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TCML-New York Taiwan Center : FAQ & Policies

  • March 27, 2025
  • Posted by: TCML NYTC
  • Category: News
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FAQ

1. Class Placement & Trial Class

1-1 How do I know which level is right for me?

  • For new students:
    After you submit the registration form and pay the $20 registration fee via PayPal, you will receive a screening test 2 weeks before the semester starts. The test will assess your listening and reading proficiency, and you can complete it at home. Based on your results, we will guide you in selecting the most appropriate level for you.

  • For returning students:
    When filling out the registration form, please indicate in the “screening test” section whether you would like to take the test again. If yes, you will receive a screening test 2 weeks before the semester starts.

If you feel the class level isn’t the right fit after the first session, we can help you switch to a different level, if space allows.

  • Screening tests are only offered for Spring and Fall semesters.
  • If you register for Mandarin 101 or 102 and have never taken a formal Chinese class before, you do not need to complete the screening test.

1-2 Can I try a class before committing?

Yes! Your first trial class is free. However, to attend a trial class:

  1. You must fill out the registration form and indicate which class you’d like to try.
  2. You must pay the $20 registration fee to process your trial class request.
    Note: This fee is non-refundable.

2. Course Materials & Attendance

2-1 Do I need to purchase the textbook in advance?

No, textbooks and handouts are provided at no extra cost in class. We use the “來學華語” (Let’s Learn Mandarin) series along with supplementary materials.

2-2 What should I do if I miss a class?

If you miss a class, please inform your instructor. The instructor will provide the necessary class materials for review. However, please note that we do not offer refunds or credits for missed classes.

3. Payment & Registration

3-1 How can I pay for the course?

  • For new students:
    A $20 registration fee is required to complete enrollment. You can pay this fee via PayPal.
    Tuition can be paid by cash or check, either before the semester starts or on the first day of class.

  • For returning students:
    Tuition must be paid before the semester starts or on the first day of class.

3-2 How to make a payment:

You can pay by check either by mailing it or by visiting the Taiwan Center in person during office hours.

Mail Payment:

  • Make checks payable to: Taiwan Center
  • In the check memo, write: [Your Name], TCML Tuition
  • Mail your check to:
    Taiwan Center
    137-44 Northern Blvd.
    Flushing, NY 11354
    Attn: TCML

In-Person Payment:

You can also make your payment in person during the Taiwan Center’s office hours:

  • Monday – Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Wednesday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

4. Cultural Programs & Private Lessons

4-1 Are there additional cultural workshops?

Yes! We host cultural workshops throughout the year on Taiwanese food, festivals, traditional arts, and more. You’ll receive event details during the semester.

4-2 Do you offer private lessons?

Currently, we only offer group classes and do not provide private lessons.

5. Writing System & Pronunciation

5-1 What writing system and pronunciation guide do you use?

At TCML-New York Taiwan Center, we teach Traditional Chinese characters and use Pinyin as the primary pronunciation system in our curriculum.

5-2 Why does TCML-New York Taiwan Center use Pinyin instead of Zhuyin?

Zhuyin is an efficient way to represent Mandarin sounds, but it requires more time and effort to memorize. Most institutes in the U.S. use Pinyin, a Romanization system that is easier for American students to learn and adopt.

It’s important to note that both Pinyin and Zhuyin are tools to assist with pronunciation—they are not replacements for the Chinese writing system. Students should aim to read directly from Chinese characters rather than relying on Pinyin or Zhuyin. Once you have mastered the correct pronunciation of a character, you won’t need either system anymore. The ultimate goal is to read Chinese characters fluently without any phonetic aids.

 

Tuition Refund Policy

1. Eligibility for Refunds

Refunds are granted based on the timing of withdrawal from the program. The refund amount depends on how far into the session the withdrawal occurs.

2. Refund Schedule

  • The $20 registration fee is non-refundable.

  • No refunds are available for the Summer semester due to its shorter duration.

Withdrawal Timeframe Tuition Refund Amount Plan for Application
Before the first class 100% Full refund if withdrawal happens before the first class (Saturday).
During the first week 75% 75% refund if withdrawal happens during the first week’s classes but before the second week’s in-person class (Saturday).
During the second week 50% 50% refund if withdrawal happens during the second week’s classes but before the third week’s in-person class (Saturday).
During the third week 25% 25% refund if withdrawal happens during the third week’s classes but before the fourth week’s in-person class (Saturday).
After the third week No refund No refund after the third week of the course (after attending 3 in-person classes and 3 online classes).

Note: 1 week of classes consists of 2 hours in-person (Saturday) + 1 hour online (Tuesday or Wednesday).

3. Special Circumstances

Refunds outside the standard schedule may be considered in cases of:

  • Medical emergencies (doctor’s note required)
  • Relocation (proof of move required)
  • Military deployment (official orders required)
  • Program cancellation by TCML-New York Taiwan Center (full refund)

4. Process for Requesting a Refund

  • Submit a written refund request via email to mandarin@nytaiwancenter.org.
  • Attach any supporting documentation if applying for a special exception.
  • Refunds will be processed within 14 business days upon approval.