Reconnecting in Chiang Mai: That’s Mandarin Team Building Adventure

At That’s Mandarin, we believethat strong teams create exceptional learning experiences.

This is why last week, we met (all arriving from different cities) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for a memorable team-building trip 🇹🇭🐘

The trip gave us a chance to reconnect and spend meaningful time together outside the usual work environment.

我们是一个team!

Wǒmen shì yí gè team!
We are a team!

Cultural Activities

As we moved from one activity to the next, we couldn’t help thinking: it’s just like That’s Mandarin Chinese Camp – but in Thailand!

Instead of exploring China, we were learning about Thai culture, exploring local traditions and sharing conversations along the way.

Together, the team:

– cooked Thai food;
– visited a local elephant sanctuary;
– experienced traditional Thai massage;
– explored local markets & temples;
– connected and shared stories 💛

It was a reminder that the best learning happens outside the classroom – through cultural experiences and connections.

🌱 Cooking Together

One of the highlights of the trip was a Thai cooking class.

We learned how to prepare Thailand’s most beloved dishes – using fresh local ingredients.

Cooking Thai food was a new experience for all of us.

It brought so much joy and laughter to see each other in new roles 👩‍🌾🧑‍🍳

And of course, everyone enjoyed sharing the results!

🚌 On the way to the farm, as Chinese language teachers at heart, we taught our Thai guide Fah some essential Chinese vocabulary – from 吃 (chī) and 喝 (hē) to the names of the most popular ingredients.

Proud to say, Fah learned very fast with Chinese Link Words method ✨

🐘 Visiting an Elephant Sanctuary

We also visited a local elephant sanctuary, where we learned about elephant conservation and responsible animal care.

Seeing these magnificent animals up close, preparing natural medicine, feeding (and even bathing! 🧽🫧) them was both inspiring and educational.

The experience reminded us of the importance of respecting nature and supporting sustainable tourism.

💦 Conquering the Sticky Waterfall Together

Another unforgettable highlight of the trip was our visit to Chiang Mai’s famous Sticky Waterfall.

It was such a Chinese Camp-style adventure!

Unlike most waterfalls, the limestone rocks provide enough grip to climb directly up the flowing water.

We couldn’t resist the challenge, and climbed it… twice!

Building Connections and Sharing Ideas

Beyond the activities, the trip provided valuable opportunities for conversation.

We had a chance to exchange ideas, reflect on recent achievements, and discuss plans for the future of That’s Mandarin.

谢谢 Xièxie to everyone who made this trip such a success 💛

Looking Ahead

As the trip came to an end, we returned home with renewed energy, stronger connections, and exciting ideas for the future.

We are proud of the team we have built,
and excited for what lies ahead – for you, our students, and for Chinese language learning 💛

Here’s to continued growth, collaboration – and helping students around the world achieve their Chinese language goals!

See you at the next adventure 💛