[groovergreen]

I'm coming to HK in Feb '07 for an intensive course in Cantonese. But which one should I choose --- Chinese Uni of HK, or the HK Language Learning Centre? Have any of you studied Canto or Mandarin at either of these schools, and can you recommend them? I'd like to know about attitude of the teachers, quality of the study materials, emphasis on speaking the language immediately rather than translating things out of English, fairness of the fees ... and, perhaps, social opportunities (I'll be in HK for at least a month and hope to have a few companions to hang out with).
BTW, I live in Australia now but was born in HK and feel ashamed that I can't speak anything of what is supposed to be my native language, apart from what I've picked up from Jackie Chan movies. Looking forward to twisting my tongue around those seven tones!

[littleblom]

My friend from US said CUHK was good!

[jmu]

I am enrolled in a course at HKLLC, and I highly recommend them. My teacher is very enthusiastic, and makes the course enjoyable. My course only has 3 students, so it is almost like having private lessons. This course focuses on speaking, though they offer other courses that focus on reading and writing. They provide a workbook and audio CD to study.
The website lists the course schedules and fees.
http://www.hkllc.com/

[timoki]

I've finished already 3 courses at HKLLC and can also only highly recommend it. Teachers are very good and nice. And most important they are willingly to explain things, which might seem to a normal HK-Chinese obvious.
Also their prices are very reasonable. And for me it was/is just a lot of fun to learn there . Again.. highly recommended!

[groovergreen]

Wow Timoki, THREE courses! When you completed your first course, how well were you speaking the language? Were you pretty confident about the usual day-to-day things such as transport and shopping? And could you watch TV and understand a fair chunk of what was being said?

[timoki]

ok.. first of all here the course structure:

Beginner 1,2,3,4
Intermediate A 1,2,3,4
Intermediate B 1,2,3,4
Advance 1,2,3,4

So I finished the first three beginner courses. To be frank, I already knew some Cantonese when I started the first course, so there it would was quite easy for me. The first course only gives you the very basics. So I suggest everyone to complete at least the entire beginnger course.
And I have to admit, even after having finished three courses, I still don't get much what they say on TV. Only few things. But for day-to-day stuff, like asking for way, shopping, visiting etc, I feel definately confident. And its just fun to try it out

[MrMoo]

Just started HKLLC seems nice enough, price is similar to everywhere else. A nice mix of students: Brits, Oz, Korean, Thai, Norwegian, and South African.

You get a big book and CD for each course, half time lessons from book and other half speaking. They have regular twice weekly courses: daytime & evening, intensive and crash.

[Nijntje]

I think HKCU is much better. They're more professional.

[groovergreen]

Hello everyone and thanks for your advice. I've had to put my HK trip/Cantonese study off until June/July (when I might be able to borrow an apartment) so will check out your suggestions in the meantime.