What is your favorite travel memory?
I had the unforgettable experience of hiking through the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia. It was a two-day, two-night trek, and from the start, it was clear that this would be no easy feat. The terrain was rugged and the climb steep. My body quickly began to ache from the continuous uphill walk, and the exhaustion set in early. But as we ventured deeper into the mountains, the landscapes around me began to take my breath away.
The Simien Mountains are truly a world of their own. Jagged peaks soared into the sky, while lush valleys dipped below. The colors of the landscape shifted with the changing light, from soft golds at sunrise to deep, rich purples as the sun set. It was like walking through a living painting, each step unveiling a new, surreal view. Along the way, I could hear the distant calls of animals hidden in the wilderness, a reminder that we were in their territory, and the danger of an animal encounter was always present.
But despite the challenges—the fatigue, the threat of wildlife, and the relentless climb—I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Every time I thought I couldn’t go on, the next turn in the path revealed an even more spectacular view. It reminded me that, sometimes, the hardest journeys are the most rewarding. The difficulty of the trek became a distant memory, replaced by a deep appreciation for the beauty I had witnessed.
As I reflected on the experience, I couldn’t help but think about my work—teaching Chinese. Learning a new language can feel like an uphill battle, much like that hike. At times, the progress is slow, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges. But when my students reach a level of fluency, when they can understand and express themselves in Chinese, the effort becomes worth it. The journey may have been tough, but the results are worth every step.
Teaching Chinese is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about helping students navigate the rough terrain of language learning, knowing that in the end, they’ll emerge stronger and more capable, just like I did at the peak of the Simien Mountains.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Since joining GoEast, I’ve experienced significant personal and professional growth. Before I came here, I worked as a university teacher. While I appreciated the work, teaching the same textbooks year after year gradually led to a sense of monotony. I started to lose my passion for teaching because of the repetitive nature of the curriculum. It was a challenge to stay motivated when each class felt similar to the last.
However, at GoEast, everything changed. The diversity of students I interact with is one of the most exciting aspects of my role. I teach individuals ranging from 3 to 80 years old, each with their own unique needs, goals, and learning styles. This has allowed me to customize learning plans and teaching methods to meet the specific requirements of each student, which brings a sense of fulfillment that I didn’t experience before. The variety in both age and learning needs keeps every day interesting and motivates me to continuously adapt and grow as an educator.
Working at GoEast has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve now been here for 13 years, and despite the time, I still find joy in my work. The ability to help people learn and improve their skills, whether they’re young children or retirees, gives me a deep sense of accomplishment. It’s not just about teaching a language; it’s about making a real impact on people’s lives, and that’s something that keeps me coming back every day.
I’ve grown as both an educator and a person by embracing new challenges and adjusting to a wide range of students and needs. GoEast has given me the opportunity to rediscover my passion for teaching, and the continual variety and impact of the work ensure that I am always inspired to continue my journey here.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
One of the best stories I’ve heard is about a student who began learning Chinese from scratch in 2017. By 2022, he had reached an advanced level, and his progress was nothing short of remarkable. He was so excited to share that a well-known Chinese publishing house had asked him to translate a famous book, Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), into his native language.
He told us that after translating one chapter, he received a response from the chief editor. The editor said, “From your translation, I can see that you understand Chinese history even better than I do.” That moment was truly the pinnacle of his six-year journey with the Chinese language. To think that he had gone from absolute beginner to being recognized for his deep understanding of Chinese history and language was incredibly inspiring.
What struck me most about this story was not just the achievement itself, but the dedication and persistence it represented. The student had worked tirelessly, overcoming the many challenges of learning a language as complex as Chinese. To see how his efforts led to such a profound recognition was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of language learning.
This moment encapsulates the essence of why I love teaching Chinese: seeing students overcome obstacles, gain confidence, and achieve things they never thought possible. For this student, reaching such a high level of fluency and being recognized by professionals in the field was undoubtedly one of the most rewarding moments of his language-learning journey. It serves as a reminder that with time, effort, and the right guidance, remarkable things are possible.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
If I could choose any program offered by my company, I would definitely recommend the X2 student visa program for immersive learning in Shanghai for 3-6 months. This program offers the most effective way to truly understand Chinese culture—not just by studying in a classroom, but by living and breathing it every day.
By participating, you’ll not only take intensive Chinese courses to rapidly improve your language skills, but you’ll also have the opportunity to live in a local neighborhood, seeing firsthand how people live, their daily routines, and the cultural nuances that can’t be captured in a textbook. You can engage with neighbors, get to know the local way of life, and gain a deeper connection to China’s rich culture.
Additionally, Shanghai is a dynamic, international city where you’ll meet people from all over the world, enriching your experience and broadening your global network. The combination of language learning, cultural immersion, and international exposure makes this program a unique opportunity for anyone serious about mastering Chinese and understanding the culture. If you're looking to truly experience China, this is the best program for you!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
What makes our company unique is our mission to connect the world with China through language. We’re not just another language school or travel agency; we are a team of highly qualified Chinese language educators, many of whom come from top universities. Our goal is to provide learners with the most effective ways to study Chinese and offer them the most authentic language application scenarios.
I am especially proud of my team because, for over a decade, we have remained committed to this mission. We’ve stayed true to our purpose, consistently working towards the same goal of helping students connect with Chinese language and culture. Our dedication shines through in the positive feedback we receive from our learners. Each time a student shares their progress or expresses appreciation for the learning experience we’ve provided, it feels like a validation of our hard work and dedication. These moments, when we see the real impact of our efforts, are the times I’m most proud of our team.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is a strong and clear set of values that guide everything the company does. A company’s values influence not only the way it interacts with its clients but also how it treats its employees and contributes to society at large. When these values are firmly established, they provide a solid foundation for every decision made.
For customers, a company’s values should define the value it provides—whether through high-quality products or services that meet genuine needs. At our company, we focus on delivering meaningful learning experiences that genuinely help our clients achieve their goals. By staying true to our core values, we ensure that every interaction with our customers reflects our commitment to excellence and authenticity.
For employees, company values create a work environment that fosters collaboration, growth, and mutual respect. When employees believe in the company’s mission and values, they’re motivated to work together toward shared goals. This results in higher job satisfaction, improved performance, and a positive workplace culture.
For society, a successful company understands its broader responsibility and seeks to make a positive contribution. By aligning business practices with values that emphasize social responsibility, a company can play a part in creating a better world, beyond profit-making.
Ultimately, a company’s values serve as the compass that ensures it stays on the right path, creates lasting value for its clients, supports its employees, and makes meaningful contributions to society.
