A language training center is offering free Chinese-language courses for expatriates.

The CCVIP school under the Sunmoon Education Group, one of the leading training institutions in the city, said it is offering two-month courses for foreigners eager to learn Chinese, free of charge.

The courses are being taught between 4 to 6 p.m. every Saturday on the ninth floor of the International Science Building opposite Shanghai Hotel in Futian District. Those interested can contact the school directly at 3338 3300.

A CCVIP teacher surnamed Li said the free courses will be available on a long-term basis. The courses presently being offered are for beginners. In the future, advanced courses will also be offered.

According to the center, the courses are being offered as a form of public service. "Song Shanmu, the group's president, said the program is solely for good cause," Li said.

The trainers teaching the courses all possess necessary qualifications, the school said.

Shenzhen is home to tens of thousands of expatriates but the majority of them are not fluent in Chinese. The school believes many expatriates are eager to learn Chinese.

The number of people learning Chinese worldwide is growing. It is believed about 30 million people around the world are learning Chinese as a foreign language.

Editor: Yan