A day in the life of a Chinese teacher for That’s Mandarin Chinese Language School in Shanghai usually involves one part supreme organization, one part strict preparation, and not to mention a big dose of understanding and empathy. Lucky for That’s Mandarin, our teachers have even more to offer than just a professional classroom environment and expert teaching method to students who want to learn Chinese in China. In setting out to get to know our Shanghai teachers a bit better, it was found that our school has two accomplished musicians, a master ping pong player, a globe trotter, and a writer. Our staff of experienced Chinese teachers in Shanghai found time in their busy schedules to answer a few questions about their lives, likes, and That’s Mandarin.
zhū xiǎo míng, is a fresh-faced young lady and seasoned language instructor originally from Húběi Province. She’s wild about traveling and one of her favorite destinations at the moment is Thailand. “I will never forget the people of Thailand. I taught in Thailand for over a year and the students were so incredibly wonderful to me. The Thai people are just lovely,” says zhū. Prior to her journeys abroad, she studied bio-engineering at Hainan University, which she says always interested her. She’s also an avid reader of novels—transcending from an obsession with Sci-fi reads in high school to now preferring a good romance over anything else. She loves the comradery of all her teachers and students together at That’s Mandarin and enjoys the big city convenience of Shanghai.
TM.com: Cat person or Dog person?
zhū xiǎo míng: Dogs! Definitely!!
TM.com: Zodiac Signs?
zhū xiǎo míng: Born in the year of the Tiger and I’m a Leo! Grrrrrr!!! Actually, because I can sometimes be a bit quiet, I don’t really appear to be like either one of my signs. But to tell you the truth—I am! I’m a go-getter and I love a good challenge!
zhāng dān dān hails from Hā’ěrbīn Normal University where she studied bio-technology. “Yes, if you ever need any emergency medical assistance—I’m trained to help!” says zhāng. Besides having basic nursing skills under her belt, she’s been teaching for years and loves it. Zhang enjoys playing her traditional Chinese 26-string instrument called “gǔzhēng” in her spare time along with the occasional rousing ping pong match. She’s also quite the snow bunny on the ski slopes, being originally from the northern city of Harbin. “I love skiing—and I’m quite good!” When asked what she likes most about Shanghai, she says, “The scenery here is great. The big city, the bright lights. Oh, I also love to eat the xiǎolóngbao here!” Random Fun Fact: She loves to sing, but is not really that good at it… She loves teaching Chinese and loves her students!
TM.com: Cat person or Dog person?
zhāng dān dān: Hmmmm…both.
TM.com: Zodiac signs?
zhāng dān dān: I’m a pretty typical cancer and born in the year of the Dragon
yǐn sōng sōng comes from Jiangsu Province and is super excited about not only teaching Chinese, but spreading the spirit of his beloved culture. With a degree in International Economics and Trade, his background underlines a healthy curiosity for international culture and business. “I’m interested a lot of things actually. I’m really into playing my guitar and basketball,” says yǐn. Here’s an interesting fun fact about him: on the side, he plays in a rock band called “The Weekend”. The band plays a mix of original songs and tunes from classic punk and hard rock artists like Green Day. yǐn loves living in Shanghai because of its fast-paced feel. “It’s a city full of challenges as well as surprises—I love it.”
TM.com: Cat or Dog person?
yǐn sōng song: I’m more of a dog person.
TM.com: Zodiac signs?
yǐn sōng song: Snake and Saggitarius
Born and raised in Shanghai, chén yíng hán has an intense passion for teaching. She studied Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language at Shanghai International Studies University where she honed and perfected her teaching skills. Other than her work, she is equally passionate pretty much everything else in her life. “I love finding new trends, getting into technology and gadgets like the iPhone.” She loves anything to do with Twilight (films and books) and admits to be an Edward and a Jacob fan and can’t pick a favorite. Other interests include, Japanese television dramas, shopping on Taobao.com, and ping pong. “Hah, I’m actually really really awesome at Ping Pong!” She loves That’s Mandarin for its super comfortable facilities, modern design, unique teaching methods, laid back atmosphere, and great relationships between students and teachers. Her favorite thing about Shanghai is what she calls the mixture of Eastern and Western cultures. Recommended sites in Shanghai? She suggests hitting up Xintandi and Tan Zi Fang for some of that dynamic cultural combo.
TM.com: Cat or Dog person?
chén yíng hán: Dogs!!!! I have the cutest little Toy Poodle called Niu Niu
(sidenote: TM.com got a quick look at a photo of Niu Niu and confirms the cuteness)
TM.com: Zodiac signs?
chén yíng hán: I’m a typical Libra. It’s sometimes difficult for me to make decisions because I’m constantly weighing things in my mind. However, I’m always honest and fair. Everyone always comes to me for advice. I was born in the year of the Dragon!
Last but not least, chén yán, another native Shanghainese gal, loves to keep it fresh and fun in her classroom. After earning her degree in Business English at Shanghai Finance College, she started on her exciting path in teaching. “I have a good sense of humor and always like to incorporate that in my classes. I really enjoy the art of communication and helping foreigners get accustomed to the surroundings here in Shanghai,” says chén yán. She loves That’s Mandarin for its never dull teaching methods and fun, casual environment. Her other hobbies include writing short stories, singing pop songs, and reading. She also says that she could practically live off of dumplings she loves them so much. Lucky she grew up in Shanghai!
TM.com: Cat or Dog person?
chén yán: Both!
TM.com: Random Fun Fact?
chén yán: I love fashion. Just walking the streets of this charming city, you can see all sorts of new and interesting fashions.
TM.com: Zodiac sign?
chén yán: Rabbit and Scorpio
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