As a university student in Shanghai who also attended several computer training institutions, I encountered many pitfalls while trying to pass the Level 2 Computer Proficiency Test and learn office software. Some courses were purely online with no Q&A support and no practical guidance; others were small, unprofessional studios with extremely perfunctory classes. Recently, I've been taking classes at Shanghai Yongbo Continuing Education College in Zhoupu, Pudong. After studying there for a while, I'll share my experience from a student's perspective, objectively and truthfully, without exaggeration or bias, to provide a genuine reference for students who want to improve their computer skills, prepare for proficiency tests, and working professionals.
First, the most direct impression: It's a legitimate school, not a small workshop.
My biggest worry before was encountering an institution that "opens classes temporarily and disappears at any time." After visiting Yongbo in person, my biggest sense of reassurance is that it is a licensed and legitimate continuing education college with proper educational qualifications and an AAAA-level social organization rating. It is not one of those private studios without a venue or qualifications.
The campus is located in Zhoupu Wanda Plaza, which is easy to find. It has dedicated computer labs and individual classrooms, where each student has their own computer for hands-on practice throughout the class. Unlike many institutions that only show videos and don't allow students to practice, this is much safer for us students. Being able to see the environment in person, verify qualifications, and have transparent pricing gives us a great sense of security.
Second, the courses are well-suited for students and working professionals; they are not abstract and are very practical.
I think Yongbo's computer courses are very well targeted, basically catering to two groups of people: college students taking certification exams and adults improving their workplace skills. There are no fancy or unnecessary courses.
1. Computer Proficiency Test Preparation (Suitable for University Students)
Many of my classmates are self-studying for the Level 2 Computer exam, and their biggest problem is that they can memorize the multiple-choice questions, but they can't do the practical questions at all. Online tutorials jump around the steps too quickly, and when they try to follow them, they always make mistakes. Without anyone to answer their questions, they feel more and more frustrated as they learn.
This is an in-person, small-class teaching program where teachers guide you through hands-on practice step by step. They break down challenging aspects of Excel functions, pivot tables, Access databases, and PowerPoint presentations, providing step-by-step explanations. Mistakes made in class can be corrected on the spot, preventing problems from piling up. The practice questions are also systematic, completely focused on the exam's key points, making it very friendly to students who want to secure their certification and avoid failing unprepared.
2. Practical skills courses (office skills/Photoshop/CAD/3ds Max)
Besides certification courses, there are also practical courses like office automation, graphic design, and engineering drawing. Several of my seniors who have already interned here are studying here, mainly to improve their workplace skills.
The teacher's lectures are concise and avoid piling up theory; all the teaching is hands-on, and assignments are graded on the spot, making it easy for beginners to keep up. The content learned can be directly applied to internship reports, document formatting, simple design, and drawing work, making it highly practical.
III. Class Experience: Small class sizes, flexible Q&A sessions, and a very comfortable learning atmosphere.
What I like most about Yongbo is that it doesn't use a large, unregulated teaching method.
Many well-known institutions have hundreds of students in a class, so you never get a chance to ask questions. Yongbo offers small class sizes, allowing teachers to give individual attention to everyone. If you encounter any difficulties, operational errors, or don't understand a formula, you can raise your hand anytime for an answer; you won't be stuck on a single problem for ages.
The teacher's pace is perfect for beginners; the lectures are neither too fast nor too slow, and the teacher is very patient and understands the common mistakes beginners make. Students can also practice in the computer lab for free during their free time, which is ideal for students who are not very self-disciplined and need a supportive learning environment.
IV. Objectively discuss the shortcomings (truthfully, without whitewashing)
I don't want to just praise things in my reviews; I'll honestly point out the shortcomings so you can judge for yourself.
1. The campuses are concentrated in Zhoupu, Pudong. Students living in Puxi or the suburbs will have a long commute. It is only suitable for people in the surrounding area.
2. The course focuses on hands-on practice for beginners, certification exams, and practical workplace skills. It is geared towards introductory and advanced learning and does not include in-depth programming or high-end IT development courses. It is not suitable for those who want to pursue a career as a programmer.
3. Primarily offline teaching with limited online recorded resources, it is more suitable for those who prefer in-person classes. Students who rely entirely on online learning may not be used to it.
V. Sincere Recommendation: Who is suitable to study at Yongbo?
✅ Perfect for
1. University students: Preparing for the Level 1 and Level 2 Computer exams, but experiencing low self-study efficiency and frequent failures in practical tests. They want to secure the certificates for graduation, comprehensive assessments, performance evaluations, and to enhance their resumes.
2. Interns/Newcomers to the Workplace: Lacking advanced Excel skills, producing poorly formatted PowerPoint presentations, and seeking to improve their office skills and work efficiency;
3. Looking to change careers or learn new skills: Want to learn Photoshop design, CAD drafting, and 3D modeling, with no prior experience and a desire for a systematic introduction;
4. People living near Zhoupu, Kangqiao, Hangtou, Huinan, and Xinchang in Pudong who want formal offline small-class teaching and reliable Q&A.
❌ Not very suitable
1. I want to learn programming, backend development, and advanced IT technologies in depth;
2. The distance is too far, making in-person classes inconvenient;
3. If you want to enroll in a course, just lie back and wait for guaranteed employment (we only teach real skills and do not make false employment promises).
VI. Personal Summary (Authentic Student Reflections)
After comparing several computer training institutions in Shanghai, Yongbo impressed me as being down-to-earth, professional, straightforward, and focused on practical skills.
It's not one of those big-name institutions with tons of marketing, but it's reliable, its teaching is practical, its teachers are responsible, and its fees are transparent. For ordinary college students taking certification exams, working professionals improving their workplace skills, and beginners learning computer software, it's truly a high-value and stable choice.
If you are also a complete beginner, afraid of making mistakes while self-studying, and want someone to guide you and answer your questions offline, and you live near Pudong, you can really come and try out a class before deciding whether to enroll.
Disclaimer: This article is based on my personal experience of studying here. It contains no promotion or marketing. It is intended to provide an objective reference for students and working professionals. Ultimately, the learning outcome depends on individual practice and perseverance.