Language School or Solo Study?

On Mondays I get depressed in class (our longest day - just under 6 hours straight). It's on Monday afternoons that I think about why I'm in class, that I'd much rather not be in class, and that it would be really rude for me to walk out of class, and wonder how I can politely encourage the teacher to teach better, or hope I can cope with the variability within my class itself.

My original plan was to do solo study - live in China, watch TV, listen to radio, get a tutor, get some language exchange buddies. I was offered the chance to study at Fudan though, with the advantage of structure and reputable study. Also, the tuition isn't expensive - 9000 RMB for 4 months (advertised as 6 months), which works out at about 100 RMB a day - equivalent to 1 hour's good private tuition, or 3 hour's basic private tuition.

Being in class has two major disadvantages. One, the other people in the class, generally slowing things down. Two, making friends who don't speak mandarin, and spending time with them because it's only natural to.

Being in class, naturally one learns some Mandarin. Being taught the Fudan way requires us to learn reading and writing as well as speaking. Whereas privately tutored, I might have different priorities. The result is that I am currently not practising my speaking, just my reading and writing. The sad part about this is that whilst my speaking isn't good, it probably won't improve through the classes for a good few weeks - which means that external observers (e.g. employers) don't actually see an improvement in my spoken mandarin.

Going solo mind you, takes a certain kind of person. It's not easy to learn on your own - motivation, drive, loneliness. Arranging accomodation, getting around, finding people to do sports etc. with, could all be difficult.

I think school will suit most people not in a hurry. It's social, and structured. It particularly suits holidayers and recent graduates. Or people taking a rest from work. If however you're impatient and demanding, and are part way through an ambitious plan, then actually I think it's pretty frustrating.