Our Work > Support > Chinese Language Learning

The Chinese Language Team's purpose is to assist all Evergreen personnel in learning the Chinese language so they can function effectively and professionally in their areas of service, build relationships with Chinese people using the vernacular, and enjoy a degree of belonging in the Chinese culture.

Since Evergreen is a professional organization which brings into China qualified professionals with the skills and experience necessary to contribute to China's development, the level of Chinese language proficiency required to carry out this kind of cooperation is very high. Therefore, from the beginning, Evergreen has set high language requirements for all its members. Each Evergreen volunteer spends from two to three years focusing exclusively on Chinese language study, with equal emphasis on reading, writing, speaking, and understanding Mandarin Chinese.

After preliminary basic language study, Evergreen members continue studying Chinese with tutors. Evergreen's goals cannot be accomplished without comprehensive and excellent Chinese language ability. The tremendous effort expended in mastering Chinese is a small price to pay in exchange for the privilege of living, serving, and belonging in China.