I WANT TO TRAVEL TO OTHER CITIES DURING/AFTER STUDYING CHINESE AT KEATS, WILL KEATS HELP ME PLAN THE TRIP?
Yes, your advisor at Keats will help you book flight tickets and hotel rooms if needed. If you want to study Chinese at different places in China, Keats now has 9 locations across Yunnan so that you can live in different places to learn Chinese through the intensive one-on-one Chinese course while diving into the local cultures. You don’t have to rush to each place for traveling. Instead, you learn Chinese right at these stunningly beautiful places in China. We suggest a combination of different places to really enjoy your vacation in China. For example, you can study Chinese in Kunming for 3 weeks, and then study Chinese in Dali for 2 weeks, etc.
We also offer travel programs for you and your family. The Study + Tour program combines the one-on-one language program in Kunming and trips to other places in Yunnan. If you take Mandarin lessons at Keats headquarter in Kunming and your family/friends would like join in for the trip in Yunnan, this is the perfect program for you.
WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD I BRING?
This is the Practical Manual for New Students. It offers a list of suggested items to bring. You are also welcome to email us if you have any specific questions.
CAN I USE MY CREDIT CARD WHILE SHOPPING IN KUNMING?
Most stores in Kunming do not accept foreign credit card payments. It would be better if you pay cash when you buy things in China. More and more people are using apps like WeChat and Alipay to purchase their goods. You can open a Chinese bank account and link it to your WeChat or Alipay account so that you can make payments using your mobile phone. Your advisor can take you to open a Chinese bank account if you need.
CAN I DRINK TAP WATER WHEN I LEARN CHINESE IN CHINA AT KEATS?
In China, we do not drink tap water. In each dorm room, we provide a water dispenser. You can order bottled water from us at RMB 15/bottle. Check out Keats’s housing options here.
WHAT CAN I DO DURING THE WEEKENDS?
The school offers free excursions on Saturday and paid excursions on Sunday. Students are welcome to sign up for these trips. Check out a list of things to do after class. If you are curious about ancient Yunnan, you can check out the intensive one-on-one Chinese program in which you can learn Chinese in China at 9 different locations across Yunnan province in China.
WHAT DO THE CHINESE LANGUAGE LEARNING STUDENTS DO DURING THEIR SPARE TIME?
Some students stay in their rooms or the library doing their homework; some students go out to explore the city; some students do their volunteer work if they sign up for the Volunteer in China program.
Keats organizes the following activities each week:
Tuesday evening: Movie night
Wednesday evening: Language exchange. You can practice your Chinese speaking skills with native Chinese people.
Thursday evening: Chinese culture night. Keats offers Chinese cultural activities such as Chinese paper-cutting, Chinese tea tasting, Chinese painting, card games, mahjong, Yunnan coffee, etc.
Friday evening: Local food sampling. We organize group dinners at restaurants every Friday night to try local food.
Saturday: Free Excursions
Sunday: Paid Excursions
Do the locals in Kunming speak their own dialect more than they speak Mandarin?
Kunming has its own dialect, but everywhere in China has its own dialect. Many Chinese people find it very hard to understand the Beijing dialect
WILL KEATS PROVIDE ME ACCOMMODATION?
Yes, the prices for all the programs listed on our website include accommodation (single room with private bathroom) except the online Chinese course. Therefore, you don’t have to look for your own accommodation. The rooms are in one building with the classrooms. It is very safe and convenient to live in school. The rooms at Keats are usually fully booked. Make sure to check the course availability before you sign up.
I WILL FIND MY OWN ACCOMMODATION. CAN I TAKE THE ONE-ON-ONE CHINESE LESSONS ONLY AT KEATS SCHOOL?
Yes, it is possible to learn Mandarin at Keats School without accommodation. For students who do not live in the school, the hourly rate for the one-on-one lessons is US$30; the hourly rate for the small group class is US$27. If you need help with the visa, the minimum number of hours of the course to be eligible for a student visa is 20 hours a week. The length of the visa will match the length of the program you take at Keats. We are unable to provide a long-term visa with a short period of the program.
