I am the father of a teenager, Tiare, who finished school last year. He wanted to take time out to learn a language before going to university. A challenge, as he only spoke one language, English, but also because he has reduced vision. Tiare was born with severe nystagmus and Irlen Syndrome (Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome). He does not have full three dimensional vision, he cannot see much detail beyond about 3 metres, his reading/writing speed is reduced and excessive UV light from fluorescent lights or bright sunlight temporarily bleaches his vision.

Tiare is able to function normally for much of his daily life. Most people are unaware of his disability and to all intents and purposes he lives a normal life, however, he is unable to recognize faces beyond about 3 metres. In new places it takes him longer to find his way around and he is unable to read most modern electronic signs (such as those found at airports etc.) and LED screens, which appear as continuously flickering colours to him.

Tiare needed a language school where he could not only learn Mandairn, but one which would also provide additional support while he learnt his way around a new environment. We contacted various language schools in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Taiwan and explained the situation. Only one of the schools we approached was prepared to make the extra effort, LTL Mandarin School.

<a href="http://ltl-chinois.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-21.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5355" alt="Chinese language school balcony" src="http://ltl-chinois.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-21-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a>Tiare spent a total of five months attending LTL in Beijing. LTL is how a language school should be; fun and dynamic with enthusiastic teachers. It has been an exceptional experience for Tiare. Not only has he learnt to speak Mandarin to a reasonable standard, but he has also developed a rudimentary ability to read and write, of which he is very proud. (At secondary school he was preventing from learning Chinese because it was felt he would be unable to cope because of his reduced vision.) At LTL he made lots of new friends, had a lot of fun and some great experiences. Learning Mandarin and living with a home-stay family has enabled Tiare to gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese way of thinking and the culture.

As Tiare’s experience was so positive, we recently sent his 16 year old sister, Teurikan, to study Mandarin at LTL for a few weeks during her summer holidays. She went, initially somewhat reluctantly, believing the experience would be similar to learning Mandarin at school, but within a week had told us she wanted to extend. She is now back home, and like her brother, has made real progress in her learning of the language.

I thoroughly recommend LTL Mandarin School to anyone wanting to learn Mandarin and gain a better understanding of the Chinese culture.

John Horwood, Australia