OTTAWA CHINESE LANGUAGE
& CULTURE ACADEMY
A Division of the OCLCC
We have moved to a new website! www.chineseottawa.com
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Contact us at
(613) 298-8916
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FAQ
1. Where is the OCLCC located?
Because we're comprised of only enthusiastic teachers and volunteers, we don't want to elevate costs by renting a central office / classroom. Instead, our courses are conducted at a variety of rental locations to cut cost. Currently, most courses take place at the Bronson Center (211 Bronson Ave.), 900 Dynes Road at Prince of Wales Dr., or other community centers in the downtown area. For smaller courses (eg. private tutorials and small group courses), they may take place simply in a teacher's home. We have found over the years that this has proven to be an excellent cost-cutting strategy. Indeed, compared to other language schools in Ottawa, our tuition fees (per hour of in class instruction) are 15% - 64% less.
2. I've already studied some Chinese in the past, but I don't know which course is most suitable for me. How can I find out?
As soon as you register with us (please note on the Registration Form that you are unsure which course is most suitable for you), one of our dedicated instructors will call you in order to assess your language skills by telephone. There is no written examination necessary.
3. I want to learn Chinese, but don't know whether to learn Cantonese or Mandarin. Could you provide me with some more information?
Mandarin Chinese is spoken in Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, etc. Cantonese, on the other hand, is spoken only in Canton (Guangdong) and Hong Kong. The key to remember is that Mandarin is standard Chinese while Cantonese is a dialect of Chinese. Furthermore, please note that both Mandarin and Cantonese share identical written forms.
4. I've heard that there are two forms of Chinese, simplified and traditional. What's the difference?
Traditional Chinese is the form of written Chinese that was used everywhere until the 1950's, when the Language Reform was launched in China. In an effort to cure illiteracy, the Chinese government reformed written Chinese into a simplified version which is now used in Mainland China. However, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and many overseas Chinese still use traditional Chinese. In actuality, if you are familiar with one system, it is extremely easy to pick up the other. To English or French native speakers, though, simplified characters will be much easier to start with. The OCLCC, however, offers both options.
5. I am already taking a course with the OCLCC, but something has come up and I won't be able to complete the course. Is there any way I can defer my credit to the following term?
If, due to unforseeable circumstances, a student wishes to leave in the midst of one semester and transfer his credit to the following semester, there is a minimum $75 tuition & cancellation charge, subject to when the request for transfer is made. However, the OCLCC reserves the right to accept or refuse such requests, based on availability of space in the required course.
6. I have already registered for a course, but have changed my mind. What happens now?
Cancellation requests must be made in writing. Those made prior to the second scheduled class will result in a refund of tuition & registration fees, minus a $50.00 administration (cancellation) and tuition charge. No refunds will be given for requests made after the second scheduled class has commenced.