Peace Corps Chinese-Mandarin Language Course

The Peace Corps Chinese-Mandarin Language Course is a free language learning resource developed by the United States Peace Corps. Originally created for volunteers preparing for service in Chinese-Mandarin-speaking regions, this course provides a practical introduction to the Chinese-Mandarin language through structured lessons, dialogues, and exercises grounded in real-world communication.

Chinese-Mandarin is spoken in communities across Asia, and this course is designed to help English speakers build the foundational skills needed for everyday conversation. Whether you are preparing for travel, volunteer work, or professional engagement, the course covers essential vocabulary, grammar patterns, and cultural context to help you communicate effectively.

The materials follow a communicative approach, emphasizing practical phrases and situational dialogues rather than abstract grammar rules. Lessons are structured for self-paced study and can be used independently or alongside a language partner or tutor.

What’s Included

This course includes 15 audio files. The audio recordings are essential for developing proper pronunciation and listening comprehension — use them alongside the written materials for the best results.

How to Use This Course

Begin with the earliest lessons to establish a foundation in pronunciation and basic greetings. Work through the dialogues by first reading through the English translations, then practicing the Chinese-Mandarin phrases aloud. If audio recordings are available, listen to each segment multiple times before attempting to repeat it. As you progress, try covering the English column and producing the Chinese-Mandarin from memory.

The audio files are designed to be used actively — pause after each phrase, repeat it aloud, and check your pronunciation against the recording. Regular practice with the audio will build both your speaking confidence and your ability to understand native speakers.

Course Materials

PDFs

• CN Mandarin Language Lessons (225 KB)
• ED131692 (6.7 MB)

Audio Files

#	Audio
01	CN Mandarin Lesson 1 (1.5 MB)
02	CN Mandarin Lesson 2 (6.0 MB)
03	CN Mandarin Lesson 3 (1.9 MB)
04	CN Mandarin Lesson 4 (873 KB)
05	CN Mandarin Lesson 5 (1.3 MB)
06	CN Mandarin Lesson 6 (1.8 MB)
07	CN Mandarin Lesson 7 (1.2 MB)
08	CN Mandarin Lesson 8 (1.5 MB)
09	CN Mandarin Lesson 9 (575 KB)
10	CN Mandarin Lesson 10 (756 KB)
11	CN Mandarin Lesson 11 (543 KB)
12	CN Mandarin Lesson 12 (496 KB)
13	CN Mandarin Lesson 13 (1.1 MB)
14	CN Mandarin Lesson 14 (419 KB)
15	CN Mandarin Lesson 15 (587 KB)