If you are looking for Mandarin Chinese classes in the Inland Empire, The Ayangbah Foundation offers Conversational Mandarin Chinese, Level 1 in downtown San Bernardino on Saturdays, starting October 17, 2026. It is a beginner-friendly, speaking-first class for adults, taught in English, for $297. Can't make it in person? The same class runs live online for learners anywhere in the U.S.
A local option for adult learners
Adults in the Inland Empire who want to learn Mandarin often end up driving long distances, settling for an app, or putting it off. We wanted a practical, local option: a Saturday class in downtown San Bernardino, with a clear 8-week plan, at a price working adults can manage.
The Ayangbah Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in downtown San Bernardino, led by founder and executive director Dr. Shirley Ayangbah. We offer career and skills classes for adults, and Mandarin is one of them.
Who the class is for
- Complete beginners who have always wanted to learn Mandarin
- Professionals and small business owners who work with Mandarin speakers
- Heritage learners who want to speak more with family
- Travelers planning a trip
- Anyone who wants a new skill and a fun Saturday routine
What you will learn
Level 1 is speaking-first. You will learn:
- Pinyin, the system that writes Mandarin sounds with the Roman alphabet
- The four tones, and how to hear and say them
- Greetings and introductions
- Numbers and time
- Shopping, including asking prices
- Directions, asking and understanding them
Every class includes role-play, so you practice speaking with classmates every single week.
Getting to class
We are located at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401, in the downtown area. The in-person section meets Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Learners from across the Inland Empire, including nearby cities like Rialto, Fontana, Colton, Highland, Redlands and Riverside, can choose in person or join the live online section from home.
Prefer to learn from home?
The live online section meets Saturdays 9:00-11:00 AM Pacific (12:00-2:00 PM Eastern). It is the same Level 1 plan, the same role-play, and the same price. It is open to learners anywhere in the U.S. Read more about the online option in our post on learning Mandarin online in a speaking class.
Explore our other Saturday and evening classes
If you are building skills for work, you might also like our Excel and Office class or our QuickBooks bookkeeping class. See everything on the class schedule.
Class details
- Class: Conversational Mandarin Chinese, Level 1, taught in English by The Ayangbah Foundation
- Dates: Saturdays, October 17 to December 12, 2026 (no class November 28). 8 weeks, 16 hours total.
- Live online: 9:00-11:00 AM Pacific (12:00-2:00 PM Eastern), from anywhere in the U.S.
- In person: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401
- Tuition: $297
- What you get: speaking-first lessons covering pinyin, the four tones, greetings, numbers, time, shopping and directions, with role-play in every class. The textbook is Developing Chinese: Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 (2nd Edition), which you buy separately.
Required textbook
Speak Mandarin with Dr. Ayangbah uses Developing Chinese: Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 (2nd Edition, with MP3 audio), 发展汉语 初级综合 (I), by Rong Jihua (Beijing Language and Culture University Press). Get the 2nd Edition of Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 and have it by the first class. Buy it on Amazon.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay $297 through the Mandarin class pay link or on our tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Want to ask questions first? Join our free info session and orientation, online every Monday from 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific. Register on the enroll page to get the link.
FAQ
Where are the in-person Mandarin classes held?
At 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401. The in-person section meets Saturdays 11:30 AM-1:30 PM.
Do I need any Mandarin experience?
No. Level 1 is designed for beginners and is taught in English.
How much does the class cost?
Tuition is $297 for 8 weeks, 16 hours total. The textbook, Developing Chinese: Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 (2nd Edition), is bought separately.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076, or email info@ayangbahfoundation.org.