I’M A VEGETARIAN. WILL KEATS SCHOOL’S CHEF ACCOMMODATE TO MY NEEDS?
Yes, we provide 4 to 5 dishes each meal for our students. We provide options for vegetarians and vegans as well.
WILL KEATS SCHOOL HELP ME OBTAIN A VISA?
Yes, after we receive the full tuition fee for the entire course through bank transfer, we will send you the supporting visa documents on behalf of Keats School so you can apply for a student visa in your country. The express mail delivery fee is USD 86.
DO I NEED A VISA TO TAKE THE CHINESE LANGUAGE PROGRAM IN CHINA AT KEATS SCHOOL?
From November 30, 2024, citizens of the following 40 countries and territories can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in China:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Thailand
If the Chinese language program you take at Keats is longer than 4 weeks, then we can send you the necessary documents to apply for a student visa that can cover your entire stay at Keats.
I WANT TO STUDY AT KEATS SCHOOL. HOW LONG IN ADVANCE SHOULD I APPLY?
For summer studies, the rooms are usually fully booked half a year in advance. For spring, fall and winter, students are suggested to register at least 2 months in advance to secure the teachers and rooms at Keats. This also leaves you enough time to apply for a Chinese visa. Please make sure to check the course availability with us before you apply.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN CHINESE IN CHINA AT KEATS SCHOOL?
Keats School accepts cash, bank transfer and credit card payment. You can check out payment methods here.
What is Keats refund policy?
After the full payment is made and the visa is issued, if it is not the school’s reason to cancel the course, the tuition fee cannot be refunded. Once you start the program, the academic advisor will actively track your satisfaction with your program. We will make adjustments to meet your requirements so that you think your investment worth what you get. If you need to stop the program for family reasons or any other urgent issues, we will keep your tuition fee and you will not lose your tuition fee. You can come back to use it anytime in the future.
CAN I CONTINUE USING MY OWN CHINESE TEXTBOOKS THAT I HAVE BEEN USING AT HOME?
Yes, please bring your textbooks to Keats School and prepare a copy/book for your teacher when you arrive so that your teacher can prepare the lessons according to your level and your learning goals.
WHAT TEXTBOOKS DO YOU USE AT KEATS SCHOOL?
If you are a beginner, we use “Essential Chinese” published by Keats School which contains useful and practical words and phrases. If you are at intermediate or advanced, we use “New Practical Chinese Reader”, “Boya Chinese” , “Speed-up Chinese” , “Developing Chinese” depending on your levels and learning goals. After you arrive, you will meet your teacher to discuss about your learning requirements and goals, and your teacher will select one text book that is suitable for your level and learning goals. Your teacher(s) will also prepare supplementary materials to comply with your studies.
If you choose the HSK Preparation Course, we use the “HSK Standard Course” and various HSK exercise books.
I AM A BEGINNER AND I WANT TO LEARN TO SPEAK CHINESE WELL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK IT WILL TAKE TO ACHIEVE MY GOAL?
If you are a beginner and have not studied Chinese before, a minimum of 12 weeks’ Chinese language study at Keats School will help you master the basic understanding of Mandarin and basic conversations, such as booking hotel rooms, making Chinese friends, ordering food in restaurants, asking for directions, talking about hobbies and personal experiences, etc.
If you have a higher level of Chinese learning goals such as reading newspapers, watching TV shows, watching Chinese movies, talking about social issues, and if you have longer time available, we would recommend you take a 20-week or 24-week intensive Mandarin course to help you achieve a lower/upper intermediate level.
I AM FROM A NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRY. MY ENGLISH IS NOT VERY GOOD. CAN I STUDY AT KEATS?
You are welcome to study at Keats. If you only know a little English, you can still study at Keats. English is just a tool we use to teach Chinese. However, in order to create an all Chinese language environment, we will use as less English as possible to help our students learn Chinese. We have helped many non-English speakers to master the Chinese language.
Will I get any certificate at the end of the program?
