China remains an important market for many Belgian companies. But building successful business relationships in China goes beyond contracts and negotiations. They are built on trust, communication and mutual understanding. So how can you build that connection when language barriers stand in the way?
The BCECC and the Confucius Institute in Leuven (CIL) are launching a new series of Online Business Chinese Courses in September 2026, following the success of previous editions since 2020. With three levels available, the courses are suitable for both absolute beginners and those who already have some knowledge of Mandarin.
The weekly online lessons are led by highly experienced instructors with more than 20 years of teaching expertise. Their practical approach helps participants build confidence in Mandarin and put their language skills into practice in real-life business situations.
Why should I join this course?
- Communicate with confidence
Improve your Mandarin and gain the confidence to use it in everyday and professional situations, from introducing yourself and making small talk to discussing work-related topics. - Understand the culture behind the language
Go beyond vocabulary and grammar to discover how language and culture shape the way business is done in China. - Build stronger business relationships
Even a few words in Mandarin can go a long way in building trust and creating a more personal connection with your Chinese partners.
Level A:
Target group: absolute beginners who want to start from scratch or have a basic knowledge
- Learn around 150-200 basic words on 10 topics, such as greeting people, introducing yourself and others, your nationality, numbers, dates and time, size of companies, etc.
- Discover how the systems of pinyin (Chinese phonetic symbols) and Hanzi (Chinese characters) work
- Grasp some basic Chinese grammar rules
On Wednesdays from 12:00–13:30 CET
September 16, 23 & 30 – October 7, 14, 21 & 28 – November 18 & 25 – December 2
Level B:
Target group: people who are familiar with about 100 to 150 basic words and the pinyin system, aiming to expand their business vocabulary and improve their speaking skills
- Learn around 150-200 high-frequency words on topics such as locations, dates and time, greetings and small talk, ongoing activities, shopping, past events, etc.
- Improve your pronunciation
- Grasp more grammar rules
On Thursdays from 12:00–13:30 CET
September 17 & 24 – October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 – November 19 & 26 – December 3
Level C:
Target group: people who are familiar with about 250 to 300 basic words and the pinyin system, aiming to expand their business vocabulary and improve their speaking skills
- Learn around 150-200 high-frequency words on topics such as ongoing activities, shopping, ordering food, work routine and work activities, skills, transportation means, weather, seasons, climates, etc.
- Improve your pronunciation
- Grasp more grammar rules
On Tuesdays from 12:00–13:30 CET
September 15, 22 & 29 – October 6, 13, 20 & 27 – November 17 & 24 – December 1
Location:
Live interactive webinars on Zoom.
Participants will receive Zoom class recordings, handouts, weekly audio files and recommendations for useful apps.
Registration:
BCECC members: €180/person (VAT Excl.)
Non-members: €225/person (VAT Excl.)
If you are interested in participating in the online course, please complete the form below by September 8, 2026: