Meet the Teacher
Before moving to the Netherlands in 2013, I had been teaching international expats and their families Mandarin Chinese in Taipei, Taiwan for six years. I always design my own teaching materials. In doing so, the lessons get more creative and flexible; and students benefit from customized lesson plans.
I have completed a 126-hour training program in TCSL(Teaching Chinese as a Second Language) in World Chinese Language Association in Taiwan. From 2008 to 2010, I worked for Berlitz Education Company and accomplished the Berlitz instructor training. During 2010 to 2013, I worked for Cartus Relocation Company as an off-site language trainer, giving Chinese language, and cross-culture courses.
In my opinion, language learning and cultural understanding are equally important. I like to compare the similarities and differences in between various cultures and languages. Thus, the students could usually learn something new from what they are familiar with.
Last but not the least, the reason for me to learn a new language is to be able to use it in a very practical way. If your goal is to start speaking Chinese comfortably after the first lesson, you have just found your teacher.
Mission & Motivation
a. Who should take a Chinese lesson?
Are you interested in Chinese language and culture? Do you want to go traveling in Taiwan and China? Do you want to work in Beijing, Shanghai, or Taipei and live there for a couple years? Do you want to make friends with Taiwanese and Chinese people? If you have more than two YES to these questions, then you should consider starting a Chinese lesson.
b. What is the expectation in the beginning?
You will be introduced to the art and theory of Chinese language. Also, you will learn some practical survival Chinese and then build a solid foundation. What’s more, a general cultural awareness will be explained to expand your perspective.
c. What will you be exposed to during the lesson?
You will be able to get a lot of opportunities to practice and improve your speaking ability. In the meantime, you will be involved in the local culture and lifestyle. When you get to know more about what the Chinese and Taiwanese think, you definitely learn the language better.
d. What is the final evaluation of the class?
You will have built a good grasp of grammar and basic conversation skills after the first 20 lesson hours. From there, you will be confident of expressing yourself in Mandarin Chinese and be ready for some further study in the future.