Instructor Ariel Chiu has been teaching Mandarin as a second language in Victoria, BC for over 13 years! Read what her community has to say.
“Our daughter started taking Mandarin with Ariel when she was eight years old. We have no Chinese background in our family and yet two and a half years on, she is speaking in full sentences and translating back-and-forth between Mandarin and English at the dinner table. Ariel is one of those teachers you get once in a lifetime… if you’re lucky!”
– Alysha, mother of student
“I have taken Mandarin courses at the Victoria Mandarin School since 2013. My teacher, Ariel, is very patient, insightful and knowledgeable. I look forward to each Mandarin class because I can truly say I learn something new every time I go. I highly recommend VMS if you are thinking about learning or improving your Mandarin.”
– Ray, adult student
“Our daughter began taking Mandarin lessons with Ariel when she was 3.5 years old. Now a teenager, she continues to enjoy attending classes twice a week, and she has confidence in her ability to speak and understand Mandarin when she visits China. We highly recommend Victoria Mandarin School for parents who are interested in their child learning to speak Mandarin as well as learning about Chinese culture.”
– Mike and Denyse, parents of student
“I am a physician who seeks the best educational opportunities for my children (ages four and six). I was delighted to find Ariel, and after 2 years of classes now I can say with confidence that she is the highest quality Mandarin educator I could possibly find for my children. She is remarkably skilled and very experienced. It is amazing to see my children being able to speak, write, and understand Mandarin in so little time. I would recommend her highly. It is little surprise that her classes are filled with students from the most elite private schools in town.”
– Ani, mother to two students
“Our daughter has been attending Mandarin classes with Ariel since she was 2 and a half – almost 5 years now! Using games, songs and activities, Ariel makes it fun to learn to speak, read and write in Mandarin. The different learning strategies that Ariel uses to engage with children of different ages are excellent and our daughter has always loved going to her Mandarin classes! We feel very fortunate to have found Ariel. “
– Bev, mother of student
“Our family has loved our experience with Ariel’s Mandarin classes. Ariel offers the right challenge and fun for your level.
For Chinese New Year, Ariel threw a party for all her students and families, and it was a very successful production with dumplings, red envelopes, music, and Chinese painting activities!
I started taking weekly private lessons with Ariel a few months ago, and I really look forward to them. Occasionally, Ariel lets me challenge myself by joining a group class for adults. The jokes, the laughter, and the learning are a testimony of Ariel’s teaching style. I look forward to joining the group class once I can keep up with them.
My daughter and her friend also started in a children’s class at the same time. They are learning a lot, and coming home with homework, songs and gestures – it is really cute.”
– Anissa, adult student and mother of student
“Ariel has advanced my Mandarin abilities exponentially. Ariel’s charismatic teaching style inspires her students’ progression. Her proactive teaching methods lead to rapid advancement and understanding of the language. She covers the technical aspects of Mandarin but also teaches the ‘every day’ use of the language. Ariel’s classes are very interactive and she promotes a friendly, well-structured environment in which to learn. I highly recommend Ariel as the ‘go to’ Mandarin teacher in Victoria.”
– Scott, adult student
“Ariel is an absolute gem of a teacher. She brings boundless energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to her classes, making them loads of fun. My children’s temperaments are completely different from one another but Ariel just seamlessly adapts her lessons to meet each of their strengths, interests, and development. I don’t know how she does it, but it’s a joy to watch! And it’s not just the academics – Ariel integrates cultural learning, too. The Chinese New Year Party is a highlight of the year, with this community of learners coming together to play and participate in Chinese traditions and rituals. We’re so lucky to have found Victoria Mandarin School.”
– Tracy, mother of two students
“My daughters have been attending Ariel’s Mandarin classes since age 3. Ariel has a special gift of engaging children of all ages. In the preschool classes, the children play games, role play and listen to stories in Mandarin. My little girl enjoys the interactive, fun-filled classes. For the pre-teen classes, Ariel is able to capture the children’s attention by mixing fun activities, such as making dumplings and painting Chinese water colour, with essay writing and speeches. Over the years, my daughters have learned to read simple stories, write characters and converse in Mandarin. Thank you, Ariel!”
– Janet, mother of two students
“My daughter has been taking Mandarin from Ariel for seven years. As a four year old, she enjoyed the fun, play-based learning and has moved seamlessly and confidently to the more academic reading and writing curriculum. Ariel is warm and approachable. Her classes and special events have been a constant for us, and we, as a family, are fortunate to be part of the school’s wonderful community. “
– Joni, mother of student