How can I get exposure to Mandarin usage and pronunciation? I have been taking Mandarin classes at university. Due to illness I have missed a lot and fallen way behind. Now I wish to continue learning on my own.


I find it very hard to remember the characters. Because I am a senior, is there any hope, or am I too old to learn and remember the characters? Are there resources that simplify this? These are the texts we were using:


Integrated Chinese Textbook Simplified Character 
中文听说读写 (3rd Edition)
( Level 1, Part 1)
Integrated Chinese Workbook Simplified Character
中文听说读写
(3rd Edition)
(Level 1, Part 1)
Integrated Chinese Character Book 
Simplified and Traditional Characters 中文听说读写 (3rd Edition) (Level 1, Part 1)

I lack the opportunity to interact with Mandarin-speaking individuals. What are good online resources for hearing Mandarin spoken, so that I can become more aware of how to speak and pronounce it correctly?


Thank you.
There is a really good podcast from Taiwan that I like. I think you can try listening to it if you want more "exposure" to the language:

青春愛消遣