Yes, we provide a program certificate for all courses we offer. You will receive a certificate at the end of your program, stating how many hours of Mandarin lessons you will have completed.
When do the small group classes start?
If you are not a beginner, you can arrive on any Sunday and start your classes on Monday. Beginner class starts once a month. For the exact small group class starting dates, you can check out the Small Group Chinese Classes.
Would it be possible to sit in one of the group classes to get a feel for how they go?
How many students in one group Chinese class?
In order to ensure the best learning experience, there are no more than 6 students in one class so that the teacher has enough attention for each student. Each student will have more opportunities to practice their speaking skills.
I WANT TO TRAVEL TO OTHER CITIES DURING/AFTER STUDYING CHINESE AT KEATS, WILL KEATS HELP ME PLAN THE TRIP?
Yes, your advisor at Keats will help you book flight tickets and hotel rooms if needed. If you want to study Chinese at different places in China, Keats now has 9 locations across Yunnan so that you can live in different places to learn Chinese through the intensive one-on-one Chinese course while diving into the local cultures. You don’t have to rush to each place for traveling. Instead, you learn Chinese right at these stunningly beautiful places in China. We suggest a combination of different places to really enjoy your vacation in China. For example, you can study Chinese in Kunming for 3 weeks, and then study Chinese in Dali for 2 weeks, etc.
We also offer travel programs for you and your family. The Study + Tour program combines the one-on-one language program in Kunming and trips to other places in Yunnan. If you take Mandarin lessons at Keats headquarter in Kunming and your family/friends would like join in for the trip in Yunnan, this is the perfect program for you.
WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD I BRING?
This is the Practical Manual for New Students. It offers a list of suggested items to bring. You are also welcome to email us if you have any specific questions.
CAN I USE MY CREDIT CARD WHILE SHOPPING IN KUNMING?
Most stores in Kunming do not accept foreign credit card payments. It would be better if you pay cash when you buy things in China. More and more people are using apps like WeChat and Alipay to purchase their goods. You can open a Chinese bank account and link it to your WeChat or Alipay account so that you can make payments using your mobile phone. Your advisor can take you to open a Chinese bank account if you need.
CAN I DRINK TAP WATER WHEN I LEARN CHINESE IN CHINA AT KEATS?
In China, we do not drink tap water. In each dorm room, we provide a water dispenser. You can order bottled water from us at RMB 15/bottle. Check out Keats’s housing options here.
WHAT CAN I DO DURING THE WEEKENDS?
The school offers free excursions on Saturday and paid excursions on Sunday. Students are welcome to sign up for these trips. Check out a list of things to do after class. If you are curious about ancient Yunnan, you can check out the intensive one-on-one Chinese program in which you can learn Chinese in China at 9 different locations across Yunnan province in China.
WHAT DO THE CHINESE LANGUAGE LEARNING STUDENTS DO DURING THEIR SPARE TIME?
Some students stay in their rooms or the library doing their homework; some students go out to explore the city; some students do their volunteer work if they sign up for the Volunteer in China program.
Keats organizes the following activities each week:
Tuesday evening: Movie night
Wednesday evening: Language exchange. You can practice your Chinese speaking skills with native Chinese people.
Thursday evening: Chinese culture night. Keats offers Chinese cultural activities such as Chinese paper-cutting, Chinese tea tasting, Chinese painting, card games, mahjong, Yunnan coffee, etc.
Friday evening: Local food sampling. We organize group dinners at restaurants every Friday night to try local food.
Saturday: Free Excursions
Sunday: Paid Excursions
Do the locals in Kunming speak their own dialect more than they speak Mandarin?
Kunming has its own dialect, but everywhere in China has its own dialect. Many Chinese people find it very hard to understand the Beijing dialect
WILL KEATS PROVIDE ME ACCOMMODATION?
Yes, the prices for all the programs listed on our website include accommodation (single room with private bathroom) except the online Chinese course. Therefore, you don’t have to look for your own accommodation. The rooms are in one building with the classrooms. It is very safe and convenient to live in school. The rooms at Keats are usually fully booked. Make sure to check the course availability before you sign up.
