Learn from experts in the field of teaching Chinese as a second language via our progressive multi-leveled training platform. Professionally formatted MP3 audio cast lessons, PDF lesson transcripts, discussion forums, online HSK flash cards, glossaries, and more...

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World Learner Chinese Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is accessible in the free access sections of

the WLC Learning Center?

The free access areas of the WLC Learning Center are mainly in the open forums of the Learning Center under the “Halls of the People” section. In this section, all WLC members can take part in conversations and chat sessions revolving around topics like Chinese art, music, history, cuisine and much more. Some learning resources are available to members of this level.

2. What is included in the paid subscription packages?

A. Basic Subscription Package allows access to:

- Audiocast transcripts

- Premiere audiocasts and transcripts

- Premiere videocast and transcripts

B. Self-Study Subscription Package allows access to:

- 16 week training course materials

- Access to online “Pictionaries”

- Online flash cards

- Glossaries

- Access to all materials included in the

Conversational Subscription Package

C. Instructor Lead Package:

- This package allows students to have an

instructor assigned to assist in their language

training. Students subscribed to this package

will be assigned an instructor for up to 60

minutes a week. Instructors train students

over the P2P software “Skype.” This package

is available as an add-on to any subscriber of

the previous mentioned packages.

3. What materials are taught at the different levels of

subscription packages?

Different levels of our learning packages focus on different levels of vocabulary and grammar acquisition as published in the HSK testing standards. Topics within courses are kept short to allow for quick and constant repetition of materials taught. Please keep in mind that our courses primarily focus on the training of oral Mandarin Chinese.

4. How are the courses structured?

Vocabulary and grammar are formatted to be progressive, engaging as well as applicable instantly. Previously taught materials are seamlessly intergraded within current materials. Audiocasts and videocasts are also designed to be used as a self-paced program which also follows an intergraded review format. Self-Study course materials are also built on previous lessons. This ensures that students are not left with “learning gaps.” This structured method allows students to start-off from little or no Mandarin language training to a level where previously learnt material is retained and instantly applicable which, in turn, leads to fluency.

5. How are courses scheduled?

Remember that site subscription is free. Our audiocast and videocast subscriptions will become available directly after payment is made and confirmed. Online self-study course subscriptions will also be available directly after course payment is made and confirmed. Subscriptions which require a live instructor will start on the earliest date an instructor is available.

6. What are the accepted payment methods?

Payments are confirmed or denied by our payment gateway provider, PayPal. Through our payment gateways we are currently able to accept payment using Visa, Master and Discovery cards. Site users don’t need to pre-register with our payment gateway providers to make subscription payments.

7. How do I register for a course?

To register for a course is simple. First go to the Sign-up page and select the Subscription Type(s) you are interested in. After selecting the Subscription Type(s), you will be asked to the payment system to use. (At this point we only support subscription through the secure credit card payment system PayPal). Then, supply your Full Name, E-Mail Address, User ID and Password. At this point the system will then ask you further questions to help us understand our subscribers and offer better support. Upon completing this sign-up form you will be redirected to the PayPal secure credit card payment system. Online communications in this payment system is secured between your computer and the payment service. WLC doesn’t handle your private and personal payment information.

8. How secure are payments for WLC services?

WLC never handles personal details during payment transactions. All payment transactions are handled over “https” / “SSL” secured Internet links between a certified third-party transaction gateway service. WLC servers never store or record financial information between our users or payment gateway providers. WLC doesn’t and never will record or keep any financial details about ANY site user.

9. Is my private financial data protected during

subscription purchases?

Your privacy is of the most importance to us. WLC will never distribute or sell privately collected information to ANY private or governmental organization. WLC never handles personal financial data during payment transactions. All payment transactions are handled over “https” secured Internet links between a certified third-party transaction gateway service. WLC doesn’t and never will record or keep any financial details about any site user. (A question from a “research company”: We are doing research concerning consumer habits. Can you provide us information about your customers? WLC’s answer: NO!)

