I have accepted a contract which will have me in Suzhou for 3 months this fall and hopefully again in the future. I'm excited and nervous and will have many questions for the forum!

Although I could probably get by without it, part of my goal for this job is to learn as much as I can about Chinese culture(s), including the language. My employer does have some language training once I arrive, but I would like to get a headstart.

I don't really want to do face-to-face classes for various reasons (including travel!) but would like to learn online. I have looked at the link in the FAQ, but it is a list of resources without any reviews. I have tried searches and found great stuff about immersion and finding the right girlfriend, but Mrs. PITUK isn't so keen on that! I would like to have a level of Mandarin that will let me get by enough to learn as I go when I am there.

I have used Chineseclass101's related sites for other languages, but they don't seem to offer individual lessons yet. Once I get to a certain level podcasts and the like might be fine, but to start I think that for pinyin and tones and the basics a good teacher would be valuable.

I am budget constrained but would be interested to hear from people who have had good luck with online services. SpeakMandarin.com seems like an interesting option and the pricing for the 30 lessons in 30 days doesn't seem to bad. Does anyone have any experience with them or with something similar?

Thanks

Dr. PITUK