I WILL FIND MY OWN ACCOMMODATION. CAN I TAKE THE ONE-ON-ONE CHINESE LESSONS ONLY AT KEATS SCHOOL?
Yes, it is possible to learn Mandarin at Keats School without accommodation. For students who do not live in the school, the hourly rate for the one-on-one lessons is US$30; the hourly rate for the small group class is US$27. If you need help with the visa, the minimum number of hours of the course to be eligible for a student visa is 20 hours a week. The length of the visa will match the length of the program you take at Keats. We are unable to provide a long-term visa with a short period of the program.
I’M A VEGETARIAN. WILL KEATS SCHOOL’S CHEF ACCOMMODATE TO MY NEEDS?
Yes, we provide 4 to 5 dishes each meal for our students. We provide options for vegetarians and vegans as well.
WILL KEATS SCHOOL HELP ME OBTAIN A VISA?
Yes, after we receive the full tuition fee for the entire course through bank transfer, we will send you the supporting visa documents on behalf of Keats School so you can apply for a student visa in your country. The express mail delivery fee is USD 86.
DO I NEED A VISA TO TAKE THE CHINESE LANGUAGE PROGRAM IN CHINA AT KEATS SCHOOL?
From November 30, 2024, citizens of the following 40 countries and territories can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in China:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Thailand
If the Chinese language program you take at Keats is longer than 4 weeks, then we can send you the necessary documents to apply for a student visa that can cover your entire stay at Keats.
I WANT TO STUDY AT KEATS SCHOOL. HOW LONG IN ADVANCE SHOULD I APPLY?
For summer studies, the rooms are usually fully booked half a year in advance. For spring, fall and winter, students are suggested to register at least 2 months in advance to secure the teachers and rooms at Keats. This also leaves you enough time to apply for a Chinese visa. Please make sure to check the course availability with us before you apply.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN CHINESE IN CHINA AT KEATS SCHOOL?
Keats School accepts cash, bank transfer and credit card payment. You can check out payment methods here.
What is Keats refund policy?
After the full payment is made and the visa is issued, if it is not the school’s reason to cancel the course, the tuition fee cannot be refunded. Once you start the program, the academic advisor will actively track your satisfaction with your program. We will make adjustments to meet your requirements so that you think your investment worth what you get. If you need to stop the program for family reasons or any other urgent issues, we will keep your tuition fee and you will not lose your tuition fee. You can come back to use it anytime in the future.
CAN I CONTINUE USING MY OWN CHINESE TEXTBOOKS THAT I HAVE BEEN USING AT HOME?
Yes, please bring your textbooks to Keats School and prepare a copy/book for your teacher when you arrive so that your teacher can prepare the lessons according to your level and your learning goals.
WHAT TEXTBOOKS DO YOU USE AT KEATS SCHOOL?
If you are a beginner, we use “Essential Chinese” published by Keats School which contains useful and practical words and phrases. If you are at intermediate or advanced, we use “New Practical Chinese Reader”, “Boya Chinese” , “Speed-up Chinese” , “Developing Chinese” depending on your levels and learning goals. After you arrive, you will meet your teacher to discuss about your learning requirements and goals, and your teacher will select one text book that is suitable for your level and learning goals. Your teacher(s) will also prepare supplementary materials to comply with your studies.
If you choose the HSK Preparation Course, we use the “HSK Standard Course” and various HSK exercise books.
I AM A BEGINNER AND I WANT TO LEARN TO SPEAK CHINESE WELL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK IT WILL TAKE TO ACHIEVE MY GOAL?
If you are a beginner and have not studied Chinese before, a minimum of 12 weeks’ Chinese language study at Keats School will help you master the basic understanding of Mandarin and basic conversations, such as booking hotel rooms, making Chinese friends, ordering food in restaurants, asking for directions, talking about hobbies and personal experiences, etc.
