Boost your career in China with an online business Mandarin course

Mandarin hasn’t yet dethroned English as the lingua franca for individuals around the world; however, for anyone looking to do business with or in China, expanding your language skills to include a business Mandarin language course will give you an upper hand when communicating in the country.

China has experienced extraordinary economic growth in the past four decades, rapidly transforming itself from a poor nation into the world’s second-largest economy, a global manufacturing hub, and an epicentre for trade.

The country is a global financial powerhouse. Its growing economy has led to the birth of some of the world’s most renowned companies. Alibaba, ByteDance, Huawei, and Tencent are now as popular around the world as they are back home. China is an attractive location for job seekers and companies looking East for expansion opportunities.

Language and intercultural communication play a crucial role for anyone looking to succeed in a new market. Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, which makes learning the language and cultural nous an asset for business-minded individuals.

Mastering the Mandarin language is ideal not just for individuals interested in business opportunities in China but also for those keen on understanding its people, social codes, and business affairs.

The Confucius Institute for Business London’s (CIBL) Chinese Language and Culture for Business London (CLCB) online course best exemplifies these benefits for business executives, professionals, entrepreneurs.

The online CLCB course is ideal for industry leaders across a range of industries, including banking, consulting, investment, education, and the government, who are looking to widen their arsenal of skills.

However, their academics can tailor students’ learning material based on their industry and interests, making it an ideal course for learners across all backgrounds.

CIBL was launched in 2006 and is a partnership between two prestigious institutions, LSE and Tsinghua. Both institutions are ranked in the top 30 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 — in addition to Hanban (Ministry of Education).

Further bolstering the quality of the course are five sponsoring companies that are among the world’s most prestigious and biggest multinationals: HSBC, BP, Deloitte, Swire, and Standard Chartered.

CIBL aims to promote Chinese business to the local community and foster a greater understanding of business culture in China.

Cutting through the noise to deliver the tools you need to succeed

The online CLCB is a five-month online programme delivered using a blended learning approach; where it empowers learners to communicate effectively within a Chinese business context.

The course is offered under the CIBL, in partnership with two of the world’s most renowned institutions, and is the first Confucius Institute to focus on Business Chinese in the world.

CLCB uses a mixture of standard textbooks and bespoke materials developed by course instructors for each of their students in the programme. The course attracts learners from across the globe and from many diverse industries and sectors. One of the course’s most appealing, standout qualities is that every bit of course content can be tailored to focus on a student’s specific industry and needs.

A business Mandarin course that gives insight into the Chinese culture

The programme elements include Business Mandarin, HSK Mandarin Class, Intercultural Communications, Business Masterclass. The programme culminates in an optional China study trip that provides a well-rounded student experience.

CLCB’s Business Mandarin is taught across 6 HSK levels, making it suitable for beginners and proficient speakers. The HSK system is used by Chinese educators and employers to measure foreigner’s ability in Chinese, with one being the lowest and 6 being the highest proficiency.

The Business Mandarin programme offers a combination of online and mobile learning options for learners, providing them with a flexible schedule to cater to their learning needs.

The HSK Mandarin Classes are three-hour lessons that will prepare students for the HSK exam according to their language level.

The intercultural communication element addresses the core values of Chinese culture and its communication styles. Each session covers different topics related to Chinese Business Culture; it is divided into chapters enabling students to join them at their own pace.

Students can also gain insights from industry practitioners via the Business Masterclass sessions.

The Business Masterclass sessions are recorded during live lectures hosted at LSE where the university invites guest speakers at the executive level to share their unique experiences and advice on doing business in China successfully.

The option for students to attend a two-week study trip in China not only puts theory into practice but allows learners to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the incredible country for themselves.

It entails a series of intensive Chinese language classes and cultural workshops, in addition to weekend field trips, business talks, site visits, and networking events with Chinese counterparts to get students acquainted with local movers and shakers.

At the end of the programme, students can expect to confidently converse in Mandarin Chinese and understand simple texts within business contexts.

Students will develop an understanding of Chinese communication culture through its linguistic codes, core values, and communication styles, digging into topics such as “Guānxì” (relationships) and “Miànzi” (face).

They will also gain valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities in the Chinese market through a series of China Business Briefings; in addition to experiencing authentic Chinese life with the optional funded study trip at China’s top and most prestigious institution.

A comprehensive business Mandarin course for busy professionals

Alternatively, learners will also have the option to enrol in the CLCB full course at LSE’s campus in London, which is a more comprehensive, 10-month long course delivered using a blended learning approach.

The course not only covers the Chinese language but provides management and intercultural communication training to ensure you gain an in-depth knowledge of doing business with China.

This CLCB course is offered via hybrid-format learning, combining structured classroom learning with online catch-up sessions.

Networking is a key component of this course, with numerous lectures and events designed to optimise students’ learning experience and networking opportunities.

From China Business Briefings to festival celebrations, CLCB students have the unique privilege to connect with experienced business leaders, native speakers, as well as like-minded people interested in China.

Learning is also highly tailored to suit each learner — students have a personalised digital platform where they can find interactive learning materials along with content relevant to them, from their respective industries. Not unlike the online CLCB, the course also culminates with a funded study trip to China for two weeks.

Enhancing one’s employability

CIBL UK director Dr Catherine Xiang explained that there are many benefits to the programme, chiefly that learning a second language can greatly enhance one’s competitive edge in the job market and long-term job prospects.

CLCB student Alex Man, who works with Mediuuk Ltd and Doc-OneStop Ltd, explained that he was attracted to the course not just to beef up his Mandarin but to also gain exposure to the Chinese culture.

Gabriel Luraschi, who works with HSBC, decided to study Chinese as he believes it will unlock numerous opportunities for him.

Both the online CLCB and 10-month CLCB course starts on a rolling basis in March and October each year; this years’ application deadline falls on Feb. 19, 2021.

The university also hosts several events for students that covers a vast area of topics, bet it talks by seasoned professionals to conferences that provide students with invaluable networking opportunities with academics and business leaders. Prospective students can also get a taste of the CLCB programme via CIBL’s week-long online taster session where students can experience all the CLCB features for free.

Without a doubt, the CLCB course will equip students with the necessary skills to communicate and navigate effectively in the Chinese business context.

CIBL is offering a free, intensive taster course for learners who are considering joining the CLCB programme for both the online and on-campus options. Among the components include a CLCB induction, which gives students an overview of the CLCB programme; a two-hour Mandarin class for beginners; as well as a one-on-one session with one of CIBL’s teachers to know more about the programme.

To find out more about the programme, contact Executive Education Advisor and Community Manager Martina Zuccarella at m.zuccarella@lse.ac.uk or request a free one-to-one consultation.