We have had the pleasure of having an association with Pistachio Mandarin for approximately one year. We did not know any Mandarin at the time. Besides wanting to learn a 2nd language later in life, my wife wanted to learn Mandarin to support new migrants coming into NZ at her workplace who are non-English speaking. I, myself am of Chinese heritage and wanted to learn the roots of my grandparents. Lorna embellished being able to practice with customers at her Reception, meeting and greeting customers. Click here for more.
Lorna approached Pistachio, Yatchun, with a goal of learning to speak Mandarin through private lessons at a pace that would fit in and around our work and family lives.
The most important asset for any organisation is the people. We found the people we interacted with to be welcoming, patient, understanding and most knowledgeable, we immediately connected with Yatchun and felt a sense of family.
Our curriculum was bespoke and tailored to meet our requirements. The timetable was flexible and we benefitted from both in person and online tutoring. We were able to set the pace of progress by reviewing topics or subjects when necessary.
Apart from learning the language, the course also covered cultural and historical issues where appropriate. For example, we learned about the importance of the Chinese New Year and the Moon Cake Festival. This gave us a feeling of being more connected to China and her people
Covid-19 initially interrupted our face to face learning. However Yatchun set up weekly online Skype lessons, which although took out the direct contact but worked well.
Unfortunately due to Lorna leaving her job we have had to take a step back from lessons. We do look forward to resuming our classes when we gain some normality.
We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Pistachio Mandarin to anyone wishing to learn to Mandarin and highly recommend their syllabus which can be tailor made to each client.
Stan and Lorna Machine
Lorna approached Pistachio, Yatchun, with a goal of learning to speak Mandarin through private lessons at a pace that would fit in and around our work and family lives.
The most important asset for any organisation is the people. We found the people we interacted with to be welcoming, patient, understanding and most knowledgeable, we immediately connected with Yatchun and felt a sense of family.
Our curriculum was bespoke and tailored to meet our requirements. The timetable was flexible and we benefitted from both in person and online tutoring. We were able to set the pace of progress by reviewing topics or subjects when necessary.
Apart from learning the language, the course also covered cultural and historical issues where appropriate. For example, we learned about the importance of the Chinese New Year and the Moon Cake Festival. This gave us a feeling of being more connected to China and her people
Covid-19 initially interrupted our face to face learning. However Yatchun set up weekly online Skype lessons, which although took out the direct contact but worked well.
Unfortunately due to Lorna leaving her job we have had to take a step back from lessons. We do look forward to resuming our classes when we gain some normality.
We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Pistachio Mandarin to anyone wishing to learn to Mandarin and highly recommend their syllabus which can be tailor made to each client.
Stan and Lorna Machine