What position do you hold at Mandarin Zone? What has been your career path so far?
I am the manager of the Mandarin Zone School; In 2000, I worked in a Chinese company in Beijing, and several foreigners also worked in the company. Sometimes they asked me to help them with their Chinese studies. I realized how difficult it is to live and work in China if you cannot speak Chinese. Later, I worked in Shanghai as a sales assistant in a foreign company, which provided more opportunities to help my colleagues study Chinese. At the same time, I received an official Certificate for Teaching Chinese to Foreigners (Advanced) after passing the examination. After worked in foreign company for some years in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, I still enjoyed teaching Chinese and thought about starting a Chinese School.
I understand the differences between western and eastern cultures, and I really want to help foreigners to build a bridge. The Mandarin Zone School was founded in 2008, and provides high-quality Chinese language training and other culture-related services to nonnative speakers. We have helped many students in Beijing and outside of China to learn the language and better understand Chinese culture. As a manger, I like teaching and getting to know more about my new foreign friends. We will be your friends 24/7 in Beijing. Our program will be an unforgettable experience in your life.
Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?
I didn’t study abroad but I travel a lot. Now, through Mandarin Zone, I get to know more friends. Some students continue to keep in touch after returning to their home countries. I really wish to visit them in their own countries: England, Germany, France, Italy, USA, Australia, and Japan.
What does the future hold for Mandarin Zone? Any exciting new programs to share?
Mandarin Zone will be a leading organization due to its high-quality teachers and the multitude of Chinesecultural activities for non-native-speakers in China. In the future, we will develop more programs to cooperate with organizations both in and out of China, such as universities, training schools, and companies. Because living abroad can be expensive for students, our new Homestay program will help students save money, experience a Chinese lifestyle, and learn Chinese at the Mandarin Zone School. Our Summer Camp Program and Intensive study will let more and more students enjoy studying Chinese and Chinese cultural immersion.
How do you think study abroad and international education will change over the next 10 years?
With the increasing development of China's economy, Mandarin Chinese is becoming a first choice as a second language around the world. More and more people are beginning to learn Chinese and want to explore China. This industry will help a lot of interested students to come to China.The world is becoming a Global village; studying abroad and international education will become increasingly popular over the next 10 years. Speaking Mandarin fluently means more working opportunities, no matter where you are.
Which study abroad destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
To be honest, I really don’t know which destination is the most under- or overrated, In my opinion, every country is different and has something unique to offer students. It also depends on each student's individual goals and interests.