If you have a higher level of Chinese learning goals such as reading newspapers, watching TV shows, watching Chinese movies, talking about social issues, and if you have longer time available, we would recommend you take a 20-week or 24-week intensive Mandarin course to help you achieve a lower/upper intermediate level.
I AM FROM A NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRY. MY ENGLISH IS NOT VERY GOOD. CAN I STUDY AT KEATS?
You are welcome to study at Keats. If you only know a little English, you can still study at Keats. English is just a tool we use to teach Chinese. However, in order to create an all Chinese language environment, we will use as less English as possible to help our students learn Chinese. We have helped many non-English speakers to master the Chinese language.
Will I get any certificate at the end of the program?
Yes, we provide a program certificate for all courses we offer. You will receive a certificate at the end of your program, stating how many hours of Mandarin lessons you will have completed.
When do the small group classes start?
If you are not a beginner, you can arrive on any Sunday and start your classes on Monday. Beginner class starts once a month. For the exact small group class starting dates, you can check out the Small Group Chinese Classes.
Would it be possible to sit in one of the group classes to get a feel for how they go?
How many students in one group Chinese class?
In order to ensure the best learning experience, there are no more than 6 students in one class so that the teacher has enough attention for each student. Each student will have more opportunities to practice their speaking skills.
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OVER 7300+ STUDENTS HAVE STUDIED AT KEATS

Jade | UK & Mauritius
Small Group Chinese Class
I think the Chinese learning environment here is great. The teaching methods are also very interactive and fun. What I particularly enjoy here is the fact that my teacher does not stick to the textbook. We spend a lot of time discussing general topics, such as Chinese culture, world news, typical expressions used by local people. We also discuss social and economic topics.

Nicholas | Canada
Intensive One-on-One Chinese Classes
At Keats, I have a lot of opportunities to practice what I have learned. I really like this school, because I can learn Chinese in one-on-one style, so I think this is the best immersion program in China and my teacher is the best teacher. I feel that without my teacher, my Chinese will definitely not improve so much. I’m very happy because, at Keats, I have improved my Chinese significantly.

Hilary | USA
Intensive One-on-One Chinese Classes
I’ve had a really great time here. I’ve studied a lot with my teacher who was fantastic. Keats School tried very hard to match its students with really good teachers that their personality works very well together. I really enjoy studying Chinese at Keats and I will definitely come back.

Mike | Australia
Small Group Chinese Class
I think Kunming is a great city, the weather is really good. I really like Keats school and found it is very organized. The teachers here are very good. They have a coffee shop and new classrooms, a new lounge area here now, so you can chill out with your friends and practice your spoken Chinese with natives. If you’re considering coming to Keats to study, I would really recommend it. It’s the best place to learn Mandarin and I think it will be a great experience for you.

Alibaba | USA
Intensive One-on-One Chinese Classes
Kunming is a fantastic city. The weather here is great. The school is excellent. The instructors are very helpful, very friendly. I strongly recommend that anybody who is looking for a Chinese language school in China come here to study. Kunming and Keats school are much better than any other place.

Kim | UK
Intensive One-on-One Chinese Classes
I’ve had an amazing time at Keats. I am amazed at how much I’ve learned over the last 3 weeks and I will be really sad to go. We are already planning on our next trip of coming back because we had such a fantastic time here. They really tailor the Chinese language course to you and your individual needs.

Rients | Netherlands
Small Group Chinese Class
Kunming is a great place to learn Chinese in China because not many Chinese on the street speak English. Keats has been a great school for me and a lot of other foreigners who studied in China recommended it to me. I think they are all right. The study method here is really structured. They make learning Chinese really easy. There are also a lot of cultural and natural places to visit.

Faith | UK
Intensive One-on-One Chinese Classes
I have 2 teachers, and I do 4 hours a day. So I have got Dong Laoshi and Jin Laoshi. Both of them are very good. They made the experience very nice to me. They are willing to help you whenever, so if you ever have a question here, the teachers are always there to help you whether it is visas, whether it is getting around the city. Everyone wants to talk to you.