How do you turn a city into a classroom?
On a bright and curious day in Shanghai, 14 design students from L’École de design Nantes Atlantique – China Studio stepped beyond the four walls of a classroom and dove into the city’s vibrant streets, historic buildings, and authentic daily life. The goal? To practice real-life Mandarin while gathering design inspiration from the city’s rich cultural fabric.
Mandarin in Action: Ordering with Confidence
At a lively local restaurant and a cozy café, the students put their Mandarin to the test. They ordered food and drinks on their own, interacting with staff in natural conversations. What began with hesitation quickly turned into confident exchanges. This wasn’t just language learning—it was living the language. Each dish and every order became a stepping stone toward fluency.
Learning from Shanghai’s Architecture
We then stepped into the past—exploring Shikumen lane houses and László Hudec’s modernist masterpieces. These architectural gems became the students’ open-air classroom. As they sketched, observed, and discussed materials and forms, they didn’t just learn about buildings—they absorbed the story of Shanghai through its spaces. This hands-on exploration gave them cultural depth and fresh insights for their future design work.
Beyond the International Bubble
Winding through Shanghai’s old neighborhoods, far from the polished skyscrapers and tourist trails, students encountered a side of the city where tradition still thrives. They saw how daily life unfolds in quiet alleyways, how residents blend old customs with modern routines. These moments gave them a richer, more grounded understanding of the city—and of China.
Shanghai as a Language Lab and Design Studio
This wasn’t just a tour or a class. It was immersive learning—blending language practice, cultural insight, and creative exploration. By the end of the day, the students had not only practiced Mandarin in real-world settings but also filled their sketchbooks and minds with ideas for upcoming projects.
Make Mandarin Work for You
Are you a designer, entrepreneur, or professional looking to connect Mandarin with your career? At Mandarin Plus, we create customized learning experiences that go beyond textbooks—bringing language to life through real-world practice tailored to your profession.
Let’s turn your field into your classroom.
Book a custom Mandarin experience or contact me to learn more.
