Student Spotlight: Khyber B.

Where did you hear about LanguageBird and why did you choose this program?

I heard about LanguageBird through my school – Stanford Online High School (OHS). Some of my classmates take their language requirements through LanguageBird. I was taking Mandarin in high school but was looking for extra help and someone to talk in Mandarin with outside of the classroom. I live on a remote ranch and there isn’t anyone near me that speaks Mandarin. LanguageBird matched me with Biyin Xiao, and I have been learning with her regularly for over a year and a half!

What language did you take and who was your Instructor?

Mandarin Chinese with Biyin Xiao

What recommendations do you have for future LanguageBird students?

I think I would say just to dive in whether you are taking a class for credit or looking for extra tutoring help. I really look forward to my classes with my instructor, and I like having someone to help me with my lessons outside of class. More than help, I have also learned so much from her about Chinese culture. It’s nice to be one-to-one with my tutor, as I feel more invested in the language. She often shows me videos and shares slides on modern China, which I find very interesting because it feels more personal and not like a textbook.

How do you plan to use your new language skills?

I am not sure, but I may want to be a teacher and be able to use my Mandarin language skills in a foreign environment! I also love learning a culture through language so I may continue studying Mandarin in college. I was also adopted from Pakistan, so I know that I want to travel to that part of the world someday.

How did LanguageBird support your learning goals?

My instructor is always so eager to help me whether it is with my assigned lessons or thinking of projects that help me keep up with my Mandarin during school vacations and summer break. I’m so much more comfortable speaking Mandarin because I have my instructor to work with every week. I also think my accent has gotten so much better because I have a native speaker to practice with.

Describe your favorite part of your LanguageBird program.

I love meeting with my instructor because she lives in Shanghai and she often tells me things about her culture or shows me pictures or videos that are so different from mine! It is such a wonderful way to learn about China and until I get a chance to go there in person – learning with her is the next best thing.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience?

I didn’t know how much I was going to enjoy learning Mandarin with LanguageBird. My instructor makes my lessons fun and interesting and I look forward to meeting with her every week. I have improved so much through LanguageBird and developed a true love for the Chinese language and culture!