of self-assessment and keep your Chinese learning journey on the right track. Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion that could transform your approach to mastering Chinese!

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion

Cleopatra Wise initially had no desire to learn a foreign language but after being convinced to go to China for a class trip, her visit to Shanghai became a transformative experience that sparked her interest in learning the language. She embarked on a quest to learn Chinese which ended up with her working in Taiwan, Beijing, and later working for the Asia Society in New York. Cleopatra also shares three aspects of her experiences as a black Muslim woman living in China: being black in China, connecting with the black diaspora in China, and wearing hijab in China. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing new experiences and the profound impact that learning Chinese has had on her personal and professional life.

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion