PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin in collaboration with the St. Maarten Chinese Community Foundation is offering a course in Basic Mandarin.
St. Maarten is an international island; people from near and far have made this island their home. A case in point is the Chinese with their elaborate language, rituals and culture. To further the harmonious living together, USM and the St. Maarten Chinese Community Foundation saw the need to educate the residents of St. Maarten on Mandarin which is the official language of the People's Republic of China.
The Hospitality Industry stakeholders are in the process of initiating marketing efforts geared towards the Chinese market. USM will function as a platform to prepare persons to better engage cross-culturally with these new Chinese tourists to the island.
This two months course is considered a pilot and a symbol of the intention to make St. Maarten hospitable to the People's Republic of China.
Tuition fees to participate in such course will usually be over $800; however the charge to participate in this course will only be $200. The largest part of the tuition is covered by the Chinese Merchants Association as their contribution to the St. Maarten society.
The course will be led by instructors Mr. Linguyn Gao, Mr. Steven Huang and Ms. Isabella Lu.
They will employ a style of language learning familiar among diplomats who need to be conversational in Two months.
Classes are scheduled to commence on April 8 to June 5, 2015. Classes are held every Wednesday and Friday from 7:00 – 8:30pm at USM. Persons interested in participating can visit the USM Student Service Center, call 542-5171 or e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