10. How is information collected and used?

When a user connects, the user provides information that discriminates he / she from other users. Our site applies the use of “Cookies” to assist in identifying site users. “Cookies” are uniquely coded text files that enclose information about a user and the web site being used on the “browser end” or “user end.” This unique file is stored in a location on your computer. This unique coded file also helps insure that you are who you are based on your user ID, password(s) and permissions. In turn, this collected information is used for logging and planning activities. This allows us to better serve those who choose to access our services.

11. I’ve already made a payment for a subscription.

Why don’t I have access to my course(s)?

In most cases, the reason someone may not have access to a course after a payment has been made would be because payment through our payment gateway providers hasn’t been received by WLC offices or the payment has been denied. If you have further questions regarding payments please contact our sales department.

12. Is there a money back guarantee?

You can rest assured that you will find our courses both informative and useful. However, for whatever reason, you feel our courses are not your cup of tea; we will refund the remaining part of your subscription in full within 7 days of your subscription purchase date.

13. Can I upgrade, downgrade or extended my paid

subscription package?

Generally downgrading a subscription package will involve a transaction cost and a partial refund of a higher level purchase. A remaining refund can be used for the full or partial payment of another course package or online special event.

14. Where are the instructors located?

Our language instructors are located in both the cities of Beijing and Taipei. Some instructors have certification for teaching Chinese as a second language. All instructors have a background in teaching English or Chinese as a foreign language.

15. Why are “Traditional Chinese” characters taught

as well?

Traditional Chinese is taught in our courses to help students become, at least, familiar with this character form. Although a student may be more interested in learning one form over the other, the Traditional Chinese character form can later help a student better understand the “root” of a character. Another point to mention is the “target area” a student may be planning to use Chinese. Traditional Chinese is still used in Hong Kong, Macau Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities. If a student plans to do further studies in mainland China, he or she should concentrate more on Simplified Chinese characters. If a student is planning to work or do business in Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan, this student should consider concentrating on learning Traditional Chinese characters. Today Traditional Chinese characters are the preferred writing form for research in the fields of history and literary sciences. By making both written forms present a student has more of a choice within their study plan.

16. What are the technical specifications to enjoy the

site features?

Technical specifications for users who only want to take part in the forums are minimal. However, for those who would like to have a more pleasant experience, see the suggested guidelines below:

a. Internet connection: 512 Kbps or above. Note that

forums or courses that include video will be poor or

not viewable at lower speeds.

b. Screen resolution: at least 800 x 600.

c. Half-duplex sound card.

d. An Internet browser with “Cookies” enabled. Users

with browser without Cookies enabled will not be able

to access the site. The latest “Java” and “Flash”

plug-ins as well as Windows Media, QuickTime Player

or compatible player must be installed.

17. I can’t log into the site. What is wrong?

What should I do?

The reason for not being able to login can be as simple as using the incorrect ID and Password to more technical browser settings issues like not enabling the acceptance of “Cookies” within your browser. Please check if you are using the correct ID and Password as well as being able to accept “Cookies” within your browser. Also check to see if there are any Firewall setting(s) that at are preventing you from accessing our site. If you are still having problems, please contact our Tech Support staff (tech[at]worldlearner.com) and explain who you are as well as describing your login issue. Remember to also send us alterative means to contact you.

18. What are audiocasts, videocasts or podcasts?

Audio or video files posted on a network for streaming or direct download are generally called audiocasts or videocasts. These digital files are formatted mostly in the Windows Media, QuickTime or RealPlayer media formats. These file formats can be made for distribution on media playback devices like MP3 players, Creative Technology’s ZEN player or Apple’s iPod. With the popularity of Apple’s iTunes media portal, files made for download via this portal became known as “podcasts.” iTunes client software provided direct downloading into Apple’s portable iPod media playback devices. With the advent of devices like Apple’s iPod, media of these formats are becoming a convenient and popular way to transport almost any audio and